Page 14 of Rescued By Her Guardian

“We’ll see,” Knox said.

“About the leap—” Maverick said.

“I’m not going to worry about that,” Knox said, cutting him off. “And I expect things to stay between the three of us for now until I figure out my next step.”

He hadn’t wanted to worry about what it meant that his mate wasn’t a shifter, he wanted to focus on getting to know her. The last thing he wanted was for her to worry about what it all meant for him, his leap, and his position as alpha.

“Of course,” Maverick said.

“We’ve got your back,” Chase said.

“Thanks, I’ll let you know when I plan to return, but I think just the one day off is good for now. The holidays aren’t that far away and then things settle down here.”

He said goodbye and turned to look at Ivy, who had pink cheeks and was chewing her bottom lip.

“Yes, I know, Dad,” she said. “I promise. No, I promise. Yes, I do. Seriously? You’re embarrassing.” She let out a little huff. “Fine.” She looked at Knox and said, “My dad wants to meet us for dinner tomorrow night so he can threaten you in person.”

Knox chuckled. “Threaten me, huh? Gotta love a protective dad. We can definitely meet him for dinner tomorrow.”

She gave him a thousand-watt smile, making his leopard sit up with an interested purr. She finished her conversation with her dad and set the phone on the coffee table. “My brother Alder will be there. He’s protective too.” She looked thoughtful.

“Are all elves up here?” he asked.

“There are pockets of elves around the world. They live in what they call communes. A lot of elves call the North Pole home, though.”

There was a moment where he wasn’t sure what to say because, thanks to Maverick and Chase, he was now thinking about what he would do about having a mate who wasn’t a shifter.

He didn’t want to rush her or make her think he was only after one thing. Because while he very much wanted to hear what she sounded like when she fell apart in his arms, the last thing he wanted to do was make her feel like she wasn’t worth the wait. She absolutely was.

As he wrestled internally with his leopard and what his next move should be, she touched his cheek with her soft, warm hand.

All thought fled save for one: kiss the girl.

She wasn’t bold by any stretch. She would rather just walk away than confront someone or put herself out there too much, frankly. As a bona-fide people pleaser, she spent way too much time worrying about what other people thought of her.

But all she could think about once Knox had lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing and carried her all the way to her apartment was the searing heat that made her feel like she was going to combust.

Could a person combust from pent-up sexual need?

She wasn’t sure, but it certainly felt like she could. She was flushed, her skin was prickling, and she wanted to snuggle up to Knox and see where the night took them.

He was staring at the floor, clearly deep in thought, so she laid her palm on his cheek. He lifted his head and his nostrils flared, his eyes changing to the most enchanting amber color.

“I’m not the sort of, uh,” she cleared her throat. “I’m not the sort of girl who takes any random male to her place for the night. You’re my mate, and I genuinely feel like I’m going to burst into flames if we don’t kiss right now. And more.” Her fingers curled, her nails digging a little into his skin. “More. Much more.”

He let out a low, deep growl. “There are things I need to tell you.”

She moved a little closer, inhaling his masculine scent. He smelled like snow and leather. “We’re mates, right?”

“Yes.”

She went onto her toes and slipped her hand to his shoulder. “Don’t think I’m crazy, but I want to just go to bed and see what happens.” She nuzzled under his chin and sank her teeth gentlyinto his throat. He gripped her suddenly and lifted her up. She curled her legs around his waist and hooked her ankles together.

“Mine.”

She bit a little harder, knowing she would leave a bruise. Then she kissed the mark as he carried her through the great room.

“You’re mine too.”

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