Mending the Beast (Awakening Pride #10) - Lacey Thorn Page 0,59

said stop, they stopped.

“I want to give you the words,” she whispered as she sat up straight, driving his cock deeper inside her. “In the name of the Great Creator, who has blessed us, by the life that flows within my veins and the love that flows within my heart, I take you as mine for now and always. To my heart, of my spirit, as my life’s mate unto death and beyond. I shall cleave to you and be cleaved by you, so that none may come between us. I am yours.”

He sat up, holding her to him as they finished together.

“One heart. One soul. One life.”

She leaned forward, sinking her teeth into his chest, claiming him fully. She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck for him. With a roar, he clamped down, putting his mark on her as his seed flooded her womb. He felt her sheath tighten and ripple around him, milking every drop from his cockhead. And when he could finally move, there was only one thing left to say.

“Mine.”

Chapter Eighteen

They didn’t leave the cabin for three days. Daniel showed her just how creative he could be when it came to positions they could use for sexual pleasure that wouldn’t place her on her back pinned by his weight. Ariel enjoyed every one of them. They made love in the shower, on the bathroom counter, the kitchen counter, the table, and anywhere else one of them decided they couldn’t wait any longer. Turned out, once introduced to her mate’s touch, Ariel was as insatiable as Daniel seemed to be.

They made love then ate. They showered then made love. They slept then made love. And not one nightmare crept in to steal her breath or leave her shaking while sleep eluded her. Daniel’s arms held her while she slept and were still around her when she woke. He constantly reached for her, pulling her to his lap, to his chest, into his side. He stroked her hair, her skin, her very soul. He said he loved her then showed her the truth in his words in a million different ways. And she cursed the time she’d wasted running from him in fear.

“Are you sure you want to get dressed today?” Daniel murmured as he skimmed his lips over the mark he’d left on her. It sent a shiver through her. It always did, and Daniel had a habit of caressing her there often.

“I think we could both use some fresh air.” She dropped a kiss on his mouth then pulled away before it could get too heated. “And food that isn’t cold by the time we get around to eating it.”

He laughed. “I didn’t hear you complaining.”

“Never.”

There was a pounding on the door before they could say anything else, and Gabriel’s voice boomed from the other side.

“I’m here to see if the two of you are still alive or if you’ve fu—screwed yourselves to death.”

Ariel finished pulling on her shirt then strode over and opened the door while Daniel finished dressing.

“Don’t clean your language up on my account,” she offered as Gabriel strode inside.

“Jesus,” Gabriel muttered. “Open a fucking window.”

“Jealous, brother?” Daniel quipped as he rose to his feet.

“Hardly. My mate didn’t…” He cut himself off when Daniel started laughing.

“Yes, she did. As I recall, you managed to clear things up on Holloway land, too. Hell, Laramie will probably never let us live that down.”

“Nope. I’d say you both owe me at this point.”

Ariel glanced up at the alpha of the Holloway den. Laramie stayed outside the open door. His nose twitched, and one brow lifted as he paused at the edge of the porch.

“If you two will get a move on, I wanted to meet with you for a bit this morning. Go over a few things. Holt, Koby, and Slade are already waiting for us in the office.”

Ariel didn’t comment, knowing Laramie was speaking to Daniel and Gabriel. Besides, Daniel would tell her whatever was discussed when she saw him later. Gabriel moved by her, heading out to join Laramie on the porch. His hand brushed her shoulder on the way out, giving her a squeeze of affection.

“See you later, little sister.” He lifted his gaze behind her. “Daniel, hurry your ass up. And open a fucking window.”

Laramie and Gabriel walked off together, chuckling, but Ariel was focused on her mate. She knew the moment he stepped behind her, felt the heat of his body before he lowered his head to brush