Leaves rustled, a smaller creature making its presence known. She followed the sound, homing in on it. The wolf caught the scent and shared its knowledge.
Rabbit.
Her muscles bunched and she was off, racing for the sound. The wolf basked in the sensations, wanting them to last. She found the critter and gave chase, going after it. As she closed in—rushing closer—it barreled into a hole beneath a tree. She made it to the small space and scented it.
Fear. Adrenaline.
Another noise gained her attention.
She glanced over her shoulder and a dark wolf appeared, watching her.
Declan.
She rushed off again, letting him chase.
There were so many smells and places to explore.
Minutes passed, the night getting darker as she ventured deeper into the trees. After a while she lost track, until a beam from above drew her attention. The moon had appeared, casting light into the sky. She slowed her movements, stepping closer to the light. When it hit her, cascading over her fur, she closed her eyes.
Amazing.
She felt electrified, taken to a higher plane.
Everything else faded away, leaving her alone.
The wolf hummed in excitement, welcoming the overwhelming feelings.
Why had she run from this? There wasn’t a need.
Declan had been right. Like this she felt invincible.
This time when he appeared behind her, she was ready. There was no terror. No worry. This was what she was meant to be. Now she’d become closer to her mate.
She took off, baiting him to follow. She wasn’t sure if she could change back to her usual self, standing on two legs instead of four. With the moon above it might not be possible. She should have asked Chloe, she realized. She shouldn’t have been so afraid to learn more about her nature.
She weaved around a tree—making sure to coat it in her scent—and made her way back.
All she wanted was to tell Declan how glorious she felt, sharing in the experience.
She hoped she’d be able to.
She saw him running along the path, taking his time. Anticipation and awareness hit, a profound ache in her heart. He was giving her space, even now. Letting her explore on her own as he watched over her. Waiting until the time was right, she pounced. He spun around when he heard her, braced for impact. In a few seconds she hit him, taking him down.
Give me this. She reinforced the order with her will, ordering the wolf back. I’ve accepted you. Now you need to accept me.
Pain arose, her body shifting. Her bones cracked, muscles changing.
She braced for more pain, knowing it had to come. Amazingly it was easier to return to her human form. The wolf listened, sliding into the background. In seconds the fur covering her body receded, leaving her in her skin. She wrapped her arms around Declan and gasped when he shifted as well. He bowed his head, resting it on her shoulder. The heavy coat on his body vanished, leaving his hard and warm muscles resting against her.
“I love you,” she expelled in a rush. “I love this.” He’d given her so much. It was her turn to return the favor. “You were right. Everything is so amazing.”
His entire body went quiet above her. “What did you say?”
“This is amazing?” she repeated, not thinking of what she’d said.
“Not that.” His body lifted, his heavy and erect cock resting against her thigh. “The other part.”
The other part… Oh.
“You were right?”
His full lips pursed, eyes narrowed in warning. “Not that either.”
“I love you,” she admitted and forced herself to meet his eyes.
“It’s not the wolf talking, is it?” She shook her head. His irises flickered, light in the center and dark along the rim. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Bringing a hand to his face, she asked, “I know it’s too soon. I don’t understand it even now, but it’s how I feel. Do you think you’ll be able to love me?”
“I already do.” His chest heaved as he took a breath. “I think I always have.” Dipping his head, he brought his lips to hers. “Say it again.”
Her heart fluttered and the erogenous zones of her body flared to life. “I love you.”
“I love you too, sweet girl,” he growled and shifted her body, resting his weight between her thighs. “I’m going to show you just how much.”
She’d started to ask him what he meant when his face disappeared. His lips ventured over her throat, down her sternum and stopped at her stomach. He kissed her bellybutton and kept going. Parting her thighs, she waited for more. Her thighs trembled, her muscles quivering. She counted every second, holding her breath as his mouth hovered over her mound. His tongue barely flicked her clit and she felt her pussy gush.
“I love tasting you here.”
“Please.” Grasping his hair, she tried to urge him to continue. “Don’t stop.”
“Never, baby.”
Normally he practiced restraint, being cautious. Now he went at her like a dying man, lapping at her slit, teasing her clit with agonizing rasps of his tongue. On and on he went, sucking at her, licking her labia. She groaned and panted, tugging him closer. Ripples spread over her skin, the wolf resurfacing. This time she didn’t worry about changing. The animal simply wanted to enjoy the pleasure. He growled against her, sucking on her clit.
Ours, the wolf thought blissfully. He’s ours.
Yes.
She shattered, crying out his name.
Two fingers entered and parted her. Her back arched at the amazing fullness, the breath leaving her lungs. Fire swept through her, her sex clasping. He groaned and started pumping, moving his mouth. His thumb caressed her clit. The sensations kept going, driving her on. She pumped her hips, grinding into his hand.
It wasn’t until the feelings had passed that he moved.
The sky vanished and she gazed into his face. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer, his eyes finding hers. Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward. Their mouths met and their tongues touched. Back and forward they danced, veering from side to side.
He pulled away and fisted his fingers in her hair. “I want your mark.”
“My mark?” She hesitated, unsure of how to give him what he wanted.
“I want everyone to know I’m mated. I want them to see how lucky I am.” He twisted his fingers tighter, forcing her closer, until her mouth hovered above his shoulder. She noticed the skin was free of tattoos, waiting just for her. “You don’t have to tonight. I want to earn it. When the time is right, I want you to give it to me.”
She hated it when he let go, wanting his nearness.
Shifting his hips, he grasped his cock and brought her down. She felt the head part her, pushing past her folds. One thrust, then another. Finally he slid into her. The feeling centered her, bringing her full circle. The scent of the woods called to her, the nature that was new to her beckoning. She sank down, wanting him to fill her completely. The motion made him bottom out, the head of his cock pressing against her cervix.
Tossing her head back, she let the new smells and feelings take her over.
This was bliss.
This was heaven.
Declan.
Declan wanted to howl his content.
Rachel Gentry was more than his mate, she was his partner. She was also courageous, strong and had transformed with ease. She humbled him, astounded him and made him prouder than hell. Any male would be grateful to have her but they never would.
She belonged to him in all ways. Nothing would ever change that.
He bit his tongue, tempted to ask for her mark a second time.