Page 19 of The Runaway Mate

My face elongated, transforming into the muzzle of a wolf, my human teeth giving way to the sharp fangs of a predator. My ears shifted to the top of my head, becoming pointed and alert, twitching with every sound that filled the forest. My fingers and toes formed the powerful paws of a wolf, equipped with claws that could tear through flesh with ease.

I could feel my senses heightening, my wolf’s instincts taking over. The scents of the forest became more distinct, the sounds of the night more vivid. My connection to the earth beneath my paws was electric, and the energy of the moon above filled me with a primal strength.

I retreated into my mind and let my wolf take over. My powerful limbs propelled me through the dark forest, the scent of damp earth and pine filling my nostrils. My heart raced as I leaped over fallen logs and dodged low-hanging branches, the exhilaration of the run providing a break from the heavy emotions filling me.

As I moved through the woods, Mai’s beautiful face was etched into my mind. The thought of her forgiveness was both tantalizing and terrifying, and my wolf growled in frustration. He was clear that I should have told her as soon as I knew she was my mate. The memory of that moment when I’d realized that she was the one was burned into my soul.

It was an evening in late September. Mai had just turned seventeen. The sun was setting, and the sky was a deep orange. I’d been out for a run, on two legs this time, and stopped to catch my breath. In the distance, I saw Mai talking to Hayley, a frown on her face. They never did get along. I needed to talk to Jem about it again. I knew something wasn’t right there, but Jem refused to listen. He loved Hayley and couldn’t see the way Mai reacted whenever she was around.

I wiped the sweat from my brow. Mai shifted to the side, and the sun’s rays caught her face. My wolf stirred in excitement. I stepped closer, watching as the light danced off her delicate features. As if sensing my presence, Mai looked up at me with a questioning expression on her face. Our eyes locked for one brief moment before she turned away, but it was enough for me. It was like a thunderbolt had struck, and I stumbled backward, unable to breathe. Time stopped. I don’t know how long I stood there, caught in that moment, but when I looked up, Mai and Hayley had gone, and I was left with the absolute certainty that I had just found my true mate.

The wind howled through the trees as I ran, remembering that moment. I pushed myself harder, my muscles rippling beneath my fur as I raced through the moonlit night, seeking solace in the freedom of the run. My wolf had wanted to go straight to her that day, and we almost did, but then Jem had found me. I told him where I was going, and he grabbed hold of me. I punched him in his jaw when he told me I couldn’t say anything to her. My wolf was going crazy, but Jem always did have a way with words. He convinced me that Oliver would kill her if he knew. That keeping it hidden was the right thing to do. That it was the only way to keep her safe. He was wrong, though. We both were.

Eventually, exhaustion began to set in, and I slowed my pace, panting heavily. I couldn’t go far; my wolf needed the run, but he wouldn’t allow me to be long without checking on Mai. I turned back and headed for my clothes.

Chapter thirteen

Mai

Iwoke up and stared at the ceiling for a long time. Fucking Ryan. How could I be so mad at him and, at the same time, just want to feel his hands sliding along my body, touching my skin, and making me pant with need? I desperately wanted to know what his lips felt like on mine. What they’d feel like kissing every part of me. I wanted to run my hands through his hair, over his chest, and down toward the bulge in his jeans that I’d spent years fantasizing about.

My vibrator had not been one of the essential things that I’d grabbed on my escape from Seth, although I was regretting that now. Maybe if I took care of myself, I could just be mad at Ryan and not think about what it would feel like to have him thrusting inside of me, filling me completely with his cock, and making me scream with pleasure.

I moved my hand down my stomach and then drifted lower, skimming under the waistband of my panties to the skin beneath. A spark of heat ignited at the contact, warmth spreading through my belly, and I bit my lip against a quiet moan.

This was what I craved. What I needed. A reprieve from the anger and heartache, a chance to simply feel.

My nipples were tight peaks beneath my tank top, sensitive and wanting. I rolled one between my fingers and moaned.

My other hand slipped beneath my panties, questing fingers finding my clit. I rubbed slow, teasing circles, pretending they were Ryan’s fingers instead of my own. The coil inside me wound tighter, pleasure building with each touch.

I dipped two fingers inside, imagining the stretch and fullness of Ryan filling me. My breaths came fast and shallow; my heartbeat raced as I drove myself higher. Ryan would grip my hips, thrusting deep and hard, growling my name against my throat—

My orgasm hit like a thunderclap, wringing a strangled cry from my lips. I shuddered against the mattress, aftershocks rippling through my body in waves. This was bliss. No thinking. No worries. Just this feeling of calm and peace.

And then the door swung open.

Ryan stood in the doorway, shoulders braced against the frame. His eyes were fathomless pools that gave nothing away. But there was a tightness to his jaw, and the way he held himself hinted at barely leashed control. Oh, Goddess, how long had he been outside my room, hearing me pleasure myself while thinking of him? Humiliation and anger warred inside me.

“Enjoy yourself?” The harshness of Ryan’s tone made my hands clench into fists.

“Get out,” I spat. My face flamed, and I was acutely aware that I wore only a tank top and panties. I crossed my arms over my chest as if I could hide what he’d already seen. What he’d heard.

Ryan prowled into the room, closing the door behind him with a loud click. “I don’t think so. We have things to discuss, you and I.” Ryan stopped in front of me, looming over my smaller frame. His eyes glowed like embers in the dim light from the window. “Did you think of me when you touched yourself?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Ryan.” I swung my legs out of the bed and grabbed a pair of jeans from the floor.

“You want me as badly as I want you, Mai. Deny it all you like, but your body betrays you.” He reached out, tracing a finger down my jaw in a feather-light caress.

I jerked away from his touch, heart pounding. “I didn’t think of you. I didn’t think of anyone. I just had fun. You should try it sometime. It might make you less of a jerk.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Ryan’s mouth. “I’m looking forward to you showing me fun, Mai. But I’m not wrong.” His gaze raked over me, hot as a physical touch. “You’re mine. And soon, you’ll admit that to yourself.”

I swallowed hard, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.

Ryan leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “I could smell your arousal, Mai. I heard every gasp, every moan.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. I shoved at his broad chest, but he didn’t budge. “Fuck off, Ryan,” I said through gritted teeth.

---