Page 43 of Magic and Muffins

“Everly…”

I gripped the waistband of his jeans. “Why don’t you let me help with these so you don’t wreck them?”

The rest of his clothes disappeared before I could touch the button, and then his mouth was on mine again, kissing me hungrily as he backed me toward the bed.

He gripped my arms as he slowed our fall onto the mattress, and I could feel his nails. But he was careful as the heat of his body settled over mine. He wasn’t rough. He was perfect. Each touch. Each kiss. He stoked my need for him until I was begging to feel him inside of me. And when he finally entered me in one slow stroke, I moaned his name.

I looked up at him, meeting his golden gaze and felt…different. Connected in a way I’d never felt with him before. Then, he started to move.

He unmade me with his thorough love and showed me how I would never be able to live my life without him. As I found my release, his canines scraped the place Cross had bitten me, intensifying my pleasure. He didn’t break the skin, though. His rhythm increased until he suddenly withdrew and found his release on my stomach.

Heart racing, I attempted to catch my breath and rein in my confusion as he rained kisses all over my face.

Leaning on his forearms, he captured my face.

“Forever, Everly,” he said. “It means we have time. And, as you said, there’s no rush. I know you want to finish school and open the bakery. Although I’m desperate to see you carrying our child, I won’t put my wants before yours. When you’re ready, I’m ready.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, lifting my lips to catch his.

He stayed with me until we both breathed normally. Then he picked me up and carried me to the shower. We washed each other and talked about little things until his stomach growled aggressively.

“Ready for food?” I asked.

“Can I choose what to eat?”

The flash of gold in his eyes had me shaking my head.

“I think I better choose. How does a sandwich sound?”

He helped me dry and followed me to the kitchen once we were dressed. Then he sat at the island as I pulled out ingredients.

“Don’t think I’m ignoring you. I promised to send out texts, but you distracted me.” He winked at me, which did things to my pulse.

“I’m so sorry I distracted you. I’ll make sure not to do it again.”

He let out a soft growl, and I laughed.

“In all seriousness, Shepard, I know you have a lot on your plate. I’m not going to be upset if you need to work. I’m proud you care so much about your pack and other races.”

A soft smile played on his lips. “Thank you.”

“Get to work. I’ll have food ready soon.”

Cross returned home just as I finished making our late lunch. He sat down at the table with us.

“Did Effora meet with Vivian?” Shepard asked.

“Not yet, but I have people watching her. They’ll report any movement.”

“Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” Cross leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Anything new?”

Before I could answer him, my phone rang. “It’s Vena.”

I answered it on speaker so I could keep eating.

“How can you be so calm, Ev?” Vena demanded after my hello. “We need to do something. Now.”

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