Page 40 of The Dark Obsession

Just as I go to roar her name once more, I see it.

Malory’s slim figure coming into view in the distance, and for a moment I stop, making sure it’s truly her I’m seeing.

Fuck. An unbearable weight falls from my shoulders.

She’s safe.

All mine right where she’s supposed to be, ankle deep in water, giggling as Nero splashes around her.

In my haste, I didn’t even realize that the dog was missing as well.

Her soft laugh reverberates through my chest as a sensation I can’t quite place settles over me.

She’s been here all along.

Yearning to cross the distance between us, I step into the shallow stream, not caring about my boots getting wet.

Malory’s laughter stops abruptly, her head snapping in the direction of my figure wading through the water.

Her eyes bulging at my fast approach, or whatever she sees playing out on my face as I sweep her up in my arms.

Lifting her off her feet, I hug her tiny body tightly to my chest, squeezing the life out of her. She feels so fucking good in my embrace,like she has always belonged there.

Her arms snake hesitantly around my neck and my insides twist, my heart clenching at feeling her hugging me back.

Reaching around, I hoist her up, wrapping her legs around my waist, her ankles locking at my lower back.

Malory tucks her head in the crook of my neck and I hold it there, burying my fingers into the silky mass of her hair.

Taking deep breaths, I nuzzle into her, getting my fill of her soft, vanilla scent mixed with something that’s uniquely her.

So fucking sweet.

“You’re here.” I rasp, more to convince myself than anything else.

“I’m here.” She murmurs into my neck, her fingers stroking gently along my nape and I realize that I’ve been shaking.

Using her as an anchor, I close my eyes, taking in her warmth wrapped all around me.

She’s everywhere and I wouldn’t have in any other way.

Her pliant, petite body molding perfectly against mine.

Exchanging one frenzy for another, my hold tightens as I back her up against the nearest tree, cupping the back of her head to shield her from the impact.

Malory gasps as I cover her body with mine, trapping her between the trunk and myself.

There’s no escaping me now.

Scraping my teeth against her neck, her breath hitches, letting me feel the flutter in her pulse. Her taste overwhelming my senses as I sink my teeth into the sensitive flesh, marking her porcelain skin.Hard.

Claiming her as mine. My fucking possession.

With a cry, Malory fists my hair, her dainty fingers sinking into the short strands, making me groan. But she doesn’t pull me away.

No, she forces my head closer.

Soothing the bite with my tongue, I kiss my way up her neck, sucking her skin into my mouth, leaving a trail of hickeys in my wake as her nails sink into my shoulder.

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