Page 30 of Finding my Shifter Soulmate

With that, he returns his gaze to me. "We're at your mercy, master. We will no longer challenge your leadership. As a matter of fact, the island needs you now more than ever, if it's to flourish again."

Even as he addresses me, his eyes seem to be focused on Sabrina. "I believe I must thank you, as well. None of us would be here today, so changed, without your mate's courage."

I'm completely struck by his sincerity, unsure of what to say. If anyone asked me just a month ago how I would handle this situation, I'd have said I would take the tiger by his throat. And that feeling was even more pronounced after he attempted to kill me. But now he stands before us, submitting and acknowledging a woman he just recently threatened to mark. That is no small deal, and in fact, my only reason to spare him. The curse made the tiger who he was, but now he has the opportunity to do better.

"I don't need you to submit," I finally manage after collecting my thoughts. "But I hope you'll do what's right. There's room enough for all of us on this island."

The new bond between us makes the tiger's sentiments very clear, as they all echo through my mind. An immediate acceptance, followed by trust. And we'll see if that holds, or ifthat fades with time. But it's a step in the right direction, no matter what.

Rama nods once, grateful. "Thank you. We owe you a great debt. All of us. Rest assured that it will not be forgotten. Should you require our help in the future, we will be ready and willing." With that, he steps away, motioning to his men to take their leave.

Upon closer inspection of my mate, it's evident she's been taxed by the actions of today. She's weary. The way she lists and sways is a subtle reminder that she hasn't completely processed all that's happened. So I scoop her into my arms and press her against my chest. "I think it's time we left," I say. "Yes?"

She closes her eyes. "Yes." Sabrina mumbles the word into my shirt as she takes a deep breath.

My human home has been destroyed, so I load Sabrina onto my moped and head toward her resort, where I can get her cleaned up and rested. She lays her head on my back, holding my chest while the engine buzzes. When I pull the bike onto the curb, she's already half asleep. In that state, she looks utterly satisfied, like she accomplished everything she wanted.

We walk down the aisle, between the fragrant palm fronds, heading straight to the main building where her room is. When we pass by the reception area, all the staff stops to stare, no doubt at how rugged and wild-looking we are after climbing through the jungle. But they say nothing, and simply let us pass.

When we step inside her room, she sits on the edge of the bed while I start the shower, cranking the heat up so that it soothes her muscles when she steps inside. Once I'm happy withthe water's temperature, I guide her into the bathroom and help her undress.

With shaking hands, she raises her arms for me to pull off her dirty, torn dress, and I toss it on the tile floor next to my pants. I gently push her into the stall and start running my hands up and down her body, massaging her neck and back. Lathering her skin and sliding suds over every inch of her. Filling the stall with hot steam until it seeps through the cracks in the glass.

She tilts her head back as I wash her hair. Leaning into my touch, she whispers, "Thank you."

"You are most welcome." I lean down, kissing her lips. "Is the water comfortable?

"It is. It's perfect."

"Good."

The water carries trails of dirt and grime off our skin, spinning it into the drain. Our shared shower is peaceful, and Sabrina leans into my hands as I guide the rag over her. By the time she's clean, she's beginning to perk up, and she seems to take more interest on my hands on her body. My fingers tracing her inner thighs make her blush, and she slides her fingers around my waist, caressing my back.

The need burning through me to possess her again increases when I notice her hips tilt toward my body. Fuck, she's sexy, and just thinking about sliding inside her—my cock reacts, going rock hard in seconds. The way she tips her head back and lets me rub her down, her expression going dreamy, is torturous. But we've both been through a lot, and this shower is aboutwashing away the hell of the day, not inflaming our desire. No matter how good she smells.

But the moment I try to move away, she tilts her head forward.

"Hey," she says. "Don't leave."

I flash her a crooked smile. "I'm not going anywhere. I can finish this and get you to bed."

She takes my hand and draws it toward her breasts. "No, I don't want you to stop. It feels good, having your hands on me like that." The warm water spills down the valley of her breasts and her skin and the gesture is so damn enticing, there's no turning back now.

I lick my lips, letting out a breath. "Okay, baby. If it's what you need." I reach for the towel hanging next to the shower. "Here, let me dry you off."

Her body shivers while I blot the towel on every part of her wet skin. There's no hint of tension when I get to her legs, drawing the cloth in a slow circle, working up to the sensitive crevice between her thighs. Pressing the damp towel against her sex, I slide it between her plump folds, watching her expression carefully for any signs of reluctance. But her mouth falls open, and her eyes widen, signaling her excitement.

I drop the towel.

My heart thrashes, and something primal and urgent rushes through my veins. If this is what Sabrina needs to recover, I'll give it to her. She deserves whatever she wants. She throws her arms around my neck and plants a kiss on my mouth,moving on like she owns my body. Her tongue darts forward, hungry and begging for more.

Fuck, the way she's possessing me is so intense and breathtaking Gripping her hips, I back her into the bedroom until the back of her knees contacts the bed. She lies down while I remain standing, staring down at her, tracing every magnificent inch. She is so goddamn beautiful.

I kneel between her thighs, placing a finger at her core, working in tiny strokes up and down the slit. Such velvety skin, pulsing against me while she begs me wordlessly. Her hips rise up the closer I get to her clit. As I slide my thumb across the little button, she clenches the bed sheet. She's hot and supple, so ready to take my cock, and the way she spreads her legs is anything but shy.

Pressing harder, I circle the nub, trying to read every signal her body sends me. It responds in waves, each one a clear indication to push her further, faster. Never relenting the rhythm, I continue to tease the area, enjoying the way her muscles twitch. Meanwhile, my own cock throbs so hard it's almost too much to bear.

I lower my mouth over her clit, working my tongue in wicked circles. Then it's Sabrina who can't stand it anymore, pulling my head closer, grinding against my mouth. Her folds are warm and smooth, so ready for me. "Oh, that feels amazing," she breathes. "Yes. Yes!"

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