Page 36 of Love is Trash in Hallow's Cove

“I know what it’s like to hear people say you’re too much, or too odd, and make yourself smaller to try to fit what they want you to be. It’s a constant struggle, and I love that you haven’t changed who you are to make people more comfortable. It makes me feel safe to be myself with you.”

“You are safe with me,” he says, and I believe him with every fiber of my being.

“Then you’re perfect.” I kiss him softly and he starts to purr again when I pull back, this time not stopping himself from making the sound.

After a minute, he gives me a crooked grin. “Would it be too soon to confess my love for you and ask you to move in with me?”

I snort, even though the thought sends a thrill through me. “Maybe a little.”

He sighs. “Damn, okay. Well, let me know when it’s okay. Because I’m all in, Hayley, but I don’t want to push you. You teased me about me biting you and I said, uh, a lot of things about… breeding. But that doesn’t mean that I expect either of those things right away. Or for a long time, if that’s what it takes for you to feel ready.”

I squeeze his hand, heart swelling at how sweet and considerate he is. I get the sense it’s killing his shifterinstincts to say those things, but he’s earnest about giving me as much time as I need.

“I said it was a little soon, but I didn’t say ‘no’.”

Jake blinks at me, his mouth falling open in surprise. “You… Which part are you ready for?”

“The moving in part. I’m not attached to staying in my aunts’ place, and you’re literally right next door, so it wouldn’t impact my ability to run the bodega while they’re gone.”

“So… you think you’ll stay here when they come back?” I know Jake is trying to sound relaxed, but the sudden tension in his body gives away how nervous he is asking me this.

“Yes. I don’t want to leave. I came here to find something better, and what I found goes far beyond those hopes. I found you. So you’re stuck with me.”

Jake releases a relieved exhale. “Thank fuck. I really didn’t want to have to tie you up and keep you here.”

I laugh, but I don’t mind the thought of him tying me up.

“What about the rest?” Jake asks, swallowing heavily.

I take a moment to consider, doing my best to push aside the bubble of elation at being with Jake and deciding to move in with him. “I don’t want to have kids yet.”

He nods. “Yeah, me either.” He sounds a little relieved, which is reassuring. “I mean, my instincts really want me to get you pregnant, but they, uh, seemed satisfied earlier even when I knew it couldn’t actually happen.”

“Is that something you’ve always been into with partners?” I ask hesitantly. I’m not sure I’ll like it if he tells me he’s always had a breeding kink, but I can’t help asking.

Jake chuckles and shakes his head. “Not at all. I’ve never come inside someone before. It’s like a switch flipped in my brain, and suddenly I’m obsessed with giving you my cum.”

“It probably did, since I’m your mate,” I say with a giggle. “I’ve never been into it before, either. But it’s really hot when it’s with you.”

“I’m glad, baby.” Jake’s voice is a little hoarse and his hand squeezes my thigh.

“Don’t say it like that.” I chuckle weakly and shove against his shoulder. “If we fuck again right now, I think I truly might die from too much dick.”

“We don’t need to involve my dick,” he says, tongue darting out to wet his lips.

“You’re a menace,” I say, squirming a little at the thought of his mouth on me again. “When I agreed to move in with you, I didn’t think you were serious about wanting to eat me out 24/7.”

“I’d never joke about that perfect pussy. I’m addicted to it. Have been since I got your panties.”

I flush at the reminder of how this all started. “Pervert. Next thing you’ll be saying is you want to steal my panties from tonight.”

“I won’t steal them, baby. But I sure as fuck want them if you’ll let me keep them. I’ll need something to keep me from coming over every fifteen minutes while you’re working to get a taste.”

My clit throbs at the idea. “Okay.”

Jake’s fluffy ears perk up. “Really?”

“Well, yeah. If you need it, I’ll give it to you. After all, you’re my mate. It’s not a one-sided thing. I want to make you happy, too.”

---