Page 45 of Queen of Vengeance

I had lost sight of Jax, but I continued running.

All my focus fell on the cliff I knew was ahead.

I knew these woods like the back of my hand. So much so that I could run around here blindfolded and still find my way back home.

Jax, I was sure, must have been lost by now.

The cliff came into view, and I ran up alongside a slanted tree and bounded off the side, ripping through the bark with my claws and landing on the other side of the cliff.

I turned around, admiring the great leap I had just made, and howled at the moon victoriously. Then, without warning, something smashed into me, knocking the air out of me and causing me to tumble on the ground. As soon as I could rediscover my equilibrium, I looked around at what hit me.

It was Jax. He had knocked me over for some reason.

I got up slowly, wincing at him but unable to ask him why he did it.

He breathed heavily, and a smile crossed his wolf face as he crouched low to the ground and quickly shifted back into his human form.

“You are the most singular woman I’ve ever met. I admire so many things about you. I’m not sure I’ve ever said that to anyone in my life.” His voice was rough from the way he was heaving prior.

I found myself distracted by his lack of clothing.

My eyes trailed down, and his perfectly beautiful porcelain skin glistened in the moonlight.

Shadows cast over his toned muscles.

I averted my eyes, feeling much less powerful now, and shifted back into my human form. “What do you think you’re doing, Jax?”

“I thought I made myself pretty clear this morning. I want to be with you in whatever capacity that means.” He knelt beside me as my fur retracted into my skin, leaving me human again.

I pulled my arms over my chest, feeling how cold it was without my fur to cover me.

Jax placed his warm hand on my shoulder and pulled me into him. “Lea, you can relax. It’s just us here.”

I looked up at him and found myself lost in his eyes again. “All of this feels like a dream. There’s no way this is happening, right?”

Jax raised his eyebrows and laughed, “You’re such a funny girl.”

That was his only response before placing his pointer finger underneath my chin and pulling me into another kiss.

My eyes fluttered closed.

Our lips parted for a moment as he breathed into my mouth.

“You taste so sweet… Like the nectar of a flower.” He hummed the words, and I could feel them digging into my skin.

Any sense of right or wrong vanished, leaving only the anticipation of delightful sensations. “Lea, I want you,” he growled, more persistent this time.

“But I’ve never—” I stammered, embarrassment flooding my voice.

He pushed me away slightly but firmly gripped my arm, preventing me from retreating too far. “Really? Not ever?”

I shook my head slowly, anxiety twisting in my stomach as I wondered if he would laugh or leave. Instead, he smiled gently and stroked my hair. “Don’t worry, I’ll guide you.”

Heat flushed through my chest. He was even kinder and more gentle than I had imagined. I nodded once, and he pulled me back into a kiss. My mind went blissfully blank.

His lips were soft and reassuring.

Every touch was tender yet filled with a growing intensity, making my heart race.

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