Savage (Wolf Ranch 4)

Instantly, he climbed out and stalked toward me, opening his arms when he got close.

I leaped at him, wrapping my arms around his neck, my legs around his waist. A hand cupped my ass to hold me as the other sank into my hair.

“Sugar.”

We stood on the front lawn and kissed. And kissed. I wasn’t cold. I didn’t feel anything but every inch of Clint’s hard body and heat.

“My job here is done,” Janet said. “Get her inside, Clint. Don’t be a dumbass and claim her again in the front yard.”

25

CLINT

If my mate wasn’t in my arms, I would’ve dropped to my knees, humbled by the grace of fate to bring her willingly back to me.

“Sugar,” I croaked, barely hearing my mom. “Please forgive me.” I wasn’t a guy of many words, but I had a million to say to her right now.

Everything I would’ve said from the beginning, if I’d been able. Everything she deserved to know. She’d given me everything, and I’d had to keep secrets. No longer.

“Clint.” There were tears caught on the one word, and it fucking killed me knowing I’d put them there.

I carried her back into Audrey’s house and tossed my jacket on the couch, never putting her down. My wolf wanted me to carry her straight to the bedroom and claim her again. Satisfy her until she screamed my name for all the neighbors to hear. But we needed to talk. I needed to know she forgave me.

I kept her cradled in my arms but sat in an armchair, arranging her on my lap. I couldn’t bear to let her out of my embrace, even for our talk. Her scent soothed me, calmed my wolf. She felt soft and warm. I’d recognize every inch of her anywhere.

My hands settled on her hips, my thumbs stroking over the curves of her ass. “Sugar, I’m so sorry. I wish to fuck I could have a do-over with you. I’d do it all different.”

Her blue eyes searched my face, vulnerability showing there. I wouldn’t tell her this aloud, but she looked a mess. It was like a poisoned blade to the gut knowing I’d made her cry all night. That her hair was matted on one side, that her top had… sauce on it. Yet even with all that, she was the most beautiful thing in the whole world.

“Yeah? What would you do?”

I groaned. “Well, first of all, I’d have figured out you were my mate that night at Cody’s. I didn’t get your scent, but my body sure as hell responded to you. My wolf, too. Even after I let you get back to your friends, I didn’t want it to be a one-night fling. I should’ve known it was because you were mine.”

She touched the place I’d marked her.

“And that,” I lifted my chin toward it. “I’m so fucking sorry. I never meant to mark you without your permission. That was so shitty. It was an accident. My wolf was just so fucking satisfied to have you under me, I just…”

“Slipped?” Her lips twisted into a smile.

I let out a relieved laugh at seeing it on her. “Yeah, I slipped. Take it as a compliment. You made me lose complete control. You do, every time we’re together.”

She snuggled in my lap, wiggling her ass around to get comfortable. Of course, my dick took that as an invitation to get harder than stone. “Your mom told me a little but tell me about this bite. Not the concept of it but my actual one. What does it mean?”

I stroked my thumb across her cheek, grateful for having the privilege of touching her again. “Sugar, it means I’m your man. Forever. Remember I told you about wolves mating for life?”

I was close enough to see her pulse quicken. Hear her little intake of breath.

“I remember.”

“It’s true of shifter wolves, too. We’re loyal to the death. To our pack, to our families and especially—always—to our mate.”

“What if I’d told you I didn’t want you to bite me?”

I winced. “That would’ve been very difficult for me. I would’ve tried to respect your wishes—of course—but my instinct to claim you was so strong.” I grinned. “You might’ve needed to tie me up before we had sex.”

Her breath quickened, and she squirmed in my lap. “Well, that sounds hot.”

“Well, it’s still on the table, if that’s what you’re into, sugar.” Anything to get my sweet human back in the sheets. Anything to satisfy her. “Remember, if you have needs, it’s my job to see to them. Whatever they are.”

“What about Todd? I’m still--”

I shook my head. “You’re not a suspect. Selena called while I was in the car. You’ve been cleared. With Donald dead, they’ll never discover the truth.”

“It’s over,” she repeated.

“There’s his estate to clear up, but Selena said she’d handle it for you.”