Page 17 of A Mate for Christmas

“You don’t have a Christmas tree,” she murmurs.

I’m not sure I was supposed to hear the comment, but I am coming to find that it’s hard to miss anything about River. I still can’t figure out how I missed that she is my mate in the first place, not to mention the whole dating app thing.

“I don’t usually celebrate but we can get one if you want.”

She chuckles. “I’m aware of how you feel about Christmas.”

She is referencing the incident at the office, and I lower my gaze in embarrassment.

“You don’t have to go through the extra trouble,” River says before taking a seat across from me at the counter. I have already sent Gabby a text and know it will be here within the hour.

I would go to the ends of the earth to make sure she is happy even if she doesn’t know it.

“Eat.” I push a plate in front of her.

I can see she wants to tell me to fuck off. She doesn’t like me telling her what to do. But it only takes a moment for her to realize it’s what she wants, what she needs, so she complies. After we finish our sandwiches, I load the dishes into the dishwasher and turn to her, my hip leaning against the counter.

“I know you didn’t want to come here but I want you to relax and enjoy the week.” She nods but doesn’t speak or make eye contact. “I’m going to grab a shower. Give you some privacy to shift.”

She chuckles before finally facing me. “I’ve shifted in front of strangers before. It comes with the territory.”

I don’t like the idea of her being naked in front of anyone except me, and neither does my tiger. The possessiveness we feel toward this woman, our mate, is insane and like nothing I have ever experienced before.

“That may be true, but you’ve been through a lot in the past couple of hours.”

“Will you stop glaring at my neck?” she growls.

“I find it offensive,” I snap.

“You find it offensive?”

“Yes, River,” I sigh in exasperation. “It offends me to know there are men in the world that think they have the right to hurt a woman. It pisses me off to see dark bruises and claw marks along the column of your neck, marring your perfect skin. The only bruise any woman should wear is one she begged for.”

Her eyes widen at my words. Both of us are breathing harshly. This seems to be our dynamic. We are either pussyfooting around each other or being blatantly honest.

“I can’t find my phone,” River changes the subject.

“It’s on charge in my room. I’ll give it to you when you get back.”

Nodding, she rises from her seat and walks outside onto the wooden porch that surrounds most of the house. She starts undressing as she goes, first removing her shirt and then pushing her shorts to the ground. It takes every ounce of willpower I have to turn and walk away. I want nothing more than to lay her flat on the deck and make her scream my name.

Instead, I slam the master bedroom door as I stride insideand go straight to the shower. Stripping quickly, I step beneath the freezing spray of the shower. I was praying a cold shower would help my cock go down but no such luck. Wrapping my right hand tightly around my length I place the left on the cold tile. And with thoughts of River moaning over the phone last night I find my release in a less-than-satisfactory orgasm.

Chapter Six

River Thomas

I’m pushing his buttons and I fucking know it, but he started it. The way he speaks to me like he knows me grates on every one of my nerves. How fucking dare he? But that isn’t really the problem. No, the problem is I enjoy it. I am more grateful than I will ever be able to express that he took control of the situation after chasing Kevin off. I know I have protested every step of the way. But that’s what I am supposed to do, right? I can’t be some damsel in distress, can I?

It’s the twenty-first century, for crying out loud. I am a strong, independent woman and I have been taking care of myself for years now. I don’tneeda man to rescue me. But dear Lord, does it feel good to have Carter do it anyway.

So yes, I push back. My pride won’t allow anything else.

I start undressing in front of him as I walk out of the beautiful white house built into the side of a hill, hoping I get a rise out of him. When I turn back to look at him, he is gone. I push aside the disappointment I feel and allow my ligress to come forward. I have been shifting for as long as I can remember and although it doesn’t hurt, there is still some discomfort as my skin and bones shift and contort before my paws hit the ground.

I can feel the magic working its way through my system, healing me. I hear a door slam in the house and if I could, I would smile. Maybe I do affect him after all.

I don’t think about that for too long. My ligress is ready to take off and explore the island. The greenery is lush as we pad our way around the house. Shifting here is different than at home. I had to shift quickly in the city and get it over with, always simply pacifying my beast. Now, we walk around leisurely, smelling flowers, feeling the sand beneath our paws, and breathing in the fresh air.

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