"Can I ask you something?" he asked. His jaw was set, and I wanted to kiss along his jawline to release the tension.
"What is it?" I placed my hands against his chest.
"You don't... still feel for that mutt, do you?" He released my hips and held my hands in place.
My brows knitted into a frown. "Blaine, I have no feelings toward him. He turned me into a shell of my former self, and I was broke for two years because of him."
I wasn't able to be around Nolan or Ivy without my wolf clawing to bust out of my skin. My pack members shielded me from them when they could, my parents ordered them to stay away from me, and yet all they seemed to do was try to make me accept their relationship or throw it in my face. When they weren't around, I went through life numbly—robotically. No part of me wanted Nolan; he disgusted me.
I could feel him shaking under my touch. "He was your first mate. I couldn't imagine what that would be like. I need to know you're completely over him," he said.
"I was over him the moment I accepted his rejection. I promise you that." I pulled my hands away and cupped his face. "I've fallen for you. I'm yours. We bear each other's marks." His body relaxed with my touch and my words.
I tiptoed and placed my lips against his. He reacted immediately, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss. My hands fisted in his hair as his hands cupped my ass, picking me up and placing me on the counter. Two plates smashed to the floor in pieces, but we weren't bothered. We were enthralled by each other.
"I fucking want you," he said as he nipped at my mark, causing my back to arch and pressing me into him. "Tell me to stop now before I lose control of my wolf." His hand trailed up my thigh, dangerously close to my core.
I panted heavily to catch my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. "I want to know more about you. I don't even know your favorite color."
Fuck. Why did I say that?
His hand paused. "My favorite color is white."
My eyes popped open and I met his. "White isn't a color that counts."
He dropped his hand and gave me an amused smile. "Yes, it is."
I glanced down at the shattered plates and threw my head back as I laughed. He joined in and helped me down from the counter, the sexual tension still thick in the air.
"What's that smell?" he asked.
I sniffed the air and froze. "My eggs!" I rushed over to the stove to get them off the burner. The eggs were charred, and a thick smoke was taking over the kitchen. I placed the pan in the sink before turning to face him.
Coughing, we fanned the smoke with our hands.
"Let's open some windows and get out of here," Blaine said as he opened all the windows in the kitchen and dining room.
My nose wrinkled. "My poor eggs."
I padded along the wooden floor to the living room, unlatched the bay window and pushed it open.
"Ready?" he asked and opened the front door.
I grabbed a blanket out of the closet and turned toward him. "I have the perfect place in mind." As we walked out the front door, I shut the door behind us and inhaled the fresh, clean air.
I led him along a worn path through the forest alongside the river. I've run this course in my wolf form ever since I moved out here. The chirps of the birds, singing of insects, and the movement of the water calmed me. The trail led to a plentiful meadow with an abundance of wildlife.
We stepped out into the meadow and a smile dangled on the corner of his lips. I waltzed across the greenery, finding a flat spot to splay the old cotton quilt.
Blaine tilted his head to one side with a lopsided smile. "I can't believe you burnt the eggs."
I stuck my tongue out at him. "I wouldn't have if someone hadn't attempted to ravish me." I sat down on the blanket.
"I would do much more than ravish you, if you'd allow it." He gave me a slow and sexy smile as he sat down beside me.
My lips curved upward. "I'd like that."
I wanted that. I wanted him in the most intimate way possible. I craved our souls being entwined, seared together for life. I could imagine his rough hands gliding over my skin, exploring everything I had to offer. I anticipated what it would be like to delve into him fully.
He hummed as his eyes glazed over in desire. "What's your favorite color?"
I took a deep breath, trying to shake away my thoughts. "Orange," I said, running a hand through my hair. "What do you enjoy the most in life?"
He grinned a cheesy smile. "Other than you?"
I nodded, giggling.
"The cold. I grew up in the North. I love the crisp air and the snow-covered mountains."
"I love the snow! The comfy sweaters, warm fires and hot cocoa are some of my favorites in the winter."
"Well, if we decide to live back in my pack, you'll love it. Cold all the time, plenty of warmth by snuggling, amongst other things..." His pupils dilated when we made eye contact.
My lips parted and my tongue swept across my bottom lip. "Oh, I can imagine."
"What about you? What do you enjoy most in the world?" he asked.
I didn't hesitate to answer. "The water. That's why I live by the river. Water is so serene and beautiful, and I can get lost in it." I paused, getting lost in thoughts of being in the water. I shook my head and continued, "Is there anything you hate?"
He shuddered. "I hate rabbits."
I pressed my lips together, trying hard to fight the smile that was breaking free. "Rabbits? Why?"
"They creep me out. They sit there and watch you before hopping away. It's like they know something you don't."
I laughed, holding my stomach.
