Mated to the Griffin (Elemental Mates 5)

“Are you sure?” he asked softly. “I’ve slept on worse. I’ll be fine here.”

She pressed her lips together and gave him a curt nod. “Don’t try anything weird,” she warned him. “But somehow, I don’t think you would.”

“No,” he agreed, feeling a helpless smile spread over his face. “I wouldn’t.”

Maybe he hadn’t destroyed everything. Maybe, in the morning, they could talk and fix this.

They were still in danger, after all. Zane was still out there. But after they’d followed Chiara’s new map, maybe she’d allow him to take her to see the real supernatural world.

He’d show her Mountain View. He’d introduce her to Gareth, the chimera.

He could only image what these two might get up to together—from what he’d seen of Chiara so far, the chimera’s collection of old books and scrolls might be just what it would take to change her mind.

But for now, it was time to rest and recover.

He kept himself to his side of the bed. He’d hate to destroy what little trust in him she’d regained. Even now, his body reacted to her closeness—but he forced down his arousal, even though it was utter torment to breathe in the sweet scent of her hair.

In the morning, they’d talk. He’d explain, and she’d forgive him.

And then, he’d get to kiss her again. Not a moment sooner.

His body still aching with need, he turned to his side, his back towards her. And despite his exhaustion, it took a long time until he fell asleep.

***

The first thing he became aware of was warmth.

There was a tickling sensation. Something was teasing at his nose. He frowned and shook his head slightly, still only half awake.

He continued to doze for a few more minutes, glorying in the comforting heat that surrounded him.

He was resting on a soft bed. He was warm and comfortable, his body relaxed. He’d had a beautiful dream, his body still throbbing with remembered pleasure.

He smiled and sighed, burying his face in his mate’s glorious pastel mane of pink and green and blue, breathing in her scent of spun-sugar sweetness and wildflowers and spice.

It was an irresistible mixture. His hard shaft gave another throb of arousal.

And then he opened his eyes and found himself face to face with Chiara.

Sometime during their sleep, she’d rolled over to his half of the bed. Currently, she was nestled against him, one of her legs over his.

Which brought his aching erection into contact with one of her soft thighs.

Jared grimaced, even as his body burned with need.

This really wasn’t how he’d planned to have that conversation to regain her trust...

A moment later he realized that his arm was wrapped around her.

Carefully, he began to draw it back. She was still asleep. He could feel the heat of her breath against his shoulder as she breathed in and out, slow and regular.

Good. She’s still asleep.

Maybe, if he managed to escape the bed before she woke, she’d never know...

“Mmm. Morning,” she sighed when he tried to move away.

She stretched, still half on top of him so that he could feel the delicious, soft roundness of her breasts against his chest.