Page 21 of The Alpha Grizzly's Mate

Levi

The run was exactly what my grizzly needed. It told him our den was safe for our mate and the cubs. And having my brothers and my newfound friends by my side, made it even better. But the second it was done and my beast was sated, it was time to go and find my mate. There was no chitchatting or grabbing some tea. I wasn’t gone long, but I missed him terribly.

My first stop was to check on the cubs, whom I found sound asleep. The connection that they had with my mate made my heart happy. I felt protective over them, too, but Colson? He had a connection that couldn’t be matched.

I quietly entered our bedroom, Colson’s scent immediately enveloping me. He lay curled up in our bed, chest rising and falling softly with each breath, looking peaceful and adorable, though I wouldn’t tell him that. Something told me he liked to be seen for his strength, not his looks. My heart pounded at the mere sight of my mate, but I resisted the urge to wake him and tell him about the run, my feelings, and share some snuggle time. Instead, I crept toward the en suite, shedding my clothes as I went.

The hot spray of the shower was a relief after the run. Even though I’d been in my fur, I still managed to get quite dirty. I let the water cascade over my tired muscles, trying to wash away the stress as the soap washed away the grime. My thoughts were never far from Colson and the new life we were beginning together.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear the bathroom door open. Suddenly, Colson’s voice broke through the steam.

“Levi? You’re back.”

I turned to see him standing there, gloriously naked, a shy smile on his face. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

He shook his head. “Don’t be. What you saw in there was my attempt at waiting up for you. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, mate. I’ve missed you too.”

Colson’s gaze roamed over my wet body, his pupils dilating. The air grew thick with the mingling of our scents. I ached to pull him close, to show him just how much I’d missed him. But I held back, not wanting to pressure him. Today had been filled with so much change coming at us at quick clips.

“How was the run?”

“Long. Boring, which is the way I like it. My bear needed it, but I kept thinking about coming home to you.”

“Funny, even in my dreams, I kept thinking the same about you.”

Colson stepped into the shower, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m your mate,” he said softly, reaching for the soap. “I should be the one taking care of you.”

“You don’t have to,” I murmured, though I made no move to stop him. I stood still, letting him lather the soap between his hands before he ran them over my chest. His touch was exactly what I needed, sending shivers through my body despite the warmth of the water.

“I want to, alpha. Let me.”

“Please.”

The air grew thick with steam and the scent of our combined arousal. When Colson’s hands dipped lower, trailing over my abs, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him deeply.

Colson melted against me, his lips parting with a soft moan. Our kisses grew more heated, hands roaming eagerly over skin. I pressed him against the shower wall, relishing the feeling of his body against mine.

“Levi,” he gasped between kisses. “I need you.”

“I need you too, omega mine,” I growled, nipping at his neck. “So much.”

And then the water heater decided it was time to cock block us, the water suddenly icy. We both yelped, jumping apart.

“Shit,” I laughed, quickly shutting off the water. “I think that’s our cue to get out.”

We grabbed towels and dried off.

Unable to keep my hands off him, I scooped my mate into my arms. He let out a surprised laugh, wrapping his arms around my neck.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking my mate to bed.” I carried him to our room and laid him gently on the mattress before joining him, immediately capturing his lips in another passionate kiss.

I trailed kisses down Colson’s neck, savoring the sweet taste of his skin. My hands explored the planes of his chest, fingers tracing every curve and dip. Colson arched into my touch, a soft moan escaping his lips.

“You’re so perfect,” I whispered. Truer words were never spoken.

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