Page 47 of Promise of the Wolf Moon

“Prude? Me?” he scoffed.

“You and Till always bragged to each other about your sexual activities.” I glared at my brother. “You know...” There was no need to point out what my brother already knew.

Seff lifted my chin. His dark eyes had gone black again.

“We’re gonna have ahardconversation, aren’t we?”

I nodded. “In private.”

“Yeah, don’t forget to tell her about why you were exiled, Seff.” Deck took a backward step before he went on. “You tell my sister about how many females you’ve been with? How many females have you been with at one time?” He’d gained his balance, though possibly not his wits since he seemed to push for another punch in the mouth.

I already knew about his exile. Jessy had filled me in on the details during my short visit with her last June. The happiness of her wedding day had muted her anger at Seff, but it was obvious she hadn’t forgiven him. Knowing my cousin as well as I did, I knew she could hold a grudge forever. At the time, I’d understood her anger, but I’d also been relieved both Dain and Seff had healed from their wounds. I’d always believed it was better to be exiled than to be killed during a challenge. There was no chance for redemption after death. After leaving Tillman and returning home to Red Lodge, Jessy had been the first person I’d called. She had filled me in on Rule Arwan’s tribunal and on Seff’s exoneration. He’d been forgiven him and welcomed back into the pack, whole heartedly, especially by her. He’d made a mistake and redeemed himself. As far as his dating habits went, I had no doubt there were many females in Seff’s past. I certainly wouldn’t hold that against him. Seff was mine, now. Mysakana.

Those other females didn’t matter.

“You know, Deck, sometimes, the past doesn’t factor into the future.” I gave my brother a pointed look and dared him to go on.

“Yeah, we’ll see how that works out for you.” He turned and walked out of the larder, taking the stairs two at a time and closing the door behind him.

“I’m so sorry, Des. Every damn time he opens his mouth, I get the urge to slug him.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s mate-guarding.”

His arms tightened around me. Then, his whole body seemed to expand and encompass me in the most wonderful, warm, happy hug I’d ever felt in my life. It was as if his entire being, his soul, were...smiling.

I sighed and sank into him, snuggling my nose into his neck. “There are times I want to beat him to a pulp, too, but he’s not worthy of my energy or even worth the anger. Fighting with Deck is like fighting with a four-year-old. The world does not revolve around him, though he seems to think it does. Tillman was exactly the same. Living up to his ever-changing standards was exhausting.”

“Fuck other people’s standards. You’re perfect the way you are.”

I smiled and snuggled in closer. “I have to admit, my cooking skills need improvement.”

His deep laughter reverberated around the small larder. “Not a problem, darlin’. I ain’t a gourmet cook, but my mom and my sister have taught me a thing or two.”

“Good. I was afraid it might be a deal-breaker for you.”

He took my face in his hands and gazed down at me with a promise in his eyes.

“I’m gonna mark you, Desarae. I’m gonna mate with you, too. And I’m gonna make love to you every day in any and every way you’ll have me.”

Warmth spread through me in a slow wave. I was so ready to start a life with this male. The wolf in me was as eager to mate with him and call him mine.

“So you think I’m ready for some of those kisses you were waiting to lay on me?”

“You bet.”

I waited a few seconds, and though I felt his desire and determination through our bond, he didn’t make a move.

I gave him a flirty smile. “Well, are we going to make out or what?”

He took my hands as uncertainty clouded his dark eyes.

“I’m gonna ask you, just so we’re clear.” Fear and doubt were heavy in his words. “Do you—want me?”

“Yes. I do. All of it. Everything. All of you.”

---