Page 66 of Coming Up Aces

“Like you said, you’re my brother, and if I can’t talk to you about my issues, who can I? And I’m getting there.” More like he was already there, but that would be TMI. “Maybe it’s because I’m her fated mate, but I knew she was something special the moment I met her. My Gryphon felt the connection immediately, and her Cheetah assured my beast everything would be okay. That Rayna could be patient. And she is. Rayna is so much more than I could have dreamed of.”

“I’m so happy for you, and I look forward to getting together when we get back. And expect Glory to ask Rayna to see her Cheetah. My mate loves big cats.” Rip chuckled, and Ace smiled. After they disconnected, he took the pitcher of drinks outside where his own cat was lounging on the patio in cut-off jeans anda thin, spaghetti strap camisole. Ace’s dick approved of her bare skin that was deeply tanned from all her time spent outdoors.

Rayna turned to face him as he stepped outside. “Everything okay?”

Ace refilled her glass before pouring his own. “Yes. Ripley called. He and Glory will be home soon.”

Rayna took the proffered glass. “How much grief did he give you for not calling him?”

Ace blanched. “Not too much.”

“Right.” After taking a sip, she set the glass on the table next to her, returning her gaze to the dark sky.

Ace took his chair, but instead of looking at the stars, he stared at his mate. She must have felt his eyes on her because Rayna glanced over. “What?”

“I’m ready. I want us to claim each other.” They’d talked about completing the bond without sex, but Ace had wanted to wait.

“Are you sure? We don’t need to rush.”

“I’ve waited fifty-two years, Ray. I want you.”

Rayna rose, then climbed onto Ace’s lap, straddling his legs. She ran a hand over his spiky hair and leaned down to kiss him. It was the first time his dick had come into contact with something other than his own hand or Rayna’s mouth, and even through their clothes, it was electric. Rayna undulated her core, stoking the fire.

“Let’s move this inside.” Ace cradled Rayna to him and stood, carrying her to their bedroom. Rayna pressed open-mouth kisses to his neck, nipping his skin with her teeth. Ace shivered, ready for the bite that would tether them for eternity. When he reached their room, he lowered his mate to her feet. Ace thought he would be nervous, but he wasn’t. He was ready. His dick was pressing against the zipper of his shorts, harder than ever.

Rayna lifted the camisole over her head, dropping it to the floor. Her nipples were pebbled, and Ace cupped her breasts, rolling the hard peaks between his thumb and forefinger. Rayna arched her back, pushing into his hands. Staring with hooded eyes, she unbuttoned his shorts and lowered the zipper, pushing the garment along with his briefs down his thighs. Ace shrugged them the rest of the way, kicking them off to the side. He removed his tee, then stood naked while Rayna divested herself of her own shorts and panties.

Stepping closer, Rayna ghosted her fingertips across the many tattoos on his chest before leaning in and licking a stripe from his sternum to his jaw. His cock jumped, the tip leaking. Rayna gripped his length and tugged with just the right amount of pressure. Ace grasped her wrist, stopping her. “I’m too close.”

Rayna released him, then palmed his cheek. “Good.”

“Good?”

“Mmm hmm. I like that you’re so turned on.” She folded the comforter down, then climbed on the bed, her ass wiggling. She glanced over her shoulder with a wink before lying in the middle with her head on a pillow. She crooked a finger at him, and Ace didn’t hesitate to follow her command. He settled between her parted legs with his hands on her bent knees. Ace knew every inch of her skin, and now he was itching to know her from the inside out. Gripping his cock, he rubbed the tip over her clit, and Rayna writhed, her hands gripping the sheet.

“Asher, please.”

He placed the tip at her slick opening and pushed inside. Ace bottomed out and held still, taking a deep breath to gain control. He was too close to coming, and he wanted their first time to last. Rayna hooked her feet around his ass, opening herself to him while tugging him closer. He leaned down, placing his hands on the bed beside her neck.

“Zeus, you’re stunning.” Ace rocked back and forth, the glide slick, as her channel hugged his length. “You feel so fucking good, Ray.” He called on his Gryphon’s strength and fortitude to keep his orgasm at bay long enough to satisfy his mate. Ace raised up and draped her knees over his arms, changing the angle of his thrusts. Rayna moved her hands to her breasts, squeezing and tugging on her nipples, moaning softly. Ace had never imagined sex with his mate. He never thought he would find them, but watching Rayna touch herself was better than any porn he’d perused over the years. Her moans were real, and her gaze was steady. Filled with heat and love.

“I’m close,” she husked. “I want you to bite me, Asher. Bite me and make me completely yours.” Her fangs elongated, and Ace had never seen a more enticing sight. He released his own sharp teeth and rocked into her body faster and harder when she urged him to do so.

“Ash!” Rayna’s claws dug into his biceps as her core tightened around his cock. Rayna pulled herself up and sank her fangs into his shoulder. His orgasm was instantaneous, and he roared with the powerful release and her toxin coursing through his veins. When he was somewhat coherent, Ace returned the bite. Rayna’s pussy tightened around his still hard cock, and she groaned around her fangs still in his shoulder. Ace retracted his fangs and lapped at her blood. His cock pulsed, shooting more of his seed deeper into her body. His head swam with dizziness as the toxin from her bite ignited every nerve cell. Rayna licked over the punctures, settling back against the pillow.

Ace lowered Rayna’s legs, barely catching himself before he crushed her. “Holy, Zeus.” He shook his head, praying his equilibrium returned.

Rayna pressed her palms to his cheeks. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Yes.” Ace blinked several times, and his mate came into view. “That was… I’m not sure I have the words to describe it.”

“You don’t have to, my love. I felt it too.”

My love.

Ace eased his spent dick from her core and rolled to his side, taking Rayna with him so they were facing. He brushed her hair back from her face, then kissed her softly. Tears filled his eyes, and he didn’t try to stop them. Never had he felt as alive, as loved, as fulfilled as he did in that moment, and it was all due to the unbelievable female in his bed.

“I…” He cleared his throat. “I love you, Rayna Bellamy. You have made me the happiest male on the planet, and I will cherish you as long as we live. I vow to be the best mate to you and the best papa to any children we have.”

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