Chapter 0323

I move closer to the bed. "I'd like to. Wasn't sure if you'd be okay with it."

Her lips curve slightly. "We're already partially bonded, aren't we? You'll sleep better next to me."

"Much better."

"Good. Get in."

I slide under the covers beside her, and she instantly presses against me. A deep exhale escapes me—the first real moment of peace I've felt in weeks.

"Wish I could've marked you differently. Not like that."

Her fingers trace idle patterns on my chest. "You saved me from those wolves. Their Alpha alone tells me I'd be suffering in that pack."

My arms tighten around her. Magnus snarls in my mind at the thought of another male trying to claim our mate.

She presses her palm flat over my heart. "Easy, Magnus. I'm safe because of you and Victor. Rest now."

"Sweet?" I huff a laugh. Magnus has been called vicious, relentless—never sweet.

I feel her smile against my skin. "He's gentle with Aurora. She adores him."

Magnus's growl shifts to a contented rumble, and Isolde giggles. "Told you."

"What about me?" I tease, nudging her chin up. "Do I get a compliment?"

Am I shamelessly fishing? Absolutely. Jealous that my wolf gets her affection so easily? Pathetically so.

Her gaze meets mine. "You're fierce. Protective. Everything I need."

I capture her lips in a slow kiss. "Thank you."

When she doesn't pull away, I deepen the contact. Suddenly I'm rolling us over, caging her beneath me. My mouth moves hungrily over hers, one hand bracing my weight while the other tangles in her hair.

A sharp nip at her lower lip makes her gasp. I take advantage, tasting the cherry sweetness of her mouth. Her moan sends fire straight through me.

Her nails scrape down my back—blissful pain. Through the bond, I feel her hesitation warring with desire, her scent intoxicating as it wraps around us.

My lips trail down her throat, lingering at my mark. Her breath hitches as her hips lift against me, seeking friction.

I pull back just enough to see her flushed face. Embarrassment flickers through the bond as she starts to lower her legs.

"Don't." My hand slides up her thigh, watching for any resistance. Finding none, I push her nightshirt up, palming her breast. Her nipple pebbles instantly under my touch.

A whimper escapes her when I tug gently. "Want to pleasure you. Let me?"

Her eyes open, dark with need. "Yes."

I strip the shirt away, taking my time exploring her body. When my mouth closes over one peak, her back arches beautifully. The sounds she makes have me painfully hard.

Looking down at her—lips parted, lost in sensation—I commit this sight to memory. This is how my mate should always look.