Wounded Kiss (To Be Claimed 1)

“Could you try?” Dom’s words sound wounded and desperate.

A small sob escapes her as she shakes her head into Caleb’s chest. “It’s okay, baby girl. We’ll take care of you. Just relax. You’re safe now.” Caleb places his head on top of hers while Dom nuzzles into her neck before kissing her sweetly.

“Hold me.” I can barely hear her.

“We’re here, baby girl.” I watch as Caleb strokes her cheek with care before wrapping his arms around her.

“Sleep, little one.” Dom covers their bodies with a cream-colored damask comforter before getting back into position, molding his muscular body against hers.

I can’t stop staring at the three of them. Even as Devin closes the door, I continue to stare straight ahead, unable to blink away the sight of their loving touch.

“She’s their mate. I told you they wouldn’t hurt her.” He turns me to face him and stares into my hazel eyes. “They may have to push her. She’s in a lot of pain. But they aren’t going to hurt her. I promise you.”

As Devin leads me away from their room, I steady my breathing and try to come to terms with his words. So many thoughts and emotions threaten to overwhelm me. Relief and confusion are the two winning out.

“She’s a werewolf?” I don’t even realize that I’ve spoken until Devin stops at a massive door at the far end of the long hall and forces my body to turn to face his.

“She’s the same woman you grew up with. She’s your best friend. Don’t think too much on what you heard. You’ll have a chance to talk to her tomorrow.” I nod my head in agreement and blink my sore eyes.

“And they love her, like really love her?” Devin gives me the most handsome, genuine smile.

“They do. She’s their mate.” His eyes are soft and his smile lingers on his lips. I can practically feel his happiness and it warms my heart. “They would die for her.”

His hand spears into my hair and I lean into his touch. “And Grace?”

“Hmm?” I open my eyes and find his soft, yet heated silver gaze on me.

“You’re my mate.” Hearing those words on his lips awakens something deep inside of me, numbing every pain and settling every doubt I’ve clung to, lighting them to fuel a fire of need. His lips find mine as he walks me backward into his room and kicks the door closed without breaking our contact. His hands fondle my ass before lifting me up into his chest. I wrap my legs tight around his hips and moan into his mouth as he deepens the kiss.

“Mate.” He growls the word before nipping my bottom lip, fanning that fire in my core and sending desire pulsing through every inch of me.

Grace

“I can’t wait to claim you with my mark,” he says as his pointer finger lightly skims along the tender skin of my neck, “here.”

“Your mark?” My half-lidded eyes close, loving his touch.

An asymmetric grin pulls at his lips, exposing one of his sharp fangs. “My bite. It’ll scar you and you’ll forever be marked as my mate.”

There’s a mixed concoction of both desire and fear at the thought of his fangs piercing my flesh. I subconsciously arch my neck, offering myself to him. Wanting it more than anything else. His low, rough chuckle rumbles through his chest. “Not now, my love.” Love. My hopeful eyes find his and he gives me a soft smile. “I love you, Grace. I’ve loved you for longer than you’ve known I existed.” His admission makes my heart beat erratically, banging wildly against my chest. His strong hold makes me feel safe and secure.

It’s a feeling I’m not used to, but it feels like home.

“I love your Alpha spirit.” He gently tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before setting me down. “You have no idea how proud I am to have you as my mate.” He takes both of my small wrists in his large hands; seeing the difference in size makes me feel fragile and easily breakable. He kisses the underside of my right wrist and says, “I love your strength and courage.” He moves my hand so that my palm rests against the stubble of his strong jaw as he closes his eyes and rubs into my soft, warm touch. “When it’s just the two of us, I don’t want you to hold anything back from me.”

I nod my head and say, “I won’t.” My immediate agreement makes him smile and he closes his eyes, then leans down to nuzzle his nose along mine.

“I have no doubt of that,” he comments.

He breathes in deep before straightening his shoulders and looking down on me with those piercing silver eyes. “It’s a different story when we’re with the pack, or anywhere that’s not private.” My eyes instinctively narrow. “If you question me, or if you fight me, then others will target me and the pack. My dominance will be challenged. For the most part, you won’t have to worry about anything; just be yourself. But sometimes I’m going to need something from you, sweetheart.” His soft, calming tone slowly takes an authoritative edge.