ALANA

The kiss is so intense that I pull away. It is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's familiar, and passionate, and meaningful, and anything but ordinary.

He felt it, too. I know he did. The way he's looking at me...

"I don't understand," I whisper. "What is this?" I gesture between us, not knowing how to put into words what I'm feeling. I need him to do it for me.

I know he knows.

I know he belongs with me. I know I can't live without him.

But I want him to tell me why.

He reaches a hand up, as if he's going to touch me, but seems to think better of it and allows his arm to fall back to his side. I inch away, confused, a little frightened, and desperately seeking answers.

The intense pull I feel toward this man is extreme. I want to crawl into his lap and kiss him. He is mine, but I don't know why. I could never dream to hope my feelings are reciprocated.

But I need him to explain this powerful connection.

"Please tell me," I beg in a whisper.

His deep voice is gruff and low when he finally speaks. "We are fated mates, Alana. You and I are for each other."

I blink, trying to digest these words. Is he joking? He's not laughing.

"What?"

"We are meant for each other. You can feel it. I know you can."

He's got a point.

"I feel… something. I'm so confused."

"You feel our connection. You and I are mates. We are fated to be together. You are destined to be mine.”

I stare at him, wide-eyed. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard. Yet, it makes sense. It feels right. What I feel for him is surreal, illogical. His explanation, as absurd as it is, is the only thing that can give meaning to my feelings.

I want him. I want him more than anything. I want to feel him inside me.

I nod, the gesture giving voice to my state of mind. I want him to kiss me again. I want to feel the intensity of his mouth on mine.

I wrap my arms around his neck before I can second guess myself. Karvex doesn't hesitate. He pulls me close and crushes me against him.

His hands trail down my back, caressing and pulling me closer. I feel his hard muscles press against me, and I moan into his mouth. It feels like we've been doing this forever, like our lips were made for each other.

As we continue to kiss, I can feel the heat rising between us. My body is on fire, and I'm desperate for him. I want to feel all of him, to be completely consumed by him.

Karvex's hand slides down to the curve of my waist. He pulls me up, so I'm straddling him. I can feel him hard against me, and I grind against him, making him groan.

Our lips break apart, and we're both breathing heavily. I look into his eyes, and I can see the same desire that's burning inside me. I want him to take me, and he knows it.

I lower my mouth to his once more, the intensity of the kiss making my toes curl. I feel his hands move down my back, pulling me impossibly closer to him. A heat rises between my legs, a desire to be touched, to be taken by him.

As if sensing my thoughts, Karvex breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes. "Do you trust me?" he asks, his eyes intense.

I nod, unable to trust my voice to answer him.

"You're mine, Alana. And I'll do anything to keep you by my side."