Page 26 of The Alpha's Bullied Mate

“Well, what?”

“I’m waiting for my apology.”

Mica shot him a dirty look. “Asshole.”

Hayden laughed. “Hey, you’re the one who brought it up.”

“Just take off your shirt so I can check your injury.”

Hayden smirked. For a moment, she thought he was going to refuse. Or maybe he would tell her that she had to undress him. But he didn’t. He shrugged off the dark jacket he wore, then peeled his t-shirt off. Mica’s mouth went dry as the smooth contours of his torso were revealed.

He didn’t have that veiny muscular look that many of the men in the pack liked to have. No, he looked strong in the way a professional athlete was strong. The planes of his chest and stomach were strong, with distinct muscle tone beneath. His skin looked soft, though. Like velvet over marble.

Mica tore her eyes away from his beauty and checked the bandages on his shoulder. She was surprised to find it was still her torn clothes. When she unwrapped it, she found the skin had sealed over. The scar tissue was fresh and pink but didn’t need tobe rebandaged. She poked around the edges, searching for any sign of infection brewing.

“You look like you’re healing nicely,” she said.

Hayden grabbed her waist and spun her around so her back was to him. Mica yelped as his fingers started to probe at her scalp.

“And what about you? Looks like the swelling has gone down a little. Do you have any headaches? Blurry vision?” he asked.

Mica’s scalp prickled as his fingers ran through her hair. “Um. No. Nothing. I kind of forgot I hit my head.”

“Good.”

It had been such a whirlwind of a day. Yet now, in this moment where it was just the two of them and the quiet of the night crept in on them, Mica was forced to admit something she never wanted to. The worst part of when he rejected her all those years ago wasn’t how public it was. It wasn’t how the bullying got worse afterward.

No. It was because she never expected anything different.

And yet now, here she was.

“Why me?” she whispered. “Why did you want me for your mate?”

Hayden’s fingers continued to comb through her hair. “You’re the only one it felt natural to pick.”

Mica couldn’t stop herself. She turned and pressed her mouth to his. A thousand emotions and whirl of thoughts swelled and disappeared. This was what she wanted—hewas who she wanted.

Chapter 14 - Hayden

Fuck, yes.

Hayden’s wolf howled in delight at the promise this kiss held. He tangled his hands in Mica’s red hair, tugging her closer. Her scent curled into his nostrils. She was sweet and musky, a mix of vanilla and arousal. He needed her closer, but he also needed to touch her. Normally, he’d know exactly what to do, but at this moment, he couldn’t decide whether to keep his hands in her silky hair or move them over her body.

Her delicious curves were too great a temptation. Hayden explored her, his hands roving over the flare of her hips, the swell of her breasts. There was far too much clothing between them.

He hitched her knee over his hip. Mica gasped lightly. Her eyes were wide, staring at him as she molded herself against him. Her hands tightened around him, as though she was afraid he’d suddenly pull away from her.

“You,” he growled as he nipped her neck, “are perhaps the most delightful creature I have ever had the fortune to lay my hands on.”

“Creep,” she breathed back. Her back arched, pressing her breasts against him.

Hayden chuckled. He picked her up fluidly and kissed her as he carried her to the bed. When he laid her down, he gazed at her. Still fully clothed, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed. Her fingers curled into the blankets beneath her, and she watched him, reminding him of a little rabbit frozen in fright and awe.

He knelt on the bed next to her, careful not to cage her in. “Do you want this?”

Mica bit her lip. “I agreed that I’d consummate the mating.”

“That isn’t what I asked. Do you want this?”

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