Page 111 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

“As if I would ever leave you.”

“Eat,” Vedar said impatiently. “Then we will swim.”

With a look of excitement in her eyes, Zoe released me.

“Now that’s a form of exercise I can get behind. I haven’t gone swimming in forever.”

Vedar glared at her. “You’re not invited.”

“Rude.”

“He swims naked,” I said, trying to hide my laugh behind a bite of eggs.

Zoe’s eyes took on a speculative gleam.

“Enticing.”

Vedar growled low. A second later, Sir Cuddles came romping into the room, circling Zoe’s chair.

“Patchnew wants your attention after you eat, and he cannot swim.”

Zoe laughed and picked up the puppy. “Who can say no to this adorable face?” she demanded before smothering his head in kisses.

Vedar watched the pair of them, his lips curving for the briefest instant. My heart gave a stuttering beat at how impossibly gorgeous he looked in that moment. And he was all mine.

If the last twenty-four hours were an example, he truly would be and give me everything I needed. Protection. A home for me and my sister. Patience.

That last one was a big one. Especially with Zoe. The two of them would keep life interesting. But they both loved me, and I loved them. They’d figure it out.

My eyes went wide as I realized what I’d just thought, and his gaze pinned mine.

Slowly, he held out a hand.

“Are you finished?”

I glanced down at my half-eaten plate of food then nodded and slipped my hand into his.

“You two love birds have fun,” Zoe called as we walked away. “And don’t worry about your bacon. I won’t let it go to waste.”

I grinned, and Vedar glanced down at me. His expression softened as he took in my smile.

“I think I might learn to like your sister,” Vedar said.

“Does that mean she gets her own bacon tomorrow?”

“Perhaps.”

He closed the door to his room behind us but didn’t slide the lock into place.

“Will you swim with me?” he asked, moving close to rub his cheek against mine.

I leaned into the contact, rubbing back and loving the zing of excitement it sent through me.

“Aren’t you wearing too many silly human clothes to swim?” I asked breathlessly.

He immediately pulled back and stared into my eyes. I smiled softly and slide my hands under his shirt to stroke my fingers down his chest. The clicking started slow and quickly picked up speed.

“I think you said something about your skin rubbing against mine.”

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