Then a big wet tongue lashes my face. “Gross!” I rub my mouth. “Right on the mouth, are you bloody serious?”
Gunnar bares his teeth in a smile so familiar it makes my chest ache. He would never hurt me. No matter what form he’s in, he’s still my big, sweet, gentle Gunnar.
Laughter spills from my lips. He pushes his big head between my hands and leans in so that my forehead is resting right between his eyes, my nose brushing his snout. He licks my neck but can’t reach my face. I close my eyes and focus on the hot huff of his breath against my vulnerable throat, the coarse fur between my fingers.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not entirely sure what I’m thanking him for specifically.
A happy rumble answers me, and for a time, my wolf and I sit there in the woods together, listening to the wind in the trees.
I don’t want this to end.
The realization makes my heart skip.
I don’t want to lose him when all of this is over.
I want this thing between us to be real.
And that? That scares me more than any wolf ever has.
Chapter 17
Gunnar
Hot shower water peltsme as I join Arlo under the spray. When Arlo’s hair is wet, it shines like polished gold. Water races down his slender but muscular build, and I follow the running water down his smooth chest to his soft cock. I could watch him for hours. He’s beautiful.
Ours,my wolf whispers.
For now, I remind myself, trying to ignore the ache in my chest.
“See something you like?” Arlo gives me a crooked smile that makes me want to grab him and kiss him.
“Very much,” I assure him, stepping close until he’s against the wall. Arlo tips his chin back, his lashes sparkling with water, eyes hooded.
“I believe you owe me for smashing cake in my face.”
I run my hands down his ribs to grip his hips. “Remind me again?”
Looping his arms around my shoulders, Arlo pulls me down until I’m close enough that our breath mingles. “An apology,” he purrs. He grabs the nape of my neck and tugs, mashing ourlips together. The heat from the shower and his lips is enough to make me feel lightheaded.
I bite his bottom lip, tugging. “I am so very sorry.”
Arlo scoffs, pressing his lips together so he doesn’t smile. “Prove it.”
“Oh?” I kiss along his strong jaw, nipping his earlobe. Arlo gasps, squirming against me. His cock jerks between us, hard and needy. “Tell me what you want, and I won’t rest until you’re satisfied.”
Arlo hums, running his hands down my back to grab one of my ass cheeks in each hand. He squeezes my ass, tracing the shape. Knowing my mate is fond of… certain parts of my anatomy makes me want to preen.
“Have you ever—oh!” he gasps when I curl my hand around him, stroking. “Goddess, fuck, I love your hands.”
I chuckle, lifting said hands to inspect them. “These?”
“Yes,” Arlo moans when I take him in my fist and stroke, cupping his balls in my other hand. “They’re rough and calloused and they feel so good. You must be good with rope?”
His question takes me by surprise, but I’m happy to answer with a confident, “Aye. Would have lost many a ship if I weren’t.”
Arlo moans in my ear, rolling his hips into my hand. “Have you ever tied anyone up?”
My cock gives an enthusiastic twitch. “No, but I could do so easily.”
