“Please.”
“Will I get to see you?”
“You’ll see my arm.”His hesitation was clear, and she understood the vulnerability.
“I won’t laugh or poke fun at you or make you feel you’re lacking in some way.It takes guts to start again, to take that first step.I know because I’ve been there.I still feel the sting of my father’s rejection.It’s not something that fades easily.”
The howl came again, farther away this time, and some of Gweneth’s trepidation faded.Maybe they’d get to the next stage without an interruption.Another thought occurred.“Is your arm, your stump all right?You didn’t remove it carefully like you do when you shift.”
“It’s strange,” he said.“I woke up inside that plant and ripped myself free.The stump hurt initially, but a ghostly surface appeared when I needed to help you and worked with my thoughts.The cold from it seemed to help heal the injury on my stump.I mean, it’s tender but bearable.”
“Our mystery friends,” Gweneth said.“If it is Sheera and Leeam, do you think us having sex will help them?”
“We’re not doing this for them.If you’re trying to help them and using me, we’re stopping right now.”
“No.Ellard.”She fumbled for his shoulder in the blacklight and squeezed with considerable force.“I have been open about my interest in you since we met.Consider this, Ellard.Think hard.Would I do that to you?”
A tight pressure formed in her chest and spread up her throat.He couldn’t think she’d treat him that way.Not after she’d shared her past with him.She didn’t discuss her time on Ornum with anyone.
The tension in his shoulder released, and she loosened her grip.
“No, I’m sorry.My past…the things that have happened play on my mind.I worry about making more mistakes, ones that might hurt my friends and family.”
“At least you’re talking.That’s a start.If I ever do anything to make you uncomfortable, you have to discuss it with me.”
“Maybe.”
She opened her mouth to castigate him, then changed her mind.Luck had helped her find a family and a support group.She’d had longer to regroup than Ellard.He was still finding his way, and she needed to make allowances.She pushed off him and stood to shimmy out of her trews and the matching lace panties.
“Gwen,” he whispered.
“What?”She quite liked how he shortened her name, the husky note of awe in his voice.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.”She hesitated, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.She puffed out a breath because although this might not be easy for him if she let him hide now, their future would never come from a place of honesty.“Please take off your clothes too.If you’re worried about my reaction, don’t.I have a strong stomach.Mogens says I would make a good medic if I chose that path.I won’t scream or faint or do anything girlish.If I do, I’ll let you off the bet for the morrow.No kiss demands.”
His groan held a hint of humor, and she knew it would be all right.Secs later, he stood and disrobed.
“I can’t see much detail.Your eyesight is better than mine.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing.”
“Ellard, say that again, and I will box your ears.”
Chapter 9
Ellardadoredthatpissytone of hers.She made him laugh even when he didn’t want to react.“Come here.”
She approached him without hesitation and pressed against his chest, the warmth of her breasts forcing a groan past his lips.His left arm came around her, their lips met, and the sensual contact hurled Ellard straight into pleasure.Phrull, he’d never thought he’d have a woman like Gwen.Once—yeah, once—he’d dreamed, he’d acted and received the equivalent of a kick in the balls.
But Gwen…
He wanted to believe in her.He wanted her, plain and simple.So much.And his feline had craved Gwen for far longer.Stubborn beest.
Her arms curled around his neck, and the last of his restraint snapped.A very feline snarl squeezed past his lips, echoing in their rough forest shelter.The pitter-patter of tiny paws scraped over the ground nearby, then scuttled away at his cry.
Mine.Mine.Mine.
