I remember Taylor telling me about the mating moon and the heat that comes with it.I didn’t understand it before, but now…
“I… feel it,” I finish softly.
Cooper’s eyes darken.“What?”
I know he can feel this too, but he’s holding himself back.That’s why he wasn’t there when I woke up.He’s putting space between us.I can see it in the tension in his body, the rigid way he’s holding himself.It’s in the dark heat in his eyes, the way his breath comes faster as I step toward him.
“I can feel the mating heat,” I murmur.
His throat bobs as he swallows hard.“It’s going to get worse.Tonight, during the full moon, will be the height of it.”
“What happens then?”I ask breathlessly.
“Shifters and their mates will…” He trails off, clearing his throat.“They’ll want to be together.Sexually.”
I open my mouth, and he holds up his hands.
“We don’t have to do anything.We won’t do anything that you don’t want to do,” he promises.
“I know.I trust you, and I know you’d never hurt me.”I take another step toward him, closing the distance between us.“I’ve never felt like this before.This… achy,” I admit in a whisper.
Cooper’s gaze drops to my mouth, and my knees go weak.
Then his lips are on mine.
This kiss is different.It’s still gentle at first, just the soft press of his mouth against mine, but then I sigh and lean into him, and something in him snaps.One of his hands slides into my hair while the other settles on my hip, pulling me closer.His mouth moves over mine, warm and sure, and I clutch at his shirt because I need something to hold on to.
He tastes like mint and coffee.He smells like soap and pine and Cooper.
My Cooper.
The thought is so clear and sharp that I gasp against his mouth.
He pulls back immediately, breathing hard.“Too much?”
I shake my head.“Not enough.”
His eyes flash bright.For one second, I think he’s going to kiss me again.Then something on the stove sizzles loudly, and Cooper curses, spinning away from me.
“Shit!”he hisses, ripping the pan off the burner.“Okay, this one will be mine.”
I smile, rounding the kitchen island and sliding onto a stool, watching as Cooper finishes preparing our breakfast.He piles our plates with eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh fruit.
I lick my lips as he slides my plate in front of me.“Thanks for breakfast.This looks amazing.”
“My pleasure.Dig in.”
We eat together, and I try to relax, but I’m hyperaware of every move of Cooper’s big body.
“What did you want to do today?”he asks.
I shrug.“I’m good with whatever.You’re not working today?”
He shakes his head.“No, not today.”
His eyes darken as I take a big bite of toast.“Let me take you out today.On a date.”
“A date?”
