Page 131 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

“Just eat your breakfast. I have big plans for your body today, and you’re going to need the calories.”

He slid a hand up to my breast and squeezed. “You’re objectifying me. I like it.”

“It’s appreciation, not objectification. And you’re the one who wanted the tattoo. If you changed your mind, we’ll find something else to do.”

“I didn’t change my mind.”

“Then pick up your fork, Savage.”

“Alright.” He did as commanded, brushing his lips to the bite he’d left on my shoulder again. “How many days until heat?”

“I don’t know. My hormones are obnoxiously random, remember? That’s the only reason we ended up spending it together in the first place.”

“I’m chalking that up to fate.”

“Then fate is a huge pain in my ass.”

He made a noise of agreement, finally cutting into his food. “Everything would’ve been much better for you if you never screwed me.”

“No, it wouldn’t.” I dropped my fork and awkwardly turned around on his lap. It took a minute, and his release gushed onto both of our thighs with the motion. I ignored it and stayed on his lap after I turned so I faced him.

His eyes were dark, and despite his erection, there wasn’t an ounce of desire in them. Only worry.

I put my hands on his face and tilted it down toward mine as I pressed my forehead to his. “If you hadn’t taken me to Stray, I’d still be suffering through heat alone. Maybe it would’ve killed me by now. If it didn’t, my stalker probably would’ve. Or I’d still be sitting in that damn bush, hiding from all my problems. Maybe I’d be living in a house Hunter gave me while knowing he wasn’t interested in me. I’d be lonely and sad and stuck. Olive could’ve died. Or maybe I would’ve mated with someone I barely like. I don’t know—but this is better. So much better.”

“My wolf could still hurt you.”

“Like hell he could.”

Clay’s eyes flashed with the beast, and his chest rumbled.

“Shift,” I said, and fur replaced skin in a heartbeat.

His wolf huffed at me and immediately licked my shoulder, where the human had bitten me.

“Just a few more weeks,” I told him.

He nuzzled my face, and I laughed as I ended up smashed against his furry shoulder. My wolf purred in my chest, and he nudged it.

“You want me to shift?” I asked.

He nodded against me.

“Let me get off this chair.”

The wolf waited dutifully as I landed on my feet and pulled the stolen shirt over my head.

My wolf took over without hesitation, and her paws were on the floor a moment later. Clay’s wolf rumbled again, louder, rubbing up against her side as he sniffed her.

She gave him a moment before stepping back and eyeing him. His tail wagged, and he stayed completely still.

After a moment, she began slowly walking around him. Inspecting him. Checking him out.

She had never been so bold, or so confident before.

She felt safe with him, which was huge. She rarely felt safe withanyone.

His tail wagged faster.

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