He shakes his head, “no, just keep me company.” Merick begins cooking with an efficiency that always impresses me.
In no time he places two grilled cheeses in front of me and a piping hot bowl of tomato soup. My stomach growls loudly and suddenly I’m ravenous. Merick watches with laughter in his eyes as I inhale my sandwiches and then drink my soup straight from the bowl. “Why am I so hungry? It’s too early in my pregnancy to already have a big appetite, isn’t it?”
Merick looks away and I start to get nervous. Oh God, what now? “Uh...shifter pregnancies are only six months instead of nine. You’re human, which means we’re not exactly sure how quickly your pregnancy is going to progress.”
I nod because what more could I say right now?
“This is a mystery to us all Taryn, but we’ll get through it together.”
I knew we would but it's a bit overwhelming.
“Can I ask you something?” Merick comes toward me pausing so we’re close but not touching. “Why didn’t you tell your family about me?”
He’s hurt. I can feel it coming off of him in waves. “I-I’m not trying to hurt you. I-I don’t know how but I can feel it.” I reach for his hands and he lets me take them. “I didn’t tell them because I don’t know what to tell them. Are they in danger if they know too much?”
Merick’s shoulders relax and I wrap my arms around his waist and place my ear against his chest. His heart beats loudly against my ear. “I’m sorry that I’m putting you through this.”
I pull back to look up at him. “Stop, you didn’t force this on me. I wanted you, I wanted to be with you, and yes there’s a lot to process.” I stand up and grab his face in my hands. “I love you, Merick. I already love this baby. Please stop doubting me, please.”
He slams his lips down on mine and then scoops me up until I wrap my legs around his waist. Merick carries me up the stairs and straight into our bedroom. In no time he divests me of my clothes and then undresses himself. I don’t think I’ll ever not get turned on by the perfection that is his body.
Merick maneuvers between my legs and pushes them back by my thighs. I cry out at the first swipe of his tongue against my wet, heated flesh. He pushes two fingers inside of me and I moan. My fingers spear through his dark brown locks and I grind against his face.
I let go of his hair and claw at the sheets as the desire to come hits me hard. “Oh god Merick don’t stop.”
He sucks my clit into his mouth and tickles that spot deep inside of me. It all becomes too much and I begin to come. Over and over I cry out, babbling incoherently until stars burst beneath my eyelids.
I’m barely aware of what’s happening before Merick is up over me and then he's thrusting inside of me. He growls deep in his chest and my body tries to pull him in deeper. We kiss like we’re making love—slow, deep, and with so much passion it scares me, but I embrace it.
“Harder please. Let me feel it, Merick. Show me I’m your mate.”
Merick growls and he bares his teeth. In seconds he pulls out of me, flips me over to all fours. His grip is firm on my hips before he rams his cock into me. My head flies back as he begins to fuck me. He pulls me up until my back is against his front.
Pulling my head to the side Merick licks and then bites my mark. My orgasm surprises me and triggers him. He groans against my skin, coming deep inside of me. When he kisses the mark I moan. “I didn’t hurt you did I?”
Merick’s softening cock slips from inside me as I shake my head. “No, definitely not.”
Moving his body in behind my own, together we take a few moments to calm ourselves. One deep breath after another, the after effects of the bliss of our union coursing through us. With each exhale I can feel the way it tickles my skin and chills cover my body.
I think I could stay like this forever and be completely happy.
“You’ve given me so much in such a short time.” Closing my eyes, I do my best to fight against my tears, When I don't respond, he moves around me and pushes me onto my back.
When his stare connects with mine, I can see the intensity lying there. “I know this all seems so fast, but I've known what I’ve wanted for so long and that is you.” Merick lowers his head until he’s right about my lower abdomen. His large hand covers the span of my waist. “And you,” he adds, talking to our growing baby now. “Hey baby, it’s your daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.” I stroke a hand over his hair. “I love you so much and will do everything in my power to protect you and your mother. I would die for you.” Fuck, the idea of losing him felt crippling, like a weight of a thousand tons is pressing on my chest.
“Don’t say that.” I pull on his face until he moves back up my body, and we’re lying chest to chest. I lean in kissing his lips. “We need you.” I grab his hand and hold it over my flat belly. We share a smile and then he kisses me. Merick’s warmth surrounds me and in no time my eyes feel heavy.
I run through the field, clutching my baby to my chest, but I’m not fast enough. He’s gaining on me, but I won’t let him get my boy. I scream for Merick, but he’s not here...I can’t feel him. My feet ache, but I don’t dare stop.
I get to the edge of the cliff and I
