Page 311 of Secret Shifters Next Door

Butterflies swarmed through my stomach as Blayne turned back to face me again. To my surprise, he turned off the light and took me by the hand, leading me to the bedroom. My heart threatened to hammer right through my ribcage. Excitement, worry, lust, and everything in between raced through me.

Blayne took me to the bed, and gently nudged me to sit on it. He knelt and removed my shoes. My hands trembled and my breaths came in short little bursts as he me lay back and pulled the covers over me.

He stripped off his shoes and pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it to the side. Next, he clicked off the bedroom light. The anticipation was very close to killing me as he slid under the covers next to me. We wouldn’t be having sex. The understanding filled me with an immense relief, but also adeep disappointment. It was a strange feeling to have. To want something, but to also be happy not to get it.

He kissed the top of my head and wrapped an arm around my waist. “Relax. Get some sleep. It was a long day for both of us.”

It only took a moment for me to relax and melt into his embrace. In moments, my eyes were drifting closed as sleep came to claim me.

From behind me, I could hear Blayne whispering to himself. “I promise I’ll take care of her.”

I had no way of knowing if he was talking to himself or to Liam. Regardless, the words brought a faint smile to my lips. Seconds later, I slipped into a deep and restful sleep.

TWENTY-ONE

BLAYNE

Ava was still wrapped in my arms when I woke the next morning. The unfamiliar room and Ava being with me in bed felt like a dream. Her warmth and the pressure of her against my skin, however, told me that it was no dream. This was real.

I hesitantly ran a hand through her hair. Things had changed so fast that it left my head spinning. All the time I’d spent being angry and pushing her way seemed to have happened years ago. How could letting one tiny flicker of emotion through the walls I’d built do this?

However it had happened, I wasn’t bitter about the change. If anything, I was more relaxed and happier than I’d been in a long time.

As I’d slowly drifted off to sleep the night before, I’d felt Liam’s presence. Like he was in the room, watching. Not in a bad way. Not judging or jealous. Instead, I had the distinct feeling that he was giving us some sort of blessing.

I mulled over the promise I’d made as I’d fallen asleep. Iwouldtake care of her. In every way I could think of.

Ava’s eyes fluttered open. She didn’t look as confused as I’d felt when I woke up. She looked happy to see me, practicallyrelieved. When her eyes met mine, the ache in my chest was unbearable. It knocked my breath out of me.

Ava had said the words that had broken our mating bond. I’d experienced the pain and agony of it. Yet somehow, we still shared a connection so strong, I had no words for it. Nothing could explain why I reacted to her this way.

We lay like that, looking into each other's eyes, until I couldn’t hold back any longer. I crashed my lips against hers. The heat of her mouth sent my panther into a frenzy. I was tentative at first, but then Ava trailed her fingers over my cheek, and the kiss deepened.

As our tongues flicked together, Ava let out a breathless moan. That sound made me wild in a way I didn’t know I could get. My cock hardened, throbbing against my pants. I became acutely aware of her body pressed against me—the curves of her breasts, her flat stomach, her hands clutching at my arms and chest. The delectable scent of her arousal hit me, and my mouth watered with need. I’d never wanted anything more than to taste her, but I held back. I didn’t want to rush things.

I assumed she’d push me away eventually. Calm the situation down, and we could think about things like adults. But she didn’t. It was almost like she was more desperate than I was. She slid her hand down my chest, her fingers digging under my waistband and wrapping around my cock. I gasped into her mouth. The coolness of her hands stroking me almost made my eyes roll back in my head.

A growl, deep and satisfied, erupted from my throat. I wanted her. Had to have her, but not fully. Not yet.

As she stroked me, I ran a thumb across her breast, caressing the nipple beneath her shirt. “I want to make you come,” I whispered, trailing my lips along her jaw down to her neck.

“Mmhmm. I want it. Do it. Oh, fuck.” Her words were breathless murmurs.

I pulled away and sat up on my knees. Fingers slipping under her panties, I tugged them away. Seeing her like that made my heart erupt and jackhammer. Ava spread her legs and played with her breasts as I brushed my nose against her pussy. She arched her back as I slid my tongue along her slit and tasted heat, sex, and warmth. My body throbbed with longing.

Gripping her thighs, I pressed my face into her. The tip of my tongue circled her clit, and then slid up and down her cleft. Ava’s moans grew louder and more insistent as I worked her faster. My cock was on the verge of exploding, but I wanted this to be about her. All I’d done for years was make her think I hated her, and I wanted to make up for all of that.

When I slipped a finger into her, Ava clutched at the sheets and gasped, pressing her hips against my face as I sucked at her clit. My hand and mouth worked at her feverishly, and I could feel the orgasm building within her. Her grunts and groans of pleasure were growing in volume, and she quivered gently beneath me.

“I’m coming,” Ava moaned as she bucked beneath me.

I clutched her to me, sliding my tongue deep into her as she orgasmed. Unable to handle it any longer, I tugged my cock out with my free hand and jerked myself off as she continued to come. My own orgasm came in seconds, and I pulled my face away from her pussy. We both collapsed into a heap beside each other.

Once the exhilaration passed, I looked up to see Ava staring down at me. She’d tugged her shirt up and her breasts were out. My eyes locked on the dark red nipples, and I glanced up at her. We both burst into childish giggles as she pulled her shirt back down to cover her chest. It felt so natural. The moment of awkwardness vanished.

“Uh, I think your cousin’s gonna need to get me some fresh sheets.”

Ava burst into another gale of laughter, her face going bright red as she attempted to catch her breath. I liked the abrupt change in our relationship dynamic. From Ava’s demeanor, she did as well.

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