Page 15 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

I laugh, following him. "That was quite a welcome."

"What can I say? I love a woman in red," he says, his gaze slowly drifting back to my tight sweater dress, making me blush a matching shade of crimson.

We walk to the back of the property, and I'm wowed all over again by the landscaping. The backyard is luxurious, with a large fire pit in the center surrounded by solid timber seating. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a grill, an eating area, and a bar attached to one side of the house, with steaks marinating on the countertop, ready to be cooked. The view from the back of the property is stunning, the pine trees stretching for miles into the mountains.

We take a seat by the fire pit, and Zack hands me an ice-cold beer. I take a long sip, grateful to have a moment to compose myself while he throws the steaks on the grill.

"It's really beautiful here," I say softly, taking in my surroundings. "Have you lived here long? Like, from when you were a kid?"

I think back to my old house before we were banished. It backed onto the forest, too. Nothing as grand as this, but I can remember snippets of it, so this place strangely feels familiar.

I feel that familiar sadness mixed with anger beginning to fester within me.

I'm surprised when Zack scoffs. "No. Not at all," he says emphatically. "I built this place. Not quite with my own two hands because I had plenty of help, but it's all mine. I even lived in a trailer on the driveway for a couple of years. It's still a work in progress."

Some of my tension evaporates. I'm glad this cabin hadn’t belonged to his parents. It's not the home he got to keep while I lost mine.

I look out at the trees again, feeling a calmness wash over me. Then, looking back at the luxurious cabin, I ask, "What else could possibly need doing? This place is perfect. It's like a painting."

"Oh, there're always jobs to do,” Zack says. “Some rooms to finish inside. After we eat, I can give you the grand tour if you’d like."

Something mischievous glints in his eyes as he grins at me. I look at him and then at the cabin. Something tells me if I go in there, he intends to give me a lot more than a tour. Just the thought of being with Zack makes my lower abdomen clench in anticipation.

Keeping my voice steady and ignoring the slight tremble in my hand, I grip the beer bottle and smile. "Sure, I'd love a tour."

I don't miss the wink he causally throws my way as he checks on the steaks. Admiring his sexy, broad shoulders as he walks away, I release the breath I wasn't aware I was holding and take another swig of beer. Shifters don't really get drunk because we metabolize alcohol much quicker than humans, but we can still enjoy the heady initial buzz, which I really need right now.

We eat dinner by the firepit. After the sun goes down, the whole area is lit by fairy lights, creating a magical and cozy environment. Zack tries to tell me the lights were all Saffy's idea, but I can see the work that has gone into making the space what it is, and it's clear he loves it.

I help him clear away the plates, carrying them into the cabin's enormous kitchen and transferring them to the dishwasher. If I thought the cabin’s exterior was beautiful, its interior is even more impressive.

As if sensing my awe, Zack leans against the counter and watches me. "You like?" he asks, gesturing around him. "I always wondered if it was a bit too much timber."

I laugh. "Well, it is all timber, but it's beautiful. Why would you want anything else?"

"Exactly what I'm thinking right now," he says, pushing off the counter and stalking toward me. My breath catches in my throat as I realize he's not talking about the kitchen.

"I…um…" I stumble. Before I can formulate a sentence, his hand reaches to cup my cheek, tilting my face. The fire in his eyes temporarily stuns me.

"Tell me no, and I won't," he says, his voice barely a whisper.

I'm at a loss for words, so I don't even bother speaking. I lift my hands to rest on his hard chest, and I stand on my tiptoes to press my lips to his.

That's all it takes to unleash our combined passion. The next moment, I'm pressed against the counter and his hands are everywhere. He pushes down the neckline of my sweater dress, cupping my breasts as he kisses my neck. I moan in pleasure as he continues to explore my body, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through me.

We pause, resting our foreheads together as we try to regain our composure. I'm breathing heavily and trembling slightly as he smiles at me. I'm struck by just how ruggedly handsome his face is. I've never been so turned on in all my life, and I can see that desire reflected in his eyes.

"We don't have to go too far," Zack murmurs against my hair.

But I shake my head, all sense of reason gone. "I want you, Zack. Right now."

That's all the permission he needs. Zack's lips return to mine, his tongue dancing with my own as he lifts me with one swift motion, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. He moves his hips against me, and I groan, pushing myself against him. I can feel his growing erection, and the thought alone makes me even wetter.

My hands travel down his back, squeezing the firm muscles I find there, and I pull him closer to me. I can feel him smiling against my lips and wonder what he's thinking.

He leans toward my ear and whispers, "Hold on." He begins to carry me through the house, and I know he's taking me to bed.

I don't even take in my surroundings beyond the large open window framing the moon outside and the huge soft bed Zack drops me onto. We laugh, and then we're kissing again, his hands all over me.

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