Page 39 of The Highseer's Mate

And suddenly, I feel that way.

Like my whole world is wrapped up with me right now, in this room. Like my heart is full and I’m where I’m meant to be.

Tears sting my eyes but I blink them away.

Varek cocks his head. “Mate? What is wrong?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

“Tell me,” he demands.

I sigh, my body a tired, slightly sore mess. But the pain in my chest is gone and my worries, my fears—those are gone too.

“I’m… happy.”

Varek’s expression lightens as he holds me close. His bulb is still thick and inflated and I can feel every movement, every breath he makes.

“You’re happy?”

I nod, my lips pulling into a smile. I am. I’m happy. I’m his.

I’m loved.

My chest constricts again, that same lovely feeling from before.

And maybe I am also in love.

I can’t look away from Varek. We watch each other, soaking up the moment as his body slowly, achingly slowly deflates inside me. His seed starts to seep out as he slides out of my sore pussy and my cheeks flush from the embarrassment.

“We’re bonded now, Paige. You carry my scent.”

He reaches for a fur and pulls it over me, tucking me into his chest and holding me close.

In the softest whisper, he says, “You don’t know how much joy you have just brought me.”

My heart aches in the most beautiful way. And for a moment, I think maybe I do know.

Maybe I do.

Chapter 15

Paige

After mating, Varek slept so hard that I had to check to make sure he was still breathing.

Me?

I’ve never felt better.

I cling to him, laying across his chest and playing with the short, soft hair that covers his hard body. After sleeping for four days, I’m wide awake and all I want to do is watch him.

Hear his voice.

Find out more about him.

An intense warmth spreads through my chest, lighting me up inside and I smile like an idiot. Okay, this is definitely the mating bond.

I can feel it now. The intense urge to spend every moment with him. I wonder what it’s like for him—if it’s stronger. If he’s dreaming about me. I drag my fingers along his skin, drawing little circles as chills rise along his biceps.

---