Page 40 of Fated Exile

"Not even one little bit."

"Good."

Roarke draws our mouths together in a scorching kiss. Arousal pools in my stomach and shivers across my skin as his tongue pushes my lips open and his mouth devours mine. I rise up on the edge of my tip toes and tilt my head to let him in entirely, his strong arms sweeping behind my back and crushing me against him. He tastes like cinnamon and sweetness, a summer afternoon rolled into lips that hunger against mine.

I gasp as he breaks away from our kiss. Tilting his head down, he presses his forehead against mine. We breathe together, tension mounting between us, the coming evening on my mind and no doubt on his.

If it weren't happening so soon, I'd probably push him into the backseat of his car, rip all his clothes off, and have my way with him. As it is, everything between my legs aches with flushed need.

"We have to go," Roarke murmurs against my cheek, even as he nuzzles me and presses kisses to my skin, making me want to do anything but go somewhere. "The pack... they're waiting..."

"They are." Sharp anxiety pinches my stomach. "Do you really think this will go well?"

"I'm certain it will." Drawing back, he puts his hands on either side of my face and stares down at me with clear eyes. "I spoke to the warriors early this morning while I was out on my run. They're more than ready to welcome you into the pack again. After this, you won't be an exile anymore."

"And the co-alpha thing?"

"We'll have to announce that together." He drops a sweet, simple kiss to my lips, and pulls back before I can open my mouth and tempt him into something more. "It's a big ask, I know, but I'm certain we can convince them that it's the right thing to do. Especially now that we know our mating connection will heal the Mating Circle and restore the pack. They can't object to you leading alongside me."

They can, and I'm worried that they will, but I don't show that on my face. Instead I motion towards the car and make myself put on a brave smile.

"Take me there."

* * *

It isn't theentirepack gathered at the foot of the Mating Circle and making their way slowly up the path towards its tall stones, but it certainly feels that way. The sandwich I choked down on the car ride here sits leaden in my stomach. I'm only able to cheer myself up by focusing on the other cars that have arrived: Niall's, with Bastian and Finn in tow, and Lance's, with Kieran.

My phone buzzes, and I slip it out. A text from Cat floats across the screen.Sorry I won't make it to your re-induction ceremony. I know it's like a werewolf graduation. Someone's gotta stay with your aunt Kerry and make sure she's entertained.

I text back,Don't worry about it. All I'm going to do is get the tattoo I already have re-inked and say a few words. Take care of Kerry.

I will.Then she texts again,Don't think I'm missing out on tonight, though. Five mating ceremonies? Someone's going to need a hype woman to keep it going.

My cheeks heat, and I can tell that I'm blushing scarlet. Scowling at my phone, I text back,You better not. Besides, all the family members leave for the second part of the ceremony. They only stick around for the words of bonding, which are strictly clothing-required.

So who are the perverts who watch the whole thing?

Elders and warriors. And they don't watch, they just stick around at a respectful distance in case things go awry.Sweat slicks my forehead as my next text to Cat reminds me of something else that can go wrong tonight.It hasn't happened in years, but occasionally a werewolf mating ceremony gets a little... violent, and the mates have to be separated. That's all. Nothing exciting.

Mmmhmm. Just a little public sex now and then, nothing exciting.The rolling eyes emoji she sends makes her opinion on that clear.

Chuckling a little, I shake my head, put my phone back, and join the stream of people up the path.

Roarke is waylaid by a pack member wanting a word with him, and he sends me a regretful smile, promises to catch up, and jogs off a little.

Finn moves in next to me, reaching out to put a loose arm around my shoulder. I lean into him, appreciating his warmth and the scent of coconut that clings to his hair.

"You nervous, Dollface?"

"About the re-induction ceremony? No. At least, I don't think so." Sighing, I lower my voice and murmur, "The only thing I'm worried about is whether the pack will accept me as its co-alpha aswellas its savior. I'm not even sure it's the right choice."

"It's theonlychoice." He drops a kiss onto my forehead, brushing my hair back with gentle fingers. "Sure, you'll be the oldest one getting inked, but don't feel bad about that. The warriors have all but accepted you back into the pack after seeing how well the land defends itself now. They won't be a problem."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

As we reach the Mating Circle, though, it becomes clear there will beoneproblem.

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