Page 21 of A Kiss From a Wolfman

“Don’t you want me to—you know?”

I kiss her soundly, sharing her taste with her.

“In time. All I want now is to take care of you and ensure you’re safe.”

As much as the primal urge to have her burns in my blood, I have to get her somewhere secure first. She wants me—now I need to protect my mate at all costs and never give her a reason to regret her life with me. My animalistic need to bite and fuck her full of my seed can wait. Tucking her naked body against me, I relish the feeling of her soft skin.

Stella smiles up at her, saying nothing and everything all at once. The intimacy flows freely between us, and I feel like the luckiest male in the world to have found her. Her carnal nature is evident; I can’t wait to explore it fully. I can tell Stella feels the same from the gleam in her eyes.

“So,” she says, nuzzling my chest, “when do we leave?”

7

STELLA

Standing in front of my cottage, sadness ripples through me.

I’ll miss my quiet home. It was the first place I could truly call mine. I have loved my time in Moon’s Hallow. Working at the tavern with Old Bill and spending lazy afternoons curled up on my couch reading as the sun filtered through the windows brought me comfort. The memories I have here will be tucked away into my heart forever.

Now, as I feel Ciaryn’s soft fur brush against my bare arm, I’m ready to start a new adventure.

Everything I wanted to bring is tucked inside the small leather satchel draped across my body: a few thin dresses, a couple of books, and a smattering of herbs for treating wounds and illnesses.

With Timson dead, I feel free. The dress I’m wearing is a testament to that.

Additionally, I love the way Ciaryn stares at the bare skin of my arms and chest like he wants to devour me whole—he nearly did this morning. The heady memories come rushing back, bringing a fresh flush to my cheeks. Ciaryn has a wicked,wickedmouth. Part of the thrill had been his animalistic nature—something that delights me in ways I didn’t think possible.

Ciaryn expertly attended to my pleasure. His care for me, priority of my needs, and protection of me have made my newfound feelings grow for him quickly.

How is it that I’ve known him barely a day and feel like he has been a part of my life forever? Perhaps it has to do with what he called us—mates. He demanded my assurances that he was what I wanted, and I meant every word. I never want to be parted from him. It is a sudden realization, but I mean it all the same.

I’ve never felt the way I do about Ciaryn for anyone.

That’s why I have no regrets as I turn away from my cottage and climb atop his back. I know he will keep me safe. I thought I wanted freedom—to belong to no one but myself. Now I see how wrong I was. I’m ready to bind myself to him and enjoy our shared future.

The feel of his fur on my inner thighs brings back memories of our delicious morning. His lewd words had caused me to blush. More out of excitement than embarrassment. My pussy heats, wanting to feel his mouth and fingers on me again. Ciaryn scents the air, and I feel a low growl permeate his chest. Shifting back and forth, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold tight.

“Ready?” he asks.

I nod, tightening my hold.

Without another word, Ciaryn springs forward and intoThe Woods. I don’t look back—I don’t do anything but rest my cheek against Ciaryn’s strong back. I’m sure some would say I’m being foolish and acting rashly. However, I’ve trusted my heart before, and it guided me out from under my father’s thumb. Now it’s telling me to go with Ciaryn wherever that may take us.

The dark forest swallows us up. Towering green trees and unruly branches pass us in a blur. Ciaryn navigates the uneven terrain gracefully. The fresh scent of grass tickles my nose. Iinhale the spicy pine scent of my wolfman and let it soothe me. I listen to the strong pounding of his heart—the rhythm matching my own—as we travel toward our future.

Together.

I haveno idea how long we travel for.

Truth be told, I dozed off a few times on our journey, only to jolt awake when I felt my grip on Ciaryn slipping. I came fully awake as he slowed down near a roaring stream. We are still deep inThe Woods. The stories of its danger and bloodthirsty inhabitants mean little to me with Ciaryn by my side.

The setting sun spills through the branches of the surrounding trees, casting the area around us in harsh shadows.

Ciaryn finally stops at the base of one of the trees. I slip from his back, my muscles sore from holding on tightly. Stretching my arms over my head, Ciaryn rises to his full height and does the same. The depth of his strength steals my breath. His golden eyes sparkle down at me.

“We’ll rest here for the night,” he declares. “I’ve put a good distance between us and the village.”

His finger curls around a strand of my hair that’s come loose from my braid.

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