She licked her lips causing his heart to thunder in his chest before she replied, “Yes.”
Rafe’s beast howled with glee, leaping high into the air with joy as he took a deep breath to steady himself. “Thank you. It’s an honor, Tasha. One I take great responsibility for.”
Her eyes fluttered closed as he leaned down, his tongue licking along her skin, sending shudders through her. His arms tightened around her, holding her close so he could feel every single sensation as it affected her. Her breathing increased, little pants as his mouth latched onto the sensitive spot between neck and shoulder, kissing and suckling to ease the tension he now felt in her.
One hand reached up to hold the back of her head, keeping it angled so he had full access, while the other wraps all the way around her. His fingers barely skimming the side of her breast as he allowed his fangs to descend. This is the moment he’s been dreaming off: claiming his mate.
Even if they would not consummate their joining tonight.
He felt her hand in his hair, her fingers tangling and holding on tightly. Her other trapped between their bodies, resting on his bare skin right above his low-slung sweats. Damn! What he would do for her hand to dip down lower. His cock now straining between them, she must feel it. The steel length rubbed against her belly as he opened his mouth and bit down, hard.
As his fangs broke her skin, she shuddered in his arms, her fingers digging into his scalp as he hungrily gulped her blood down. The sweet taste like nectar as it coated his tongue and throat. Rafe knew nothing would ever be the same in his life again. No. Not when he felt the first strings of their mating taking hold and binding them together.
Holy freaking hell. It was like nothing he’d ever thought possible. His entire being focused on Tasha, her body, her scent, her everything. Their bond swept through him, taking hold deep in his soul, the sensation overwhelming and in a strange way, peaceful. His cock throbbed with need but he forced all thought of consummation from his mind. He’d respect her wishes and would bide his time. When he and Tasha first joined together fully, he wanted it to be a mind-shattering joyous occasion, not overshadowed with her parents’ death.
Releasing her neck he quickly slashed his wrist, offering it to her. “This will help seal us together, my mate.”
Her eyes were glassy, hooded, and a little confused as she stuck her tongue out, lapping at his blood. It took mere moments for their bond to increase. He felt it, and he could tell she did too. Her eyes spun to lock with his in wonder. Her mouth popped open in a silent “oh” before he covered it with his.
Rafe kept their kiss short, knowing if he didn’t that he would be loathe to stop. Tasha’s little moan of annoyance when he pulled away had him smiling cockily down at her. “Powerful stuff this mating thing, isn’t it?”
She looked dazed as she nodded, murmuring. “Yes. If I knew how powerful it was I think I would’ve asked to sit down. My legs are like jello.”
“No problem.” He smirked, picking her up swiftly and carrying her to the bed. “Now you need to get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, sweetheart.”
When she didn’t respond, he looked down, she was already asleep. Rafe covered her with the comforter before sliding in next to her, pulling his mate next to him and holding her close. Now she was his and he’d never let her go.
Never, and god help anyone who tried to take her from him. He’d tear them limb from limb for even thinking about it.
Tasha’s soft moan caused Rafe to glance over, her face white and drawn as they drew nearer to her Pack. Her fist at her mouth as if she were trying not to scream.
He guessed that to be the case and he couldn’t blame her. They were about to enter a graveyard. One where they’d find her parents slaughtered in their home. Fuck. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to hold his shit together if he were in her shoes.
“I’m right here with you.” Reaching over, he snatched her hand, grabbing it tightly. “If you want to leave, just give me the word and I’ll have Levi and some guards escort you home.”
Her eyes spun to his, her voice strangled as she ground out, “This was my home.”
“Sorry,” he said, mentally kicking himself. “You know what I meant and . . .”
“Watch out!”
Tasha’s squeal had his eyes back on the dirt road, swerving to barely miss hitting a large man standing, arms crossed. “Fucking idiot.”
Slamming on the brakes Rafe jumped out, shouting. “What the fuck? You got a death wish?”
The man came over, inscrutable eyes meeting the Alpha’s. “I’ve been waiting on you. We’ve been here for hours.”
Tasha grabbed Rafe’s arm. “Who is he and what’s going on?”
The rest of their convoy had skidded to a halt, Jacy, Levi and several guards joining them. Rafe patted Tasha’s hand. “It’s all right, Tasha. This is Zohar, he’s from the Council.”
The Council Enforcer looked around then nodded toward the Camp that was now visible. “My men have already started work. There are teams digging a large grave in the field behind the camp. Also, there are others dealing with the dead. They are preparing them for burial and taking note of names and other pertinent data to be logged with the Council. Anything which could help us is being passed to me directly.”
Tasha stepped forward, her voice wobbling as she tried to make eye contact with the intimidating Enforcer.
