“Hmm, possibly,” Xavier teased, not stating what he could’ve done. “Now that I’ve killed the mood let’s get this bonding back on track if you’re still interested.” He ended the sentence with a quirked eyebrow.
“I’m not like your awful family or those other mages. You’re mine, and I plan to keep you for a long, long time.”
A beautiful smile brightened Xavier’s stern features. “Good.”
Before Kat could say anything more, Xavier kissed him, and Kat forgot everything dancing about in his busy mind. Usually, he would have to exhaust himself to quiet his thoughts, but Xavier’s lips were doing a fantastic job.
His mate made short work of their clothes with his dexterous fingers. Xavier’s calluses caught Kat’s attention again. “What caused these?” he asked, tracing the rough skin.
“Weapon practice.”
“Why would you have weapon practice?”
“Because people like to kill Blood Mages. There are entire orders set to eradicate us. Melcori had me in training since I was little to protect myself in any way possible.”
“But you don’t carry a weapon, do you?” Kat hadn’t seen anything when Xavier stripped down, and he had looked thoroughly.
“I keep my weapons in a blood-locked interdimensional pouch.”
“How do you get them in an emergency?”
“A drop of blood on a rune brings them out.” Xavier’s kiss distracted him for several minutes. “Now, can we move on to more important things?”
“Absolutely. The lube is in the side drawer.” He pointed to the nightstand to his left.
“I’m glad you have your priorities right.”
Kat laughed.
Xavier ignored the lube’s location as he ran his fingers slowly down Kat’s body, examining every dip and curve as if he would be tested later with a blindfold, and he planned to ace the exam.
“Get on with it,” Kat hissed. Each reverent touch set his skin tingling. He didn’t want gentle. He wanted to be wrecked.
“I will.” A kiss on his ribs, a nibble on his hip bone. “In time.”
Kat’s back bowed at an angle he could only reach due to his shifter heritage, and the groan-hiss pulled from his soul conveyed his deep need. “Touch me,” he growled.
“I am.” Xavier’s calm voice did nothing to dampen Kat’s hormones. He grabbed at Xavier, only for him to snatch both of his wrists and pin them over his head in one hand.
Kat moaned. “So sexy.”
“Keep your hands there, kitty cat, and I’ll reward you.”
He melted against the pillows. Xavier must be made of fire because each time his warm mouth brushed across Kat’s body, it was as if flames were licking across his skin.
It took all his resolve to keep his hands where requested when Xavier grabbed his thighs and spread them farther apart. Kat almost came from that possessive touch alone.
“Just a little longer,” Xavier crooned.
Kat would do anything for that silky, enticing tone.
He purred.
Xavier’s head snapped up. “I didn’t know mountain lions purred.”
Kat blushed. “We can’t roar. They are mutually exclusive.”
“Huh.” Xavier appeared speechless.
