Page 116 of Wolfkissed
“Fine? I’m not fine.”
I blink. “Then what…?”
He lets out a long sigh and rubs his chin. “You really want to know?”
“Why, is it a big secret?”
“It’s not a secret, Princess. Not among the dark fae, at least. I will tell you, but promise me you won’t run.”
Now I’m more confused than ever. “Why would I run?”
“Because I’m not human. And even by fae standards, I’m a freak. An abomination. Twisted magic, right?”
“Valen—”
“You know I’m a werewolf.”
I lift my hands. “Yes?”
“The changes in my body are not limited to claws, wolf ears, and a tail. There are other… less known traits that become apparent when it’s time to mate.”
“Mate? As in…”
He bares his teeth. “Have wild, savage sex.”
“And those are…”
“Knots.”
“Knots?”
“We’ll get to that.” He waves a hand. “We also can go into a rut. Have you ever seen dogs in heat, trying to mount a bitch? Or bucks trying to mount a female?”
“I… yeah.” More heat suffuses my face. My skin is practically blistering. “I have.”
“Good.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“When a female smells just right… just like a mate…” His jaw clenches. “Then our bodies become permanently aroused, ready for a coupling. We can’t relax until we consummate that bond.”
“I’m not your mate, though,” I breathe. “I’m not even a fae.”
He nods. “It’s strange, though not unheard of, to find a compatible mate among humans. After all, our races have had babies together over the centuries. And when I first smelled you… I sort of knew.”
“You knew. About being compatible mates?”
“It’s a big deal for us werewolves. A rare occurrence. A precious one.”
“ And you never thought to tell me?” I ask softly, as I try to wrap my head around this development.
“Overlaying your delicious scent was the sour stench of fear. You were terrified of me. Didn’t want me around. You wanted me dead or gone. Or both.”
I hang my head. “I’m sorry.”
“No. Don’t apologize for what is most definitely not your fault. It’s my people’s fault for assaulting you, harming you, putting that fear in you. But the point is…” He sighs. “I wasn’t going to tell you. All I wanted was to kill that fear. Smooth those jagged edges. Convince you that you can trust me.”
“Even if I never have sex with you?”
