Page 39 of Reclaiming His Lost Mate
I was feeling too giddy to eat anything, so I opted for my usual oat milk latte. The comforting blend of coffee, smokey bacon, and Alexis’s earthy scent felt like all of my favorite things, specially blended together.
“I can’t believe you went to the mountains,” I said, my voice slightly unsteady, as I sipped my coffee.
“I would go anywhere for you,” Alexis replied, his eyes bright, filled with sincerity that tugged at my heart. Every word resonated in my chest, making it feel too full. I wanted to say more, but the weight of the moment seemed to make the words catch in my throat.
Too soon, he’d finished his breakfast and I my coffee. “I guess I should get out of your hair?”
I didn’t want to leave the cocoon we’d made. I was feeling greedyabout keeping him to myself. I hadn’t told him how I felt. “I need to sort some herbs,” I said. Disappointment washed over his face, but he nodded. I quickly added, “Could you stay and help?”
The smile he awarded me was radiant.
I tried to steady my racing heart. Maybe I’d finally gain the courage to explain just how much that flower meant to me as we sorted.
I brought the palliks and kiva I’d found the other day out of the cupboard. “These are from Shadow Moon territory,” I said, pushing the palliks over to him while I took the kiva.
Alexis nodded. Why was I stating the obvious? Oh yeah, because I was suddenly way too in my head. Nervousness about what I wanted to say was making me say inane things.
The moment pressed down on me, and I tried to rein in the overwhelming feelings that surged through me. The Kanguq Aiyut flower’s scent wafted through the air, a reminder of our bond that, like the scent, wasn’t visible, but was just as potent.
As I plucked another stem of kiva, the thorns pricked my finger, sending a sharp pain shooting through me. I hissed.
Alexis’s gaze flicked to me, concern stamped across his rugged features. “Are you okay?”
“I—I think I got stung.” I examined my hand, recalling my studies on kiva and its notorious barbs, and the sensual ripple they could induce.
In a heartbeat, Alexis was there, drawing my palm into his own, heat blasting up my arm and igniting something deep within. I felt transported to that night we’d first been together; an involuntary sigh slipped through my lips, his earthy scent stealing into my lungs, claiming my complete attention.
“Selina,” he murmured, voice low and gravelly. “What can I do?”
“I need you.” The words slipped from my lips before I could stop them, filled with desperation and longing.
Alexis gritted his jaw. “What?” I was pretty sure it was confusion making him scowl, but still, that wasn’t the reaction my body wanted.
Fighting against the heat simmering inside me, I forced myself to explain. “Kiva’s sting can induce a heat cycle,” I said, my tone firm despite my racing heart.
Alexis groaned, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “I’ve dreamed about you telling me you need me,” he confessed, his grip on my hand loosening as if he was about to pull away, “so many times… these last few months.”
But I wasn’t letting go. Not this time. “I want you, Alexis. I wanted you as soon as you came back from the mountains.” It was all rushing forth, the truth pouring out, mixing with the heat spiraling through me—a declaration that felt meant to happen.
His body went rigid, but not with restraint; my words stirred something primal within him. The air crackled between us, electrified with an unspoken promise, a low hum beckoning us closer.
Concern flickered across his face, and I sensed him drifting to memories of our last encounter, fueled by the passion potion Marissa had slipped him. I needed him to know this was different—this wasn’t just the heat cycle taking over.
“Did you know the meaning of that flower?” I pressed, my heart racing as I searched his eyes for understanding.
“Penitent love,” he replied, his voice a low murmur. “Because I am so fucking sorry, Selina—for hurting you. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”
A smile blossomed on my lips as warmth flooded my chest. His penance resonated deep within me, igniting a flame of desire.
“Anything?” I teased, edging closer, feeling his delicious hardness pressing against my stomach, amplifying my yearning.
Our breaths mingled in the charged air around us, and I felt a delightful shiver run down my spine.
“Anything,” he promised, his voice heavy with need. “Tell me what you need, Selina.” The weight of his undivided attention made my knees tremble, anticipation coiling within me.
A thrill coursed through my veins as I met his gaze, my voice a fervent whisper. "I want to feel your stubble on my thighs, Alexis."
His eyes flared with wild hunger, nostrils flaring as he sensed my arousal. The dampness between my legs deepened as I knew he was attuned to my desire.
