“I like to run, shifted, with the guys as the sun comes up. It’s a great way to start the day. Days that I don’t do it, it’s like my wolf’s pawing at the door in my mind.” He taps his temple with his index finger. “Gives me a chance to touch base with the other council brothers, too. We’re under code yellow right now, meaning everyone is on high alert in case your ex comes back sniffing around. Plus we’re a man up with Ty and a man down at the same time with Rye, so… my council co-alphas and me need to be in touch. Since you ‘n I are freshly mated it’s really the only time I’ll get with them for at least the next several days. So, now you know. I won’t leave another note now, but know when you wake up if it’s around dawn, I’m running and I’ll be back to you soon. You’re having new mate separation anxiety, I think.”
“Oh,” I say.
“You want me to skip it tomorrow?”
“Of course not.” I shake my head vigorously.
“You sure?”
I nod. I’m feeling embarrassed.
“Good.” He smiles.
That he would even consider skipping it because I woke up freaked out at being alone is kind of crazy. And kind of amazing. And, from what I’m starting to figure out – totally Mason.
A surge of affection blooms in my chest. But I’m still embarrassed.
“I could use some coffee, too,” I say and I’m about to walk away, catch my breath and try to resume normal instead of crazy-Amie drama queen behavior, but he catches me in his arms. “I need another good morning kiss, mate.”
God, when he says it like that, in that possessive-sounding rasp, it sounds like the sexiest word in the world. Mate.
He cradles my face and pulls me close, pressing a soft, sweet kiss against my mouth. It turns hungry, instantly, and I think I’m the one that shifts it into that. And then we’re tumbling onto his bed and he’s pulling my clothes off.
“Did you want to be mad at me so you could run away from me?” he asks as he runs his nose up my hairline, inhaling me.
“Huh?” I’m pedaling my yoga pants off as fast as my feet will go, thinking that for some reason his sweat smells good.
Now he’s peppering kisses all over my neck. Well, not all over, he’s missing that spot. I crane my neck to give him better access as I inhale his delicious aroma.
“Were you pickin’ a fight, lookin’ to run from me so I’d chase you?” He suckles my earlobe and then growls in my ear. “You want me to chase you?”
My legs wind around him, my fingers scrub at his jaw, which is more than stubbled now, since he hasn’t shaved in a couple days. It’s deliciously prickly, but in another day or two, it’ll probably be soft. I think I’m ready for him to shave it off so it can grow back prickly sooner.
“You were pissed off at me. And then disappointed that I left a note? Why, because you’re angling for a fight?”
“Huh?”
“Aren’t you gonna play along, wildberry?”
I startle. Oh.
“C’mon, play along,” he whispers and then sucks on my neck right there, right where I want it.
Mm. But he lets go too soon, so I instinctively grab the back of his head and tug on his short hair.
I wish it was just that kind of game, instead of me being a total lunatic. But maybe I’ll play along.
“I don’t think you were done there yet.” I stretch my neck as a hint about what I want.
He kisses between my boobs instead. “Don’t be bossy,” he says.
“That’s it, forget it.” I jump up. “I’m not in the mood for this.”
His eyes light with mischief. “No?”
“Nope,” I state, then shove him as I roll off the bed. I walk to the doorway, turn around and poke my tongue out at him.
He’s on his feet and he’s making his way toward me.
I take off running across the bridge to the stairs and then I’m rushing down them. He’s coming up behind me.
And a giggle bubbles up.
“Gonna get you,” he warns, and the tone of his voice makes my nipples tingle.
When I get to the bottom step on the main floor, he’s suddenly scooping me up over his shoulder.
I squeal in panic as my body goes upside down over his shoulder. Blood rushes to my head as my stomach pitches.
“No, no-no. Not upside down, Mason, No.” I grab his waist with my hands.
“Got ‘cha,” he declares, triumphantly.
“No! Switch me to bride style, please. You know I hate this.”
He slaps my ass. “I’m not dropping you, baby. You’re gonna have to trust me.”
And he carries me back up to the third floor like that.
By the time he drops me on his bed, I am actually mad. Legitimately fuming! I shove him while spitting hair out of my mouth. “Don’t fucking do that!”