“Even if he’s stronger?”
“Especially if he’s stronger.”
Tobias furrows his brow.
“He underestimates you, just like you underestimate yourself.”
“Me?”
I brush some hair from his forehead. “You survived him once, Toby. Don’t ever forget that.”
His lips twitch into something like disbelief. “You really believe that?”
“With every cell in my body.” I tilt my head until our foreheads touch. “Besides, this time, you’re not alone. I’m standing right beside you. The entire pack is. If Rip…whenRip comes, we’ll be ready.”
He tilts his head, brushing his lips over mine.
I lean in, needing that kiss more than my next breath. “I love you.”
Tobias freezes, then pulls away. Tears fill his eyes. “I needed to hear that.” He exhales hard, hastily wiping his eyes before climbing into my lap, straddling me. He kisses me deeply. “I love you too. So much.”
I lie back so Tobias is on top of me. We crash together, lips and hands everywhere. My wolf howls with desperation.Mine!
Sage’s suggestion comes back to me.Have you ever asked him?
Could it really be that simple?
“Toby?”
He pulls away.
My heart pounds wildly, afraid he’s going to say no. “Do you really want this? Us, I mean? Do you want to be my mate?”
He seems confused. “Yeah.”
“Then can I claim you? Please?” I can’t keep the desperation from my voice. I close my eyes and try to explain. “It’s driving me crazy trying to wait. My wolf needs to make you mine, especially if—”
Tobias silences me with a kiss. “Of course you can. You’re theonlyone I’ll ever give permission to mark me, Rowen.”
Relief rushes through me. I pull his shirt off, and he smiles faintly, tilting his head just a little as an offering. The sight knocks the breath from my lungs. My mate. This man is mine, truly mine!
I press my lips to his collarbone, teeth piercing his skin before I even realize they’ve changed. I bite hard, tasting blood. Tobias winces, but doesn’t pull away.
The tension that has been slowly tightening within me snaps loose, and suddenly I can breathe. I curl my arms around him and whisper against his ear, “Thank you.”
For the first time in weeks, my chest feels light, and my wolf quiets. Everything else fades. The scent of his skin, the sound of his breath mixingwith mine—then Tobias jerks back, a hiss ripping from his throat as he claps a hand to the back of his neck.
He turns away, wincing in pain as he slides off me.
“Toby?”
His eyes close, lips pressed together in a thin line. “Ah, fuck!”
Tobias writhes, as if something is piercing him. He arches his back and screams. The mark on his shoulder glows red.
I shout toward the hall, “Help! Someone!”
Reaching for him, I try to help, but what can I do? What is even happening? “Tobias?”
