Page 40 of Crescent Warrior

“And when you realized I was yours?”

He squeezed his eyes shut. “I’ve never known that much pain. I thought I was going to die.”

She felt a lump in her throat, knowing the feeling well. Leaving him was the hardest thing she had ever done. Her parents begged her to change her mind, but she had been adamant.

She couldn’t live in the constant pain of his presence, knowing he would never love her. If what he was saying was true, and she wanted it to be with every part of her soul, then all these years were wasted.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she demanded. “Why wouldn’t you say something?”

His jaw clenched and he shrugged the broad shoulders she loved so much. “What could I say? That I was an idiot? That I lied to you?”

“Yes,” she insisted, shoving his shoulder, making him fall to the bed. “Exactly that! You left me here alone.” Her eyes were accusing now. “Without a mate.”

“My Lyta—”

“You should have found a way.” She shook her head, grabbing the blankets and covering herself even as the heat in her body rose another few degrees. “How hard would it have been to say it? I told you how I felt!”

“I’m not as brave as you are,” he whispered, reaching for her.

Even now, when she was angry at him, he was the most devastatingly handsome male she had ever seen.

“I didn’t want…” He looked away, clearing his throat. “I didn’t want you to leave me when you realized I don’t deserve you.”

Her heart broke at his words. “How could you even think that?” she gasped. “I loved you with all my heart.”

His brow dropped low and he searched her face. “You said loved.”

She looked away. “What do you want me to say, Cole? We haven’t seen each other in over a hundred years. We’re probably not even the same people we used to be—”

“You’re the same,” he growled.

She shook her head, adamantly. “I’m not, Cole. I’ve changed.” She tugged herself from his arms, standing by the bed, her knees shaky, her wolf howling at her to be closer to him. Still, she stood firm, projecting as much confidence as she could. “I’ve clawed my way up the pack. I’m the best warrior and I—”

He growled from where he lay, his hips surging as he watched her. She faltered, confused, but the scent of his precum almost made her fall to her knees.

“I—I—”

“Keep going, my warrior goddess,” he purred, his hand going straight to his cock, his eyes on her. “I’ve watched you for years, my Lyta. I’ve seen your growth, both physical and mental. What I meant when I said you were the same is that I know you. You put up a strong front, but you’re kind, gentle, and sensitive on the inside.” His eyes were pools of lust and he was jacking his cock, unashamed.

“I’m not going to fall for this,” she said, struggling to turn away from him, but unable to. “You either lied about your feelings then or you’re lying now.” Her mouth was dry and she licked her lips, her entire focus on the leaking head of his cock.

“Why don’t we spar to see who’ll win, my Lyta?” His eyes gleamed, pure black now.

She couldn’t even see the smoky blue rim, his pupils were blown so wide. “Spar?” She swallowed convulsively as he nodded.

“Whoever wins gets to decide if you forgive me or not.”

“I’d beat you,” she scoffed, and he groaned, his back arching, his head kicking back at her words.

“Win, win,” he murmured when he was settled again, leisurely stroking up and down, his big hand just the right size to fully wrap around his huge cock.

“If I win, we have to take it slow.” Her voice was barely a whisper, her eyes transfixed on his hands.

“Slow the first time?” he teased. “Or the fourth?”

“No sex.” She shook her head.

That made his hand go still, his brow furrowed, but he nodded his head.

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