Page 17 of Stalked By the Wolf

Nick.

“And the one with all the tattoos said he’d be back tomorrow to check on you.”

“That’s Maddox.”

“I’m sorry,” she stammers, looking more distressed than I am at the news that my pack brothers left before I woke up.

“Sorry for what?”

Her throat works as she tries to find the words. “For distracting you. I-I heard a noise, so I came downstairs. That’s when I saw you and —” She breaks off with a haunted look in her eyes.

I shake my head. I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been for her to witness, but I shudder to think what would have happened if she hadn’t had the good sense to stay out of the way.

“It’s not your fault. Those bloody bears caught meby surprise is all. If Maddox and Nick hadn’t gotten here when they did —”

Claire’s eyes well up, and I immediately regret putting that thought in her head. “They said you almost died,” she whispers, a few tears trailing down her cheeks. “All because of me.”

My wolf whines at seeing her distress, and I open my mouth to tell her I’d gladly die a thousand deaths to protect her and that precious baby she’s carrying. I want to tell her that she ismineand that I will always fight her battles.

But I’m rubbish with words, so instead I cup the back of her neck and pull her mouth down to mine.

My kiss is frantic, desperate, claiming, and Claire responds in kind. Rising up onto her knees, she thrusts her fingers through my hair and makes a contented sound in her throat.

I pull back long enough to glimpse her face — to make sure this is what she wants. And when I see the need shining in her eyes, my wolf snaps his leash. “Oh, fuck.”

Our mouths crash together again, and I lose myself in her scent. Everything about this woman just feels right, and I’m gripped once again by the driving need to claim her.

My hands push up the T-shirt she’s wearing, exposing the subtle swell of her belly. I plant a kiss just below her navel so she knows just how much I cherish her and the little life growing inside her.

Sliding the fabric up higher, I finally expose thosebeautiful breasts. They’re swollen and heavy from the pregnancy, and the delicate pink buds are peaked from the cool air.

Blood rushes to my cock, and I bend forward to suck one into my mouth. Claire’s eyes flutter closed, and the breathy little sound she makes drags a satisfied growl from my throat. I work the other nipple with my thumb until she moans in delight.

Feeling impatient, I pull the T-shirt over her head so I can get a good look at my angel. Most of her hair has come out of its braid and hangs in loose golden tendrils.

My hungry gaze skims over her slender shoulders and her magnificent breasts before coming to rest on the pretty pink lace panties she’s wearing. The front is completely soaked, and my cock swells at the evidence of her desire.

“Do I look almost dead to you?” I rumble, gripping the back of her neck.

Claire shakes her head, her full lips parted.

Without another word, I get to my feet and scoop her into my arms. I lay her gently on top of the covers, kissing her slowly and deliberately. Claire fists my hair and pulls me closer, and my animal roars with pride.

The beast in me loves seeing my mate like this — bare and needy and ready for my cock.

Slipping my hand into her panties, I moan against her lips when her slickness coats my fingers. I gently part her delicate folds and circle her entrance until she shudders.

She is so fucking wet for me. My soldier is already standing at attention. It would be so easy to shred this flimsy piece of fabric separating us and ram into her hot cunt, but I want to make this good for her.

Biting my lip, I insert a finger, and Claire makes a contented sound in her throat. I bury my face in the crease of her neck, inhaling her gorgeous scent.

It’s a mistake.

I feel a sharp pinch as my fangs descend, and venom spills over my tongue. I squeeze my eyes shut and will them to retract, but my need is much too great. My whole body is aching to be joined with Claire — the blood in my veins heating for her.

“I need to claim you, love,” I moan against her skin, allowing my hard length to press against her dampness through the thin lace of her panties. “I need to mate you and give you my mark.”

“Your what?” Claire’s voice is slightly breathless. She doesn’t understand a thing about our world — much less the mating mark.”