Page 148 of Plug and Drain

Maybe that was why she felt everything so acutely now.

Her doubts faded into the background as she watched Arken’s pensive expression. She could tell he wanted to bite her. He was thinking about it, his lip indented by a sharp fang as he ran his hand lovingly up her throat.

A realisation struck her hard.

She wanted a mating bond.

She wanted Arken to be her mate.

She could have waited months or years to get to know him better, but her stoicism had given way to fervent need.

Susie cupped his face, trailing her fingers along his jawline, past his cheekbone to his temples, and resting them in his hair. His gaze was soft, his facial muscles relaxed, and he smiled fondly as she touched him. It gave her the courage to admit what she felt.

“I…I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Her words hung in the air for several precious moment before Arken drew back slightly to meet her gaze, his eyes widening, pupils dilating.

Her heart beat hopefully, and she smiled bashfully as she waited for his response. She was sure he’d say something back. Hopefully those same words. She had every reason to think that he would.

He’d nuzzled her.

Kissed her.

He’d even bitten her before.

And he’d licked her extensively, scent marking her over and over.

Hadn’t he said that he wanted her to be his?

Be mine.

She waited, keeping her smile firmly in place. It was possible that it wasn’t romantic love he felt. Maybe he was just possessive, and he felt nothing for her beyond the desire to claim her. Maybe she’d read him wrong.

The silence dragged on, and Arken said nothing. He just…stared. As if he were silently trying to communicate…what, exactly?

Doubt? Regret?

His hesitation was killing her.

Her smile wavered, her heart thundering as she waited.

She was always waiting.

Her heart fell.

“I’m such an idiot,” she muttered.

Arken looked mortified.

She pulled away abruptly and sat up.

Her chest and throat constricted painfully, and her heart was beating painfully in the wake of his silence.

He can’t bring himself to reject me.

She would spare him the discomfort of trying.

“It’s fine,” she mumbled, sliding off the bed.