Page 13 of My Elusive Mate

“Have you seen him since?”

“No, I dislike him. I’d bite him and use my claws if I saw him again.”

“I’d help,” Marcus said, his tone holding an emotion she couldn’t decipher. “We’ll talk about this later. What do you want to do next?”

Ria strolled to the window and had the strange impulse to rock her hips from side to side because Marcus was watching her. Every one of her instincts told her this. Instead, she controlled herself and stared outside at the gloom. Trees had broken branches, and several had fallen, their roots now exposed, while the faint light behind her highlighted a giant puddle. Rain still pummeled the earth, and it felt like evening instead of late afternoon.

The air smelled fresher with the pine hints she caught each time she stood close to Marcus. She should go home… No, wait. Marcus had mentioned her house had suffered damage. A flash of anxiety flooded her, and a flight or fight instinct surged behind it. She whirled to Marcus, her long hair flying around her head.

“My house is gone. Where will I live?”

“You can stay with me until you decide. You’re safe here.”

Ria scrutinized him closely and could discern no deceit. “You do not mind me trespassing on your territory?”

“I welcome you.”

Ria nodded, and another thought surfaced. “We can do more of that kissing and touching.”

A slow grin spread across his mouth, and her breath caught because her heart was extra noisy and her skin prickled weirdly.

“That sounds like a fantastic plan,” he said, closing the distance between them. “We should start now.”

9

Marcusheldouthishand, and she didn’t hesitate to put her fingers in his. He drew her closer, his wolf giving a happy little wriggle of excitement. He led her to the bedroom, all the time waiting for her to object. To his surprise, she didn’t, and he found himself second-guessing his plan. This woman was an innocent and deserved goodness and sweetness in her life. She’d done well by herself but needed friends and a secure future. He was positive Saber and the Feline Council would offer help once they understood. Rory and Anita would lend their aid. Of this, he was confident.

“If the rain stops tomorrow, we might shift and run to your house. We can assess the damage.”

Her eyes grew large. “You would run with me? Even though I am a freak?”

“You’re not a freak,” he said. “You shift in the same way I do. Would you enjoy an outing with me?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” His wolf loved the idea of running with their mate. “As long as the weather improves. We can see if anything is salvageable.”

He made a silent promise that he’d help her improve her quality of life. She shouldn’t need to hide, which was what she was doing. She’d done well to date, but with his assistance and those of trusted friends, she could enjoy a more rounded life.

Marcus itched to touch her face, her lips again, so he did. He lifted her hand to his shoulder and placed it there. He tugged her close, savoring her soft curves. She wriggled against him, and he groaned. Seconds later, he kissed her, diving straight into the kiss and not hiding a jot of his arousal from her.

“What is that?” she asked when he gathered her closer. “You have something pointy down there. Is it—? Oh! I’ve read about these.”

“It means I want you physically,” he said, trying not to laugh.

“Can I see?”

“I’ll have to take off my clothes.”

She gave a decisive nod and this time, a grin formed. “I don’t know what a man looks like under their clothes. They only show parts on TV. Books mention more details, but I can’t appreciate what they’re describing.”

“I see.” Marcus struggled to maintain his composure. “I could do that.”

“I could undress for you in return.”

Marcus closed his eyes for an instant. He was counting on that, but he didn’t wish to take advantage of her when she was so much younger. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, I get tingly inside and have the weird urge to flutter my eyelashes like the women on TV when I look at you. It’s funny, but I’ve never understood that until now.”

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