Page 51 of The Wolf's Mate

I sense Rip’s heightened emotions before I see him. Tallie leads me to a private cabin not far from town. She wound her way down the wooded path, leading us past the residential homes, to a few private and well-spaced-out cabins.

Tallie refers to them as “Mating Cottages,” spaces set aside for mates or wolves with their hired escort to escape for much-needed privacy. Apparently, wolves can get loud and aggressive during their rut, and this adds an extra layer of protection if they choose it.

“Are you certain you’ll be okay?” Tallie asks as if I’m going into battle rather than about to face my extremely horny husband.

The thought of him in the cottage, hard and feral over me, makes me press my legs together. There is an underlying current of fear, but mostly I feel like, if I don’t see Rip, I won’t be able to get him out of my system.

“I’ll be fine. Will you keep Grass for me?” I love my dog, but if I’m about to get completely dominated by my ravenous mate, there’s no way in hell I want Grass to witness that.

“Of course,” she promises. “But remember, if you change your mind, you’ll need to run like hell. Call for a guard because Rip won’t be entirely in control of his body or actions.”

“Got it. If I change my mind, run away from my mate who enjoys chasing me,” I mumble. “I’ll be fine, Tallie. I want to do this.” Very badly, but I’m not going to tell his cousin that.

Tallie gives me a knowing smile. “Alright, then. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that, she calls for Grass, who frolics over to her. Then they leave together. I wait until they are little more than silhouettes in the distance before I force my legs to carry me forward.

Fear and excitement churn low in my belly. If I can sense him, then Rip knows I’m here too. There’s a thud and something that sounds like a grunt, then nothing at all. Taking a deep breath, I grab the doorknob and turn.

The cabin is dark. The embers are all that remain of a once-burning fire. There’s little furniture in the main room, just a large couch and a coffee table that has seen better days. A small kitchenette sits over on the left with a bowl of fruit on the counter. There’s also a hallway between the kitchen and main room leading down to what I can only assume are the bedroom and bathroom.

I take a step into the cool room, shutting the door behind me. Wood creaking snaps my attention to the darkened hallway. I feel the eyes of a predator on me, waiting for the moment I let my guard down.

“Rip?” My voice comes out breathier than I anticipate, and I’m greeted with a low warning growl.

“You shouldn’t be here, Dove.” Rip’s voice reverberates around me, sending shivers down my back. I shouldn’t feel this aroused, but I can’t help it. Not when I know my husband is barely containing himself.

“You don’t get to make that decision for me,” I retort, receiving a deep laugh in response.

“Do you lack self-preservation? I’m more wolf than human, mate. And if you stay here a minute longer, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.” Another out. A smart woman would take it.

But a needy, horny woman who wants nothing more than to be ravished by her mate stays and plays the eager prey.

“Neither can I, Alpha. Are you going to come out and play?” I’m taunting his wolf, wanting him to show his claws and teeth.

I get my wish.

Faster than I can track, a blur of darkness rushes at me. I fly back, hitting the wall with a hard thud, but Rip cushions my head with his hand. The air is knocked from my lungs, and a hand brackets my neck. Rip hovers over me, but I barely recognize him.

His pupils are blown wide, with a ring of gold around his irises. He’s shirtless, and his pants are unbuttoned, like he was in the middle of something, but I interrupted him. Though it’s dark, there’s no mistaking the bulge in his pants, outlining his perfect cock.

My mouth waters, and I moan.

The crazed look in his eyes only heightens as he smirks. “Wanton thing, aren’t you?”

“Rip—”

“No,” he snarls. “Alpha. Call me by my fucking title. Let me hear it out of those pouty lips.”

I swallow audibly, understanding what Tallie and Thorne meant when they said Rip wasn’t himself. This man before me is crass, dominant, overbearing, and undeniably sexy.

Wetness pools between my legs.

“Alpha,” I start again. “Let me take care of you.”

“Show me how you’ll service your alpha then,” he hisses.

I should feel put off by his dickish behavior, but it only turns me on more. Probably because it’s Rip and not some other man I met on the streets who is as cruel as his words. Rip cares for me, even in this state. He’s rough, but there’s still a part of him holding back. Allowing me to decide to stay or go.

I sink to the floor, on my knees.

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