Page 81 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
The deeper we go, the quieter the woods become, and it’s exactly what we both need in the wake of everything.
Following a vague footpath down the more rounded cliffside, we reach a small creek that runs through the earth. Theclearing is small and intimate, overlooking the sea below, where waves crash against the rocks.
When I finally shift back, the cool wind slides against my skin, refreshing after the exertion of the fight. With the adrenaline wearing off, I feel more raw than usual, and even if I don’t say it directly, I need her more than anything right now.
Taking a small step closer, I reach for Sera and place a light hand against her waist. My inner wolf preens at the way she draws near me without hesitation.
“I felt you. Your magic,” I murmur, looking down at her with nothing short of warmth as I soak in her body heat. “I felt when it surged.”
Something close to sheepishness moves through her eyes. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. Naia was going to hurt Eve, and I couldn’t just do nothing.”
“I know,” I say gently, bringing my other hand up to cup her cheek as I give her a gentle smile. “You protected yourself, the pack, and the baby…you were incredible.”
Surprise spreads across her features now, but she softens and leans into the touch. A flood of warmth reaches the bond in response.
As the sea roars below us and the forest feels more like it’s breathing, I register that for the first time since this all began, there’s no immediate threat lurking. It’s just us and the affection I have for her blooming above the surface.
“I don’t want to fight any of this between us, Sera, and I hope that means you don’t want to fight me either,” I murmur, thumb brushing over her bottom lip, earning myself a slight shiver from her. “You’re my Luna, my mate. There’s nothing you need to prove to anyone anymore.”
Looking up at me like I couldn’t do anything wrong now, a faint smile pulls at her lips. “Good. I’m exhausted.”
With a satisfied breath, I rest my forehead against hers. “I meant what I said before about choosing us and building the life we want. I’m not letting the pack or anyone else make you feel unwanted or unneeded again.”
She melts into me without resistance now, sharing in the tender moment. “I don’t hate you, Luke.”
“I couldn’t stand it if you did.”
Not needing any prompting, Sera reaches up and pulls me down into a slow, grounding kiss. Through it, I feel her emotions settle and urge my own to do the same, allowing more concentrated devotion to move between us.
She smiles against my lips, and it makes my heart clench with everything I’ve ever felt for her.
My arms slide around her, keeping her close to me while I deepen the contact and remind myself again of how fortunate I am.
I claimed my place today as an Alpha, a mate, and a father-to-be. Beyond that, I’m a man who will choose her every single time.
Chapter 29 - Sera
Not even a drop of doubt exists between us now. Not while his hands grip me like I’m his lifeline, as if kissing me is the only thing he needs.
I have known what it feels like to be desired by Luke, yet this feels different.
After the tension, the doubt, and fearing we might never have the chance to start over again, feeling his lips against mine in such an all-consuming way is like coming home.
No part of me cares that we’re in the woods, semi-hidden by the trees around us. I can’t care when he’s pulling me into his lap while his hands slide up my waist and back, urging me as close as he can get me, while I return the kiss eagerly.
I can’t pretend I don’t want this from the way my hips shift against him, seeking every spark of friction I can get.
Luke hums low into my mouth and slides his fingers through my hair before gently gripping the nape of my neck to position me just how he wants. His tongue brushes against mine, hungry while barely restraining himself.
The hard line of him twitches against me, betraying just how much he needs this too, but that was obvious from the way he wasted no time lowering me to the ground with him.
“I’m addicted to you,” he murmurs in between kisses. His fingers slip beneath the hem of my shirt to brush my skin directly, spurring us both on before he lifts the fabric higher. “I can’t live without you.”
“You don’t have to,” I say, letting a breath escape me at the feeling of his lips against my neck while he pushes my shirt up.
“I’m glad,” he says, teeth grazing my skin and making me inhale deeply.
While Luke usually tries to seem patient whenever he has me like this, I can feel his restraint wavering, still riding the high of the fight. He breaks the kiss long enough to pull my shirt off, only to find my lips again. His palms slide up my stomach and waist as he pours everything he has into the embrace.
