The sound and look in her eye would forever haunt him.
Returning to the bed, he found her curled up, looking toward him, smiling. There was blood and semen on the bed sheets. He intended to clean them up and burn them. The metallic scent filled the air, and it only served to anger him that he was the cause of her pain.
“Hey,” she said.
He sat on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Weird. I’m … we’re not mated though.”
“Not yet, but we will be.”
“Why didn’t you bite me? I know the bite on the neck would claim me as yours.”
He took her hand, locking their fingers together.
“The mating bite is painful, Suzy. I’ve already taken so much today.”
“You didn’t want to hurt me anymore.”
“I’ve never experienced the bite. I’ve only heard tales of other women who have, and I couldn’t do that to you. Not today at least.”
“You’re upset,” she said.
He was going to have to warn her about giving away too many of her secrets all at once. So far, she had told him at least twice she could smell emotions. A rare gift indeed. He was starting to see her wolf had a lot more to offer than he originally thought. She may not have the gift of strength or the ability to turn at the full moon, but what she did possess was rare indeed, and it was a talent he wanted to keep hidden.
Some wolves were wanted for this very reason as they could be used to detect lies and certain scents, and it meant their power could be abused. His father had once told him many moons ago to always protect the vulnerable and those who appeared weaker.
“You already know me so well.”
“It’s not like you give me much to work with.” She touched his arm. “I’m not in pain now.”
“I know, but the bite; we both need to be ready for the pack when I do claim you.”
“Do you really think there will be a lot of opposition? I am liked.”
“Liked and taking a position of power are two different things.” He kissed her knuckles and stood up. “For now, I want to wash you. It will help me feel better.”
He picked her up in his arms and carried her through to the bathroom. Lowering her down into the tub with all the bubbles to help her relax, he left her to remove the sheets. He gathered them up, changing them for a new set.
The blood didn’t make him happy.
The pain she’d experienced, he wished to wipe the memory away as soon as possible. With the bed looking much better, he returned to the bathroom to find her resting.
She opened her eyes the moment he entered, and she smiled.
He liked her smile so much.
Climbing in behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed his face against her neck, breathing her in.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he said.
“I was here the whole time.”
“I’m not talking about just now,” he said with a chuckle. “You have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to be with you and couldn’t because of the pack.”
“You’re the only one who held us back, Beast.” She snuggled against him. She moved her arm up around his neck and tilted back so he could look her in the eyes. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You believe me now?” he asked.
“I can feel a part of you.”
His cum was inside her. He wanted more than anything for it to stick, for them to have a baby.
So much time had already been wasted by him denying the truth. He wanted to start a family with her. Reaching down, he placed a hand on her stomach, and wondered if he would be so lucky as to have already gotten her pregnant.
“When will we tell the town?” she asked.
He stroked her belly and wondered if there was a way to keep her locked here until he did make her pregnant.
A pregnant mate couldn’t be attacked. The laws of the pack forbade it. Cubs had to be protected at all costs.
“Soon.” He kissed her neck. “For now, I just want to take care of you.”
“I know you feel guilty, but it’s not that bad. I promise. It doesn’t even hurt all that much anymore.”
It didn’t give him comfort.
“I promise you, Suzy. It won’t hurt like that again. I will show you sex will never be painful again.”
She moved in his arms, and he waited as she turned, straddling his waist.
Staring into her blue eyes, he pushed some of her black hair off her shoulder. They would make the most beautiful babies. He didn’t care if they had a son or daughter or both. Now, twins, he could totally go with two babies.
“I need you to stop worrying. I knew it was going to be painful, and I don’t blame you, not one little bit.” She kissed his lips.