Page 76 of Alpha Bond

“But I’m broken, Jagger!” I half wail.

“You’re not broken.” He sits up straighter. “Unless you’re in pain?”

Is he serious?

“I’m not in pain.” Aside from my heart. Maybe he doesn’t understand what Doctor Bea meant. “It’s the end of my reproductive years. I may even start to age faster.”

“Sierra, we’re going to age together, anyway. You’re going to be beautiful to me forever.”

“But you don’t get it, Jagger!” I can see I have to spell this out. “I can’t fall pregnant!” My voice breaks.

“You just told me that. So?”

He can’t be this thick-headed, surely!

“So, you should be with someone who can give you pups. I can’t do that!”

“The only person I want to build a family with is you. Whether that includes pups or not doesn’t matter to me. I have all I need right here.” His thumb strokes over the inside of my wrist. The soft touch makes me shiver slightly. But his words leave my mouth hanging open.

“An alpha needs pups,” I persist…because I’m an idiot.

“There’s no rule that says so. And if there is, I’ll change it. I’m in charge now.” He winks at me. “There are others who can grow our pack. Now stop arguing with me and accept this. It’s what we both want.”

I heave in a shuddering breath. Should I fight him on this? I don’t want to. And why should I? “Okay,” I say.

“Okay, yes?”

“Yes,” I repeat.

“Thank fuck!” He exhales. “I thought you were going to make me beg you.” His smile is beautiful enough to melt glaciers. “I’d do that…I’d do anything for you.”

I believe him, so I smile back. Then I gasp as he pulls my wrist firmly and yanks me against his chest. “Stop! You’re hurt.” I try to draw my weight off him.

“Nope. I’m all better. See?” He tilts his head to the side. The savage gashes that had marred his throat have all but vanished, leaving little more than pale streaks over his skin. “You made me stronger.” He smiles.

Joy is beginning to glow within me as I finally allow myself to accept that this can happen.

“I love you, woman. You own me heart and soul.” He cups my face in both his hands. “I don’t care if it’s too soon or if you think we should be doing things differently. All I know is that it’s true.” He smiles. “Say it back to me.”

I gaze at him, bemused. “I love you too, Jagger. You’re mine. And I’m yours.”

“Good. Now quit stalling.” His lips brush mine. “We have a bond to seal.”

Chapter 30

Jagger

My heart swells with love as I feel her melting into my arms. This is where she belongs. I can’t believe we came so close to losing it. And I’m never going to waste a day that we’re together. I press my lips to hers, parting them gently with my own. My tongue runs along the line of her teeth before delving deeper. I taste her, savoring the sweetness of her mouth. She moans softly, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer to me. She wraps her arms around my neck, and I feel a surge of possessiveness rise within me. This woman is mine, and I will do anything to protect her.

My hands travel down her back, reveling in the sweetness of her soft curves.Mycurves. All mine. I pull away for a moment, needing to see her face again – as if she might disappear if I close my eyes for too long. I brush a strand of hair from her face, and my heart surges.

“I can’t believe we almost lost this,” I whisper, leaning in to kiss her again.

She nods, understanding what I mean. “But we didn’t,” she says firmly. “And now we have all the time in the world to make up for it.”

I smile against her lips before deepening the kiss once more. Our tongues dance together, her mouth warm and honeyed as we press closer together. I want to show her how much she means to me and how grateful I am that she chose me as her mate. Something isn’t quite right, though. I’m naked under the sheets, but she’s still fully dressed.

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