Page 31 of The Renegade Mate

I paused, considering how much I wanted to open up. Letting my guard down did not come naturally after everything I’d been through. But something in Shya’s uncertain expression resonated with me. I recognized that quest to understand yourself amidst outside influences trying to twist your reality.

“Trust is hard for me, but I’m trying to be more vulnerable, little by little. To heal from old wounds so I can build new bonds.”

Confiding in Shya felt like a small step on that journey. If I expected others to lower their walls, I had to lead by example. I couldn’t expect to find meaningful connections if I wasn’t willing to reveal my true self.

“That’s the thing, though. Mason loves his Pack. I love mine. There is no future there.”

I shrugged one shoulder. “Who’s talking about the future? Why don’t you just have a bit of fun, see where it goes? Though, do me a favor and don’t tell your parents just yet?”

Shya laughed. “I can just imagine my dad’s face if I told him I wanted to date someone from another Pack. From your renegade Pack, no less! No offense, but currently Mason has no job, no home, and is being hunted by another Pack.”

I smiled; she had a point. “None taken. Just, I ran from my bond. I ran for four years, and I was miserable every moment.” I reached out and touched her arm. “I don’t want that to happen to you or Mason.”

“I’m not ready.”

“For the fated mate bond? No one ever is.”

Ryan strode over to us and held out his hand to pull me up. “I’m heading in for a shower. Want to join me?”

Hell, yes. I still have some energy to burn off.

Shya must have seen my expression. She laughed and said, “See you guys later.”

Chapter eighteen

Ryan

Ishut the door and strode over to where Mai had stopped in the middle of our room. I didn’t say anything, just captured her sweet lips in mine. I could kiss her all day. Kissing Mai was like a drug, one taste and I couldn't stop with just her lips, I wanted to spend the whole day marking every inch of her body with my lips. I broke the kiss to peel her top off her and tossed it aside.

“You’re undressing me.”

“That is the plan,” I replied, then stepped back from her. "Or is this me being overbearing and obnoxious?"

She glared at me.

"I can stop. Just say the word, Mai."

"Ryan," she growled.

"I wouldn't want to get a kick in the head—"

"Which is exactly what you'll get if you don't fucking continue what you started!"

I grinned at her. "And you call me overbearing and obnoxious?"

I could see her thinking about kicking me, but before she could move, I unclipped her bra and swept my hands under the cups to grasp her breasts. They were full, and the nipples were already pert, just waiting for me. I felt her shiver under my hands. Our bond flared to life, and I could feel her need for me and the throbbing ache in her core. I couldn’t help but smile. I fucking loved that I could make her feel this way.

Her pants came off next, and then she was standing in front of me in just her panties. I stripped then leaned in and kissed her hipbone, moving along her toned stomach. She sucked in a breath as I kissed lower, my mouth closing over her clit through her panties.

“Ryan,” she moaned, and my cock went rock hard at the way she said my name. I wanted her to say it again when I was driving into her.

I looked up at her, knowing she could see my desire. “You want me to stop?”

She shook her head, biting down on her lower lip in a way that drove me wild as I continued exploring every inch of her perfect body.

I dragged my tongue up to the column of her throat, nipping at her delicate skin. She shivered, tilting her head to give me access. My teeth grazed the skin on her neck, teasing whimpers from her lips as my fingers pulled on her nipples. Mai’s back arched, pushing her breasts into me. I ducked my head, taking her soft flesh into my mouth, and sucked until she was writhing in pleasure.

“More,” she begged.

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