He’d distracted people from his aroused state by calling after her.
Sinking his fingers into her hair, he tugged her close. “All the while, this is what I wanted to do.”
Lucas slammed his lips down on hers, taking possession of her mouth. Sliding his tongue across her mouth, he took her by surprise and plundered her mouth. She tasted exquisite.
At first, she was cold in his arms. He moved his other hand down to her ass, he cupped her, drawing her as close as possible.
Slowly, she started to kiss him back. Touching her tongue to his, and together, they both moaned. Fuck, he knew kissing her would be a heady experience, but he didn’t have a clue how much.
All too soon, it ended, and Mabel shoved him away. “That doesn’t change anything.”
“You want me.”
“And you want me.”
He took a step toward her and she moved back. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I don’t care.”
“Damn it, Mabel, what do I have to do to convince you I was a fucked-up asshole? That I don’t want it to be the only part of our story to tell? I stopped you from severing our mating. I’m here. I’m yours.”
Tears filled her eyes as she looked past him toward the ocean. “I don’t know. I have no answers, Lucas, but I can’t. I’m sorry.” She moved away, turned, and ran. The urge to chase her was so strong, but he held steady and firm.
“Fuck!” He screamed the word up to the sky. “Do you think this is fucking funny, do you?”
No one responded, and he shook his head, pissed off. There was no out for him. He had to have Mabel. He wouldn’t settle for second best.
Chapter Four
“And how are you doing, honey?” Eliza asked.
“I’m doing good. I think. We’re both still alive, so that’s a bonus, right?” They were allowed one phone call a week. Tonight was the full moon, and Mabel didn’t like the feelings rushing through her body at exactly what that meant.
“You don’t sound so sure.”
“I am. It hasn’t been that long and we’re finding a comfortable pattern, I think.” She was doing her best to avoid Lucas even as she tried to fulfill her obligations so he couldn’t request another year. They could spend their entire mated life on this island, and that was the last thing she wanted.
Only, she knew deep down she was failing herself and her family.
Lucas would win another year from her, no doubt about it. She had to be stronger than she was now.
“We have word that you’re not spending enough time with Lucas,” her mother said.
“Who said that?” she asked.
“The Alpha. He is concerned that he’ll have to remove you from the island and put you both into a room together.”
“Wait? What?” She didn’t understand what the hell her mother was talking about.
Eliza sighed. “You requested to be severed, and you’re well in your right to do that. But Lucas is also in his right to demand a chance to win you. If you don’t comply with the rules, then the Alpha can make additional arrangements that enforce you two to be together and to mate.”
She rubbed at her temples. “I didn’t know this.”
“Mates make for the strongest pack, Mabel. You know this. United we stand together as one.”
“Yes, but I didn’t realize the amount of force the Alpha can use.”
“The Alpha can do whatever he wants when he wants. Duke is a good man. A strong leader and a fine man, but you pose a great threat to his son and his lineage by denying him. That instinct alone, and being a father, could force him to take drastic steps. My advice to you is to take this time wisely. I know Lucas has hurt you greatly in the past, but if you don’t … take a chance, then it will be taken out of your hands.”
“I will, Mom, I promise.” She blew out a breath. “Okay, I better go and find the man I can’t stand. You know, my mate.”
“I love you, honey. Miss you.”
“Miss you too.” She hung up the phone. It would disappear the moment she left the kitchen for any length of time. The fridge and cupboards were constantly being stocked.
Running fingers through her hair, she headed toward the back garden. There was a pool, which she had yet to explore, but she’d seen Lucas heading out back earlier.
She put her hand on the door and closed her eyes. “You can do this. You can be in his company and remain strong.”
That kiss they’d shared the other night… Her lips still felt swollen and she’d been so horny and wet for hours after, if not days. Even now, the heat flooding her body was so intense. All she wanted to do was touch herself, but she held herself back.
“I can do this.” Stepping out into the warm heat, she paused as she caught sight of Lucas doing laps in the pool. His arms cutting through the water as if he alone was a monster chasing after his prey.