To Cassie’s credit, she doesn’t shrink beneath my gaze. She levels me with an alpha stare of her own, as if daring me to make the first move.

My eyes devour every inch of her, finally settling at the apex of her thighs. Her pussy is covered in curly dark hair, and my animal roars at the sight of her wildness.

Cassie’s sex is glistening with desire, and my cock aches to be buried inside her. But I’m not going to rush this moment.

For years, I’ve watched my wolves find their mates — the females who made them whole. I told myself that if I ever found mine, I’d never let her go, but all I’ve done is push Cassie away.

I told myself I couldn’t have her — that to give in to my wolf’s desires would be to betray my pack.

But how can loving the one who’s meant for you be wrong? Cassie isn’t just my mate. She’s the other half of my soul.

I could no more deny her in this moment than I could stop breathing.

And so I kiss her slowly, memorizing every curve of her lips. I delight in the dance her tongue does with mine and the hard, desperate way she grips the back of my neck.

I allow my kisses to trail lower, traversing the soft peaks of her breasts and drawing one tender nipple into my mouth. Cassie hisses and bucks her hips, and I lave it roughly with my tongue.

A soft moan escapes her lips, and I reward her with a gentle nip. That heady musk of desire intensifies, and my animal preens.

Moving to the other nipple, I take my time licking and sucking, cupping her breast to see what other delightful sounds I can pull from those lips.

Lower and lower I go, covering her in open-mouthed kisses and following with my hands. Cassie’s body responds to my every touch, and it’s all I can do not to flip her onto her belly and take her right here, right now.

My alphaness comes with a higher-than-average sex drive, but I’m nothing if not a master of self-restraint.

I continue my slow path down along the inside of her thigh, kneeling on the floor in front of her and spreading her legs wide.

The sight of Cassie’s glistening slit steals the air from my lungs. She is magnificent in every way, and she’s laid out on my bed like a present.

I press a chaste kiss just between her folds and watch as a spasm rocks her whole body.

I groan and lick my lips. My girl tastes so damn good. I might just die here between her legs, attempting to subsist on Cassie alone.

Stroking down her center, I pause at her entrance before slipping a finger inside her. She is so fucking tight, and the urge to claim her roars stronger.

A quick gasp from Cassie, and my cock strains against my zipper. I’d like to spend all night playing with her, experimenting to see what other sounds I can pull from my girl, but my wolf will not be denied any longer.

I distract myself by licking under the hood of her swollen clit, and Cassie screams into the pillow.

I grin as her juices coat my stubble. I knew my girl was all fire and fury, and I intend to unleash every ounce of that passion.

Taking her sensitive nub into my mouth, I suck until Cassie bites down on her lip, stifling her wail of pleasure.

I stop my ministrations at once, gently turning her face toward mine.

“Don’t hold back, baby. I want every shifter in a hundred-mile radius to hear it when you come.”

Cassie’s eyes narrow in defiance, and I deliver a swift little smack to her clit.

She throws her head back in a guttural cry, and more of that sweet cream beads up at her entrance.

Carefully, I slip another finger inside her, and a crease appears between her brows as I stretch her walls. I feel for thatmagical spot deep within her core as I circle her clit with my thumb.

Cassie’s mouth goes slack, though she continues to glare at me in helpless ecstasy as I drive her closer to the edge.

I start thrusting my fingers in and out, and she lets out a low, throaty moan.

Soon her cream coats my hand, and I just have to taste her again. I dip my head to lap up her sweetness, stroking her with my tongue.