Page 134 of Love Bites

LUKE

Iawoke with her arms around me, the wolf shifting out of consciousness swiftly, as if he might trick me into claiming her in my first bright moments back in my own form.

Bella was soft and fragrant, and the temptation was great. As I tried to slip away from her, she snuggled herself closer, maddening me with her warm thigh wrapped around my hip, her breast pressed to my ribcage.

But I was determined not to claim her. I had one more night. And I was going to make her beg to be mine.

No you’re not,the voice in the back of my head whispered.

And maybe it was right. My intention last night had been to show her how much she wanted me, and not allow her to taste satisfaction.

But in the moment, all I wanted was to please her. I had turned the tables on myself, all for the love of a human girl.

You don’t love her. This is a mate bond.

But I did care for Bella, I realized. This was why I hadn’t been able to deny her relief last night.

Maybe it was why I was so determined not to try to rush her into anything, even though I knew I needed her more than I needed my next breath.

She was wise for her years, kind and thoughtful.

I wanted her to choose me freely. I wanted her to choose to be mine forever.

I decided to shower while she was still sleeping. I stripped quickly and stepped under the spray, hoping the refreshing blast would bring me back to my senses.

But the pounding of the hot water only reminded me of touching her last night, and the wolf howled in my chest to go back to her, crawl into bed, and claim her.

Soon,I promised him.

But a part of me was concerned that the real answer could benever.

Bella’s obstinance was one of the things I was growing to love about her, but it might prove to be our undoing.

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