Moon Burning - By Lucy Monroe Page 0,67
her nipples hardening immediately in the cool night air.
One of his hands slid down to curl over her rounded flesh and his golden brown gaze flashed with arousal, the wolf a shadow in his irises. “This . . .” He hefted her generous curve and brushed one thumb over her nipple, sending pleasure arrowing directly to her womb. “This is beautiful.”
She could not speak past the lump in her throat. She had never thought to have a mate, but if she had ever allowed herself to fantasize about even having a husband, it would not have been a man so amazing. A man whose strength could be trusted, a man who protected others at cost to himself, a man who stirred her like no other.
Because she had never known one before Earc came to live with her clan.
Watching her as closely as a parent did a babe taking its first steps, he squeezed her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. “So beautiful.”
“I am not so special.”
“You are.” Sincerity lent his husky tones an almost harsh edge.
He caressed her breast, his big hand so gentle, she wanted to weep. And so much more. It sent shivers of pleasure through her that she had not known she could feel.
His nostrils flared as heated wetness formed between her legs.
She nuzzled into his hand, her own wolf craving the connection, her raven seeking that affectionate touch against her neck and head.
His eyes flared with something warm and tender and he leaned forward to rub his raspy cheek against her smooth one. The fragrance of their mingled scents surrounded them, making her feel safe in a way she had not since her da did not return from his last ill-fated hunt.
Earc’s hands on her body added to more than her sensual pleasure. Each caress enhanced the sense that she was no longer alone, no longer solely responsible for her brother’s welfare, no longer required to watch over her shoulder as well as what was before her.
Because this man, this wolf, who had claimed her for mate, would protect her from what might try to sneak up from behind.
An image of Earc standing before her, sword in hand, came into her mind and she knew it did not come from her. He was affirming the fact she was his to protect now, just as he was hers.
She didn’t try to tell him so; she was no warrior, but there were other ways to protect someone. She’d been keeping her brother from his enemies for the years since their mother’s death.
That job was now Barr and Earc’s responsibility. The sense of freedom and relief that realization gave her was so great, it made her light-headed. She swayed in Earc’s hold.
He pulled back, his golden brown eyes boring into hers. “What is amiss?”
“Nothing.” Joy flowed over her in an unstoppable wave. “Everything is finally coming right.”
A smile curved his gorgeous mouth. “Aye, it is right.”
Her happiness bubbled forth in laughter. “I’m going to like being your mate, I think.”
“Without doubt.”
She shook her head at his arrogance. “I am glad to no longer be alone.”
“You have had your brother, have you not?”
“I had to protect him, protect our birthright, alone.”
“Now, ’tis Barr’s and my responsibility.”
“That is exactly what I was thinking.”
“You were thinking about your brother while I kissed you?” Earc asked, sounding none too pleased by the prospect.
“It was all part of my newfound joy.”
“You find happiness in my arms.”
“Not as much as I plan to,” she admitted boldly.
His grin fell away as a feral expression took over his features just before his lips closed over hers again. This kiss was one wolf claiming another, nothing held back and yet, he was not rough with her.
His lips demanded a response; his tongue tasted and insisted she return the tasting; his hand on her breast slid down to touch her most intimate flesh as his mouth staked the mating claim.
The scent of her feminine arousal blossomed to a strong fragrance as he brought forth more wetness from her heated depths. He touched a spot that made her body go rigid with excitement. He did it again and she cried out against his demanding lips.
A dark laugh sounded between them, but it was not coming from his mouth. She went absolutely still. The laughter sounded again, this time exultant.
And then his voice inside her head. Aye, you are my true mate and none will ever take you from me.
I thought we had to . . . Her mental voice failed