Page 36 of Kodiak's Heart

“Laramie.” His name was a plea. One he’d gladly grant.

He rode her hard and fast, pounding into her as if he could imprint himself on her from the inside. He covered her back, one hand resting beside where hers fisted in the covers, the other sliding down her stomach toward her clit. He brushed the taut bud with his thumb, wasting no time as he drove her toward orgasm. Her walls clamped down on him as she dropped her head into the pillow and screamed her pleasure. He followed closely on her heels, rutting inside her, more animal than man. He wanted to fill her with his seed, to fill her womb with his child, to bind her so closely to him, she’d never walk away.

He lay atop her for a long moment while they both fought for breath. He wanted to stay. To strip them both and love her all over again, taking his time.

“Let me up.” Her voice was soft, slightly muffled by the pillow, and still, he heard the command in it. Alpha command. Now that he knew who she was, it made perfect sense. Human or not, the blood of an alpha ran in her veins.

He rolled off her and stood beside the bed, tucking his still-hard cock back into his jeans and zipping up.

“Don’t move to the cabin.”

She sighed as she struggled to shimmy back into her jeans then rolled to her feet on the other side of the bed. “Ruby and I can’t keep staying in your room. Besides, we’re used to having our own space.”

He wanted to growl and demand, but he knew it wouldn’t do any good. Not with her.

“I need to go, Laramie. Ruby is already afraid someone will try to take her away from me. Plus, I really need to speak to Rissa, Adam, and Natalie. I’m sure you want to read the letter Malachi sent you.”

Shit! He’d forgotten all about the letter. That’s what Emersyn did to him. She made him forget everything but her and his need for her.

“I will see you later,” he growled, crossing and pulling her into his arms again. He fucked his tongue inside her mouth, reminding them both of what they’d just shared, of what he planned for them to share again and again.

She broke the kiss, burying her face briefly against his neck. He felt her nose press along the base of his throat, felt the slide of her forehead along his skin. Then she was gone, leaving his room and shutting the door behind her with a snap.

He wanted to hit something. How had the arrival of one woman turned his whole world upside down? Thanks to Emersyn, he better understood how his brother, Koby, had felt when he’d been sure Jaeda was his mate. Having her pick Holt had nearly been Koby’s undoing. If Emersyn left, it would be Laramie’s undoing.

He sat on the edge of the bed, dropping his face into his hands and spied the letter from Malachi on the floor. He must have dropped it when he’d tossed Emersyn onto the bed. He ripped open the envelope and pulled out the paper. A fucking letter. Why couldn’t Malachi call him like a normal person?

Laramie,

Thanks for keeping an eye on my girls for me. I always meant to come back. Then I met my mate. She was all that kept me sane when I heard about my family. Then I lost my Amber in a similar attack here. I don’t believe in coincidences. I keep circling back to that.

Let me start by telling you the name of the new alpha of the Washington den. Titus Walker. Ring any bells? If my intel is correct, he’s a direct relation to the man who betrayed our pack, Lawrence Walker. I don’t know if Titus was involved. The more I learn, the more doubts I have. But know this, if he was, he’ll pay. I’ll see to it personally.

I sent my greatest treasures to you. Ruby is my heart and soul. It kills me to know that if things go badly, I might not see her again. I’ve made my peace with that. I know she’ll have Emersyn, and I know my little girl will be okay.

Emersyn is my best friend, another sister, if you will. I love her as if I’ve known her my whole life. There are things you need to know about her, and I’m hoping she shares them as they’re not mine to tell. Know that she’s more than she seems. That every choice she makes is to protect those around her. Whatever you do, don’t let her leave. She needs your family more than any of you realize. No matter what it takes. Keep her with you. Keep her safe.

I’ll be in touch soon.

Malachi

Laramie crumpled the letter in his hand. It all circled back to Lawrence. Christ! Was the man responsible for attacks on two dens? For the death of his father as well as Emersyn’s? What other strings was Malachi tugging? And would Laramie be putting the other man in more danger if he sent help?

As for Emersyn, Malachi had nothing to worry about. Laramie wasn’t letting her go. He didn’t know if she needed him or not, but he knew beyond a doubt he needed her.

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