Page 65 of Jace's Mate
He didn’t correct her.For now, he needed to focus on the personal side of their connection.
That didn’t mean he was letting her challenge go unanswered.
In one swift move—so fast she couldn’t have dodged even if she’d tried—he wrapped his arm around her waist and hauled her flush against his chest.Her full, soft breasts pressed against him, testing his control.But Jace held firm.Barely.
“You don’t understand what’s happening between us, Anikka.But don’t defy me.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but he felt her soften against him, her body yielding even as her expression taunted.Her hips shifted—subtle but unmistakable—rubbing against the hardness she had to feel.
She was his.Even if she didn’t know it yet.
And damn, that felt good.
“What will you do if I do?”she asked, her tone flirtatious and defiant.
He grinned, heat flickering in his gaze.“I’ll show you later.”
With that, he released her—but kept hold of her arm until he was sure she was steady.
Chapter 21
Astheysteppedintothe elevator, Anikka leaned against the wall, glaring at Jace and trying to ignore the throbbing ache that still pulsed through her body.For him?For a repeat of what they’d nearly done out in the field?
Yes!
The voice inside her head answered without hesitation, affirming that she wanted him—and only him—to do those wild, consuming things with her.
But decades of being taught to resist her body’s urges helped her step back from Jace’s warmth.Her uncle had drilled that lesson into her.
As soon as the thought popped into her mind, that voice snapped back,“Too well!”
It was hard to believe last night had even happened.The glorious sensation of running through the woods, the wind threading through her fur—fur!She’d literally transformed into a wolf!
How was that even possible?
To make matters more confusing, everyone else in that field had done the same.Every single person who’d driven out to that clearing had stripped naked and transformed into… wolves.Large and small, brown and black and gray—each one unique.And they’d all run through the woods together, howling and sniffing the air for the most amazing scents.
And none of those scents had been as deliriously intoxicating as the wolf who had run beside her.He’d nipped at her when she slowed, nudging her to keep going.He’d helped her, encouraged her, guided her through the forest with a tenderness that didn’t match the commanding, gruff man standing next to her now.
“There’s food in the next room,” he said as they exited the elevator.
Anikka blinked, startled from her thoughts.A second later, she realized she wasn’t just hungry—she wasstarving.
Turning toward the door, she could already smell the ingredients.Not just the food, but thedetailsof it—too much pepper in one dish, too much salt in another.Her senses had changed.
The others who had run with them last night were already there, their large plates piled high with food.The buffet table groaned under the weight of the spread—it was shocking the wood hadn’t snapped.
“Help yourself,” Jace said, handing her a plate that was larger than standard.She stared, dumbfounded—at the food, then the others—only to realize they were all staring back at her.
“Yes,” Jace called out, catching on.“She’s mine.My mate.”
The joy on everyone’s faces at his announcement was…unexpected.Why would theycelebratesuch a sexist claim?
“I am not!”she snapped.“I’m no one’s property!”
The room fell still.
“She doesn’t understand,” Jace said calmly.“But she will.Very soon.”
