Page 63 of Come for Me
I want to reassure her there’s no need to be, that Olivia hasnothingon her, but she’s so sexy when she’s steamed it’s hard for me to focus, let alone take her seriously.
But I try my best to hide my smile by covering my mouth.
She places her hands on her hips, and I know I’m caught.
“Why are you smiling?”
Her sass is just...Damn. I adjust myself.
“I love how you’re not afraid of me.”
“Un-fucking-believable.” She throws up her hands and paces.
“What?”
I know what.
She glares at me, the look our pups will one day magically comply under. She’ll make a terrific mother, strong—one who won’t take any shit from anybody, not even me. Something I’ve always wanted in my mate.
I’m able to breathe, regaining my composure. “Okay, then, what do you want, Alaina? ’Cause I want you. You can’t keep refusing to claim me as yours and then make demands of me by pulling the mate card. It’s one or the other.”
Alaina crosses her arms, scoffing in disbelief, buying herself time to come up with a good response.
Anything to avoid admitting she wants me almost as much as I want her. She can’t hide from me, though, nor can she ever truly push me away. I’m not afraid of my little volcano, as long as it’s me causing her to erupt. The only thing I do fear is losing her.
“I want respect. Keeping your ex here sends the wrong message.” She turns away from me, shoving her pants to the floor with a huff.
Her shirt is pulled over her head, and her tension causes her to shake, keeping her muscles tight beneath the bra and panties on her dewy skin.
Ah, deflection—nice try, darling.
This isn’t about her anger or appearances in front of the pack. This is pride and jealousy.
But I’ll bite.
If Alaina wants everyone else to know she’s mine in every way, I’ll give it to her.
I walk toward her, place my hands on her hips, and pull her into me. “What message would you like to send? I’ll have you scream it.” I guide her toward the bed until her calves hit and layher down, staring into her eyes. Every reaction, from her nipples hardening to her hitched breath, can’t hide from me.
“Tell me you want her gone, and I’ll make that happen. All you have to do is stake your claim.” I bare my neck to her, baiting her. “Take what’s always belonged to you, darling. Bemy queen.” I growl the honorific.
Her heart skips a beat, lip quivering,and her canines descend unintentionally as she fights her wolf’s instinctual urge.
I’m too eager for the real-life version that I don’t let the whole vision of her intent to mark me play out, letting my guard and my powers down to be present.
We know what this would mean. I can be calm in any battle, but she leans in, and it takes everything for my heart to not beat out of my chest. I’ve never wanted anyone more than I’ve wanted her.I fucking worship my mate.
Alaina leans in to mark me. I don’t move, more than ready for her to seal the bond officially. Then moisture hits my cheek.
Did she just spit on me?
Note to self, don’t let my guard down to anyone, not even her. My father would’ve kicked my ass if he could see me now.
I wipe my face and groan.
Irritation boils inside of me. Alaina scoots up the bed and away from me on her elbows. She hugs her knees to her chest and avoids looking in my direction.
I don’t expect Alaina to be anyone but herself. But in public, she can’t act this way. Any public display of disobedience toward me could perceive me—us—as weak. Any indication that we’re not united makes us a target for enemies. If people don’t fear me, they’ll rise against me, against her. And I don’t want to have to kill an entire kingdom, but I will if it means she’s still standing.
