A scent on the subtle breeze catches our attention, but we don't move.In near silence he stalks.He's getting better.We will let him get closer before making a move.
It's difficult to keep the anticipation under control.Our predator, who doesn't realize he is actually prey, will sense a change in our heartbeat if we allow the thrill to take over.Closer and closer he comes, closing the distance between us.
My wolf rises slowly and stretches, not a care in the world to any outside observers.Nothing to see here.
Padding on silent feet, we lead our mate in circles, making him work to find us.He comes close a couple of times, but the predator becomes prey as we sneak up behind him and pounce.Wolf and vampire roll across the forest floor, no longer attempting silence.I shift to human form when we come to a stop with me on top.
"Got you!"I say, my still-elongated canines grazing Andrew's neck.
"Maybe I let you," he replies.
Seconds later, I find myself pinned underneath him.
"I'm hungry, Wyatt.Feed me."
Andrew's fingers shift to claws, and he runs one down my bare chest, drawing blood.Before the wound can close on its own, Andrew's tongue captures the liquid, wasting none of it.
"I'm sorry I've been so wrapped up in my work that I've been ignoring you," he says, slicing another line, then lapping up the pearls of red nectar."I'll try to do better with balance."
"More," I beg, not even ashamed to do it.
"My poor baby.So neglected."
He knows what I need, and I love that he doesn't judge.
Claws bite into my arms, my belly, and my thighs.My mate drinks me in, never letting the pain ebb, only intensify.The moment his mind touches mine, ecstasy explodes through me.I float in a sea of bliss for a small eternity.
"You suffer so beautifully for me," Andrew says, a smear of blood still on his chin.
"I love you."The confession slips out in this unguarded moment.Even with the mate bond, it feels like it should be too soon to say it, but that doesn't make it any less true.Fate knew what it was doing when it gave me Andrew.
A rogue scent registers vaguely in the periphery, but I'm too blissed out to care.The only thing that matters right now is nurturing the growing connection between Andrew and me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Andrew
Threedayslater,Iam still riding the high of my mate confessing his love for me.My inner rejected boy is reveling in the joy of his acceptance.
The day is passing quickly as I input more data and update some entries where I have discovered more information.Since I am unable to be out and about during sunlight hours and everyone else in the house can be, these are often my most productive times with minimal interruptions.
In the back of my mind, more excitement sits.Wyatt mentioned things are ahead of schedule with the cabin.I've been tempted to go take a peek, but have resisted.I know my mate wants it to be a surprise.I've really made an effort not to let myself dig into those memories when drinking.I already ruined the overall surprise by finding out he was fixing up the cabin in the first place.I want to let him have the satisfaction of surprising me with the rest.The appliances are being delivered today, so the wait should be over this evening.Just a few more hours.
My afternoon meal time comes and goes with no sign of Wyatt.He's likely been held up dealing with the work crews.Not wanting to risk an incident, I make my way down to get some of the reserve blood, and run into Jasmine in the kitchen.
"Have you seen Wyatt?"
"Not in the last couple of hours," she replies.
I would have preferred a fresh lunch, but the bagged blood will have to do.
"Would you like me to warm that for you?"Jaz nods toward the mug I'm holding.
"No.I've got it.But thank you for offering."
Once my lunch is a sufficient temperature, I bring the mug up to drink.I never get a drop.Pain sears through my body, mug falling to floor, shattering.Distantly, I register the crimson splatter, but all I can focus on is the mate bond.
"Wyatt's in trouble."I clutch my chest, then rub, as if it will fix the ache.
