Page 7 of Wolves Bound by Desire

The idea had both merits and flaws. “The possible heir of one side marrying an exile wanted for death on the other?”

He still held his hand out. “You and I both are the offspring of the leaders of the packs. You and I both are not the heirs anymore, granted, but still, it would force the two sides to see that a union is possible, that maybe peace is one day possible—”

“I hadn’t taken you to be hopelessly naive,” she said dryly.

“Or desperate.”

Was that all this was? A desperate ploy for him to try and prolong his life? His father had vowed to kill him. Her father had done the same. Unless he found himself powerful allies and soon, he would not have long yet to live.

So what if he wished to spend some time with her before he died? Her lifespan wasn’t expected to be much longer anyhow. Claiming did not need love to be accomplished.

Yet, from the way he had kissed her, the way he was looking at her, the way he made her feel… It might not be love, but it could maybe blossom into it.

If given time.

“Do you have a better idea?” he asked, his hand starting to lower.

She seized it in both of hers. “No,” she said hoarsely.

6

The word was so soft, so simple, and yet it was all he had wanted to hear. Anders cupped her face. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and closed her eyes but not before he spied tears forming.

“What is it?” he asked. “I would never claim you if you don’t want me to.”

“It’s just… I shouldn’t.”

“Because of your father. Still won’t go against his wishes. Well, what about what you want?”

“What I want and what I will have aren’t the same thing.”

He frowned. “I don’t follow.”

“Life isn’t just a game, Anders.”

“I realize that. It’s high stakes, and right now, we can roll with the punches, or we can be bludgeoned to death. I know which I pick.”

“Typical guy. Thinking only with his—”

“Yes, I want you. Yes, I find you insanely attractive. Yes, I might be a little selfish and self-serving by wanting to claim you. But you said so yourself. There isn’t a better idea. So why are you resisting?” He inhaled deeply. The scent of her arousal was enough to drive him insane.

If she would have him, he’d have her right here, right now, standing up. Or in the stream. Up on a tree branch. On a blanket made of grass. Anywhere. Everywhere. Any position. Every position.

But he would not take her, would not claim her, not without consent. To claim a werewolf against her will meant that she would never truly be his. She would never bear him any children, and the resentment between them would lead one to eventually kill the other. Time and again that had happened. Even without that, he would never dare to try and take her against her will. He wanted her to be eager, to come freely, to claim him as much as he claimed her.

“Why am I resisting?” Her voice was so faint he could scarcely hear her. “Because I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” His thumb traced along her jawline.

Her eyes fluttered close. “Afraid of losing myself.”

“But what if it’s the only way to find yourself?”

Her eyes opened. The tears were gone, replaced with a primal lust he himself felt. Her lips devoured his, her tongue fighting his, dueling him almost, and it was such a turn on his cock started to throb. His hands pressed against her back, forcing her close, and she willingly decreased the space between them until her breasts were smashed against his chest.

His hands drifted lower to grab her ass, and he brought one hand down even more so he could reach between her legs to her wetness. Oh, yes, she wanted him. Oh, God, did he want her.

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