ChapterForty-Four
THORNE
Three days after the attack on Ravenscroft, I was finally fully healed, inside and out. The silver blade had done more damage than Sunday’s blood could cure, which had required me to hunt and feed until I was back to my old self. But tonight was ours. I had Sunday all to myself, and I planned to take full advantage.
I’d booked our room atIniquity, needing to be completely alone, safe, and uninterrupted for what she wanted. My heart raced at the thought of the step we were about to take together. One that couldn’t be undone.
Sunday moved in close behind me as we approached the door to the club, running her hands over my chest and trailing them down toward my already hard length.
I chuckled, grasping her wrist and stopping her exploration. “Why the hurry? We have all night, dove.”
“I’m ready. I want to do this now. No more waiting.”
I scented her arousal, but something was lying beneath the surface. There was an undercurrent of trepidation that concerned me, especially given her sudden urgency. She was forcing this, and while I should have just gone with it, I knew I’d never forgive myself if she regretted her decision.
Tugging on her wrist, I pulled her around to stand in front of me, my eyes scanning her face for answers. “Why?”
“Because I love you and want to be yours. Isn’t that enough of a reason?”
“It’s a perfect reason, but I don’t think that’s the whole truth. Don’t lie to me. Not about this.”
She bit down on her lush bottom lip. I cupped her cheek, using my thumb to free the pillowy flesh from her teeth.
“Stop trying to distract me.”
“Oh, do you like it when I use my teeth?”
“Your teeth. Your tongue. Your hands. Name the body part, and I’m a fan.”
“Same.” Her voice was breathy and filled with desire, but her thoughts still hummed with anxious energy, and I hated that I couldn’t piece them together through the block she’d raised.
We definitely needed to sit down and talk before things moved any further. I couldn’t in good conscience allow this to happen without knowing her mind. But that kind of chat required privacy, and the sidewalk outside a supernatural sex club hardly qualified, especially with a certain wolf trailing us.
I wove my fingers through hers and led her into the club, laser-focused on our destination. I wanted her under me, but I also needed to set things straight before anything else. The club was quiet this time of evening before all the creatures of the night came out to play. It didn’t take long for us to reach our special room, the door opening as soon as we arrived, revealing the romantic space we’d grown to love.
Sunday was on me the instant we stepped inside, her mouth crushing against mine as her fingers worked at the buttons of my shirt. Desire flared in me, hot and swift. It was only my concern for her that prevented me from giving in to the need she ignited.
“Wait,” I breathed, pulling away.
“Noah, don’t stop this.” She tugged her hair away from her neck and bared her throat to me. “Make me yours. We have to do this. You have to give me your mating mark.”
My fangs extended at the perfect offering on display for me. Fuck, I wanted her so badly. Everything in me ached to drive inside her slick cunt while my fangs were embedded in her vein and I claimed her fully.
“You already are mine,” I gritted out. “The mating mark doesn’t make thatmoretrue. Sunday, sweetheart, tell me why you really want this. Why now? There’s no hurry. Because once we do this, there’s no turning back. It can’t be undone. A mate bond can’t be broken without losing half of your soul.”
Tears filled her eyes, and my heart broke. “I have to. Please. I have to do this.”
“Why?”
Taking her hand, I walked her to the bed, and when she took a seat, I joined her.
“You almost died.” Her voice was small and tremulous.
Her pain tore at me. I took her face in my hands, kissing away the tears that had slipped free. “I did. But you saved me, and I’m currently very much alive.”
“It’s my fault.”
“No,” I growled vehemently. “It was that stupid bitch’s fault. Never yours.”