Page 111 of Destined Mate

Don’t push it,Bodey linked, jealousy coursing through our bond.

I laughed and backed away, then looped my arm through Bodey’s and pulled him to my side. I smiled. “Thank you. Bodey makes meextremelyhappy.” I turned to Bodey and got lost in my mate’s eyes. I couldn’t imagine feeling happier than I did right then.

Tenderness lightened his irises. “If you’ll excuse us, I want to talk to mymatefor a moment before the ceremony starts.” Bodey led me away to one of the few trees near the river.

He pulled me to his chest, our bodies flush. He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear and linked,I can’t believe I was so stupid. I should’ve known.

Knownwhat?

His palm pressed into my lower back.That we’re fated mates.

My magic was suppressed. There was no way to know. My wolf was trapped, and there wasn’t a way to forge our connection until we mated.

He kissed my forehead and linked,We’ll find out who did this to you and why.

The world spun. Finding out who’d hidden my wolf and why I’d been taken from my biological parents hadn’t crossed my mind. Now that he’d mentioned it, Ineededthose answers. If a witch had blocked my magic, she must have altered my memories, too. “I’d really like that.”

“Then it will be our priority,” he whispered, tilting my face upward.

The thrum of our bond had me falling against him, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. “But first, Samuel.”

Our chests rubbed together, and I forgot where we were. Something inside me tugged toward him and reveled in the way his body pressed against mine.

He growled.You’re making me forget why we’re here. There’s nowhere I want to be except in our bed with you.

Our bed.

The words rang between us. The fact we were one in all ways was still surreal, and we now shared a bedroom.I can’t wait until we get back.

He kissed me, but when I tried to deepen the kiss, he pulled away. I chased his lips, and he chuckled.

As much as I want to ruin your lipstick, I have a secret I’ve never shared with anyone.He leaned back, a devilish smirk on his face.

I wasn’t sure where this was heading.Which is?

Stella scares me.He winked.If I mess up your makeup…

I slid my hand between us and brushed his crotch. He hissed as his hips pressed into me.

I smiled sweetly.You were saying?

Footsteps pounded toward us, and Stella said, “Nope. If you ruin her makeup, you’re on Jack duty all weekend. You know he’ll be partying hard after the coronation.”

Babe, I want to touch you all weekend instead of just now,he linked and took a large step away from me, detangling his limbs from my body. His eyes were wide as if having to deal with a drunken Jack was the worst thing in existence.

I’d lost to Jack. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

“Don’t get mad at me.” Bodey gestured to Stella and said, “She’s vicious.”

The corners of her mouth tipped upward. “Don’t you forget it.” She flipped her hand and pulled me away from my mate, nodding toward the group that was flocking together once more. “Zeke’s back.”

“Oh.” I hadn’t noticed.

“That’s what happens when you’re ogling your mate.” She arched a brow, but there was no judgment, just understanding.

“Fine.” I gestured at her shoes. “I see you removed them.” If she was going to give me hell, I’d give it right back.

“Yeah, I didn’t realize we’d be out here. I thought it’d be more like the vineyard.” She laughed. “From now on, I’m following your footwear lead.”

---