“Claim me,” she breathes out.
I tip my head back and howl into the darkening sky, the moon peeking out and basking us in a glow which steals my breath and baptizes our bond. When I look down at her, I give myself a moment to enjoy her, to see her for the wonderful gift she is.
Then before my next breath, I open my mouth and strike, my teeth biting in deep right where I marked her the first time. Dakota screams out my name as I fling her over the edge, her orgasm overtaking her. Her entire body is shaking when I push my cock deep inside of her and my knot inflates, locking us together.
My cock jerks with every jet of my cum. I growl against her skin, not letting go as I sink my teeth in a little deeper. The action causes her to tip over the edge again and my eyes roll back into my head at the feeling of my mate’s pussy squeezing my knot.
I let go of the crook of her neck slowly, licking over the mark. The moon bathes us in light as our panting breaths and shaking bodies start to float back down. I’d say we’re going back to normal, but I know normal flew out the window the moment I smelled blueberry muffins and oranges.
"I love you, little mate,” I whisper against her lips as I kiss her softly and sweetly.
“I love you, my wolfman, my mate,” her words are slurred from the power of the pleasure I just gave her and the weight of everything that happened in town.
I can feel her contentment through our bond as I roll us, and my arms wrap around her. As I stroke up and down her back, a purr starts deep in my chest. When she snuggles against me, I know I’m damn lucky.
It doesn’t matter if I’m a human or a monster as long as I have Dakota in my arms.
CHAPTER 10
DAKOTA
Today’s the day. Paws Up is officially open for business and we’ve been busy all day. I’m glad Hadley is here with her men because I need all the help I can get. I know that most of this is because everyone wanted to come out and show their support to me and the business. It’ll calm down after a little bit and then the two employees I hired will be enough.
When Hadley arrived a few days ago, I could barely sit still knowing she was so close. The moment I heard her pull up, I was out the door with Jace following me and chuckling. Nothing was going to stop me from getting to my best friend.
I had already told her on the phone about Macneal showing up. She was horrified, but not surprised. Neither was I. I’m not sure what happened to him after Jace picked me up and carried me to the clearing to claim me all over again and I don’t care to know.
He’s out of my life for good which is all that matters. Jace has been my shadow and it gives me another layer of peace. All of that flew out the window the moment I saw my best friend when she slid out of the giant truck.
We ran to each other, hugging like it had been years since we’d seen each other instead of a matter of weeks. No matter the length of time, it was the longest we’d ever gone without seeing each other. I think she came at the perfect time for both of us, we needed the connection, to feel the sisterhood between us.
She squeezed me so damn tight, I had to pat her back and wheeze, “Can’t breathe.”
“Sorry,” she pulled back and laughed in a way that told me she wasn’t sorry at all. “I just missed you so much.”
“I missed you too.” I eyed the guys who had gotten out of the truck with her and were standing at her back, flanking her. “Now I get to meet the guys who swooped in and stole my best friend’s heart?”
Hadley gave me a huge smile and introduced me to Luke and Brock. I could feel how happy my best friend was and could see how much she was glowing. Ranch life, or maybe just life with her two men, agreed with her.
After I shook their hands I scowled at them, only partially meaning it as I threatened, “If you hurt her, I’ll track you down and no one will ever find the body parts.”
Hadley choked on a laugh, but that’s the moment Jace stepped up behind me and I watched as my friend’s eyes went wide. “Oh my,” she swallowed hard and squeaked, “hi.”
I giggled at her reaction and looked at her men, both of whom were taking Jace in, but I didn’t see judgement in their eyes. “This is Jace, my mate,” I exclaimed without a hint of shame.
I could feel pride and gratefulness in my bond with him as he wrapped an arm around my waist and tucked me into his side. After the introductions, we all went inside and got to know each other. Hadley and I were practically preening over the way the guys got along and the love they clearly showed for us.
When the guys were talking about something, Hadley leaned into me and whispered, “Mate? You’ve got some explaining to do.”
I giggled and winked at her. “I know, but I thought this was something you’d have to see to believe.”
“No kidding,” she mumbled. She looked me over and gave a nod of appreciation. “I can tell how happy you are and that is, ultimately, all I care about.”
“I love him,” I breathed out.
It was enough for my best friend just like her loving her men is enough for me. It’s been so damn nice having them here and I’m already not looking forward to when they leave. I know it won’t be the last time I see them, but it still stings.
Jace wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me back to his chest as he nuzzles my neck. “What’s got you so sad, little mate?”