changed and arousal cocooned me. My vision changed slightly in response. Her gaze dipped to my mouth, and I kissed her palm again.
Her lips parted, silently begging me. I released her hand and buried my fingers in her hair. She brought her hand to my chest and started leaning forward. My need for her consumed me once more. I existed only for her and this moment. Nothing else.
When she stopped inches from me, I wanted to howl. If she’d changed her mind, I doubted I’d be able to let her go.
She exhaled softly and closed the distance between us. Her lips brushed against mine, a light, exploring taste. Joy filled me. She was everything I wanted. Sweet and savory. I groaned and she pressed closer. I angled my head so she could deepen the kiss.
Instead, she pulled back.
“Thank you for trying last night,” she said softly.
I ran my fingers along her cheek then around to the back of her neck so I could ease her forward again. She didn’t fight me. Her lips brushed mine again, and she smiled. My gut clenched at the sight. Mine.
She nudged my shoulder, pushing me so I lay on my back. My pulse raced and each breath broke more of my control. I needed her. Gripping her arms, I pulled her over me. She made a small amused sound, until her chest pressed against mine.
Her breath caught. I couldn’t help but feel satisfied with that reaction. Her gaze softened, and she leaned forward once more. I met her halfway. The press of her soft lips against mine was killing me.
She opened her mouth. I froze. Her teeth nipped my bottom lip. I almost lost it.
She pulled back and looked at me. “Maybe I’d better stop,” she said.
I rolled us so I was on top and caged her in with a hand on each side of her shoulders.
“No.” It came out more growl than word. I glanced at my hands and saw fur covering the skin.
Damn it. I tried clearing my throat and focusing on holding my form. But it was hard when she was still smelling like breakfast and I was a starved man.
I lowered my head, intent on another taste.
“If you change into your fur, we’re done,” she whispered a moment before she lifted her lips to mine.
I didn’t hesitate this time. My tongue swept the seam of her lips, demanding entrance. She opened for me with a small, desperate sound, and I lost myself in her taste. Her hands drifted to my shoulders, her fingers digging into my skin. The feel of her body under mine burned into my memory. The touch of her tongue as she tentatively explored my mouth in return brought me to my mental knees. She owned me. I teetered on the edge of reason. I wanted to lose myself in the moment…in her.
Patience.
That one word had me pulling back.
I gazed down at her beautiful, flushed face and listened to her gasp for air. A look of wonder filled her expression as she gazed back at me. I’d done that.
Something in her eyes changed. They reflected a promise to fulfill my dreams. My slim grip on self-control weakened, and I leaned in to nuzzle her neck. She shivered. Unable to help myself, I tasted her skin. Her head rolled to the side.
“Emmitt,” she gasped. She moved restlessly under me, her hands petting my chest.
My teeth extended fully, and I opened my mouth. Just one nip. It wouldn’t establish a Claim but it would feel so good.
“We need to stop.”
It took a moment for the words to reach my ears.
“Emmitt, please stop.”
It took a moment more for them to register. Her hands weren’t petting. They were pushing.
I rolled away from her and sat on the edge of the bed. What had I almost done?
My teeth were full wolf. The ache in my cheek and jaw bones said the rest of my face wasn’t far behind. My control was non-existent. Years of military training. Years of suppressing the change in the face of aggression and annoyance. All of it meant nothing when it came to the scent of my Mate in need. I wasn’t a leader. I was a mess.
Her hand touched my arm.
“Are you mad?”
Mad? At her? Never. She should be livid with me, however. But she wasn’t. She was confused, though.
Unable to speak yet, I shook my head.
“This thing between you and me,” she said softly, “it’s definitely right. I don’t doubt it. I just don’t want to