Jordan absorbed the words he’d needed to hear, wishing against fate they had more than this one moment. Not even an entire night, just a series of minutes, maybe an hour, to show her how very much she meant to him. Several lifetimes wouldn’t be long enough.
The idea that he could’ve spent the last ten years with her nearly broke his determination to go slow. For once, he’d show her slow. He’d show her love.
How could he have missed how perfect they were together? For so long, he’d kept himself apart from his people, even from his friends. But not Katie. From day one, she’d seen the man inside, and not the leader. She’d wormed her way right into his heart, into his life. Then when she’d become a woman, she’d become an insightful and caring cat.
She’d become the perfect mate for him. Kind, smart, and stronger than imaginable. She knew him. And for some inexplicable reason, she loved him anyway.
The claiming had been brutal. He wouldn’t change a second of it, but she deserved more. More than he could give her. But for now, he’d leave her with a memory of being loved, of being everything. Because she was.
He slid up her jaw, marveling at the softness of the skin covering such fine muscle. A delicate warrior, to be sure. Finally, he found her mouth. His woman liked to kiss. Taking her mouth, he plunged deep, exploring her secrets. He had to learn as much as possible before moving on.
A low whimper escaped her.
Light caresses along her inner thigh had his little warrior trembling. Flattening his palm over her leg, he slid up and over her hip bone and back down her side. So much strength in such a delicate package.
Who would protect her?
Sure, she was tough and would make an excellent leader. But she was his woman, his mate. The most important calling he’d ever have would be to protect her and their offspring.
Her tongue swept inside his mouth, slowly learning him. Stealing his control.
The complete perfection of the moment ... hurt.
His fingers clenched into her butt. Slowly, he slid inside her. God, she was tight. Her body fought him, even as her legs wrapped around him. Taking several seconds, taking his time, he finally shoved all the way home. He released her mouth to lean back and exhale.
Then he stilled. She enclosed him in so much heat, a roaring filled his head. “You’re perfect.” And she was. Better than even fate could’ve created. She was something more.
She smiled. All woman, all mystery, so much love in her tawny eyes she took his breath away. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she arched against him.
His low groan drowned out her soft moan. In unison, they began to move. He slid out, and then back in, trying so hard to go slow. To torture them both. To leave her with memories to keep her warm on the cold nights ahead.
He grabbed her hand, pressing it beneath his, feeling a surge of satisfaction when she curled her fingers through his.
Increasing the speed of his thrusts, he watched in fascination as a dark blush stole from her breasts to her classic face. She sobbed his name.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered, waiting until she complied, then, “keep them open.” More than anything in the world, he wanted to watch her go over. See those amazing eyes glaze over with passion. For him.
Pounding faster, he angled just right.
Her cry shattered the peace, waves rippling through her body to clutch him. With a hoarse shout, he followed her into pure bliss.
Coming down, he smoothed a kiss over her gasping mouth. “I love you, Katie. Forever.”
Chapter 25
Jordan rubbed a hand over the scruff on his jaw. He hadn’t showered, and Katie’s scent covered him. No way would he shower her off. He’d left her sleeping, making sure not to awaken her—making sure she couldn’t follow him. Deep down, he was almost disappointed he would miss her explosion of temper.
“Don’t shave on my account,” Talen muttered as he eyed the far tree line.
Jordan shrugged, his gaze on the cliffs dropping to the ocean. “Considering chances are I’m about to turn into a beast, I figured, why bother.” Not the truth, but oh well.
“Right.” Talen sniffed the air, rolling his eyes. “Right.”
Vampires could smell as well as shifters.
Jordan turned, checking out the sniper positions to the south. The sun had disappeared and the moon would make an appearance shortly. His neck itched. The muscles along his spine ached with the need to shift. “I have about an hour before I need to lock myself in a room and hopefully keep my head from exploding. Do you mind if we hurry this up?”
“Sure.” Talen surveyed the door beyond the courtyard. “All nonessentials will be in the lower level. Guards on every level. Max and his team will cover the kids, who we’ve decided to keep in the playroom on the tenth level along with our mates.”
“Good move.” The playroom would keep the kids busy, and the tenth level was the most secure. “Escape routes?”
“We have tunnels leading from there to land, sea, and air options. If Max needs to retreat with the kids and nonsoldiers, he’ll make the decision as to direction at that time.” Talen checked his weapon. “Kane thinks you’ll be able to beat the moon.”
“He does?” Surprise lifted Jordan’s brows.
“Yes.” Talen frowned. “We need another front line—the door isn’t secured enough.”
“Yes, it is.” Even in despair, Jordan felt like grinning. “Kane didn’t say I’d survive.” Talen was actually using positive reinforcement with him. Probably Cara’s idea.
Talen lowered his brows. “The idea makes sense. Mating changed Katie, it’ll change you. You just needed more time.”
Yeah. In a fairy tale. Jordan nodded, giving his friend what he needed. “I think you’re right. I’ll be fine.”
Dage stalked outside, a digital tablet in his hand. “You’re not going to believe this.” He punched in buttons. “Your buddy Gerald has aligned with the demons. He’s in Scotland and is demanding you step down.”
The king flipped the tablet around and a form began to take shape on the screen. Jordan stepped forward, waiting until the panther could be seen clearly. “Gerald. What the fuck are you doing?” The time for diplomacy and manners had long passed.
The panther raised an eyebrow. “Figured you’d be dead by now.”
Asshole. “Thanks for the support—I’ll keep it in mind.” Jordan fought to keep his temper leashed. The closer the moon came to rising, the stronger the beast within fought against its shackles. “If you thought I’d be dead, why are you making stupid demands?”
The panther’s nostrils flared. “I don’t see what’s stupid about the king wanting his brother returned alive.”
Dage growled low. “You know where Jase is?”
Menace tinged the panther’s smile. “Yes. Kill Jordan and his bitch, and I’ll make sure you get your brother back.”
How did Gerald already know about Jordan’s mating Katie? If he survived the moon, he was hunting the leak. He kept his face placid, his voice bored. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“We know you mated the handicapped shifter.” Gerald stepped close to the screen, his features distorting. “We also know the second you die, she will be squired to safety by Noah Chance. I’m not playing hide-and-seek for the next decade until finally killing the lioness.” He looked past Jordan. “I know where your brother is. Jordan is going to die anyway, as is Katie. Make it easier on all of us. Kill them both.”
Anger swept through Jordan, his bones enlarging, the beasts within fighting to get out. He struggled to contain himself. “I’m going to kill you, Gerald.”
Talen grabbed the tablet, shoving his face close. “Where’s my brother?”