Page 46 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

They packed up the remains of their picnic in comfortable silence, stealing glances and fleeting touches. As they walked back to the car, Articus took her hand, lacing their fingers together. The simple gesture filled her with warmth, and she marveled at how natural it felt.

The drive back to Articus's house—their house?—was charged with anticipation. They stole glances at each other, trading small smiles and fleeting touches. By the time they pulled into the driveway, her heart was racing, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her.

Articus turned off the engine but made no move to get out of the car. Instead, he turned to face her, his expression serious. "Wren," he said softly, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "before we go any further, I need you to know something."

She tensed, worried about what he might say. Had he changed his mind? Did he regret what happened at the picnic? "What is it?" she asked, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "This—us—it's not just physical attraction for me. I know we haven't known each other long, but I... I'm falling for you, Wren. Hard. And if we do this, I need you to understand that I'm all in. No holding back."

His words stunned her. Part of her wanted to run, to protect herself from the vulnerability of caring so deeply for someone else. She'd been hurt before, betrayed by those she thought she could trust.

But a larger part, the part that had been slowly awakening since she came here, wanted to embrace this chance at happiness.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hands trembled slightly, and Articus took them in his, steadying her. "I've never felt like this before. But... I'm falling for you, too, Articus. And I want to see where this goes."

The smile that spread across his face was radiant like the sun breaking through clouds. He leaned in, kissing her softly. "Then let's go inside," he murmured against her lips. "And see where the night takes us."

As the door to Articus's house closed behind them, the air between Wren and Articus thickened with unspoken tension. Their earlier conversation lingered, the promise of something more hanging between them like a delicate thread waiting to be pulled.

Articus reached out, his hand gently brushing Wren's cheek as he searched her eyes for any sign of hesitation.

When he found none, his thumb grazed her lower lip, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. The heat in his gaze mirrored the desire building within her, a pull she could no longer ignore.

With a soft sigh, Wren stepped closer, the warmth of his body a comfort and a thrill all at once. Articus's hand slipped to the back of her neck, guiding her closer until their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and filled with the weight of all that had been unsaid between them.

Their breaths mingled as the kiss deepened, a slow exploration that spoke of longing and restrained passion. Wren's hands found their way to Articus's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingers. The world outside faded, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the warmth of each other.

Wren kissed Articus again, this one bolder, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as she pressed herself against him. The need to be closer, to feel him fully, overwhelmed her, and he responded in kind, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her tight against him.

Slowly, Articus guided her toward the couch, their movements unhurried, savoring every touch, every sigh. They sank down together, the softness of the cushions beneath them contrasting with the growing intensity of their embrace.

Articus's hands roamed her back, exploring the curve of her spine, while Wren's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.

We’re in the living room!

Wren was thankful that Edward and the other staff had retired for the weekend so no one would hear them. The room filled with their quiet sounds, the soft rustle of clothing, and the gentle hum of their mingled breaths.

Articus's lips found the sensitive skin of her neck, trailing kisses that made her pulse quicken while his hands mapped the contours of her body, memorizing the feel of her beneath his touch.

Wren's head fell back, a soft moan escaping her as Articus's lips found the hollow of her throat. The sensation of his teeth lightly grazing her skin sent a jolt of pleasure through her, and she arched against him, her hands gripping his shoulders.

"Articus," she breathed, her voice filled with a mix of need and uncertainty.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze searching hers once more. "I want you," he whispered, his voice raw, "but only if you're ready."

Wren met his gaze, seeing the same vulnerability and desire mirrored in his eyes. "I am," she whispered, her voice steady with conviction. "I want you too."

Articus's hands slid beneath the hem of Wren's shirt, his fingers tracing patterns on her bare skin. She shivered at histouch, her own hands working to unbutton his shirt, eager to feel the warmth of his skin against hers.

As clothing was shed, they took moments to appreciate each other, eyes roaming over newly exposed skin. Wren looked down and…

Oh wow!

Articus pressed reverent kisses along Wren's collarbone, down to the swell of her breasts. She arched into his touch, her fingers threading through his hair.

Their movements became more fluid, bodies intertwining as they explored each other with tender curiosity. Wren gasped as Articus's fingers found sensitive spots, her body responding to his touch in ways she never imagined.

She returned the favor, delighting in the way his breath hitched when she traced the contours of his muscles, the way his eyes darkened with desire at her touch.

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