Page 113 of Blade

And giving him a warm-up would get us going in the right direction.

I reached out and cupped his hard cock through his clothes and gave it a firm squeeze. “This had better be hard when I get back. If I even think you’ve come while I’ve been gone, there won’t be a reason to give you another orgasm when I’m using you later.”

The full-body shiver that raced through him had him going fully hard in a single breath. “Yes…Yes, Sir.”

“Good boy.” Brushing my lips against his, I kept the kiss light as I stepped back again. “I’ll be gone about an hour. I want you ready for me when I get back.”

The order was too vague, but I let the magic take over me and shifted before he could figure out he needed to ask more questions. His gaze was clearing as I nudged his groin and inhaled his beautiful scent, but his brain was focused on wicked things, not practical ones as I leapt away from him. “Hey.”

Laughing inside as I bounded into the woods, I listened to my mate’s loud grumbling as I made a circle around the property. The smells were strange but old, so I didn’t worry about the ones I couldn’t identify. It’d become obvious how small my world used to be and I made a mental note to ask my mate about it later.

But I knew no one else had been on the property in months, maybe longer, and as I widened the circle, I couldn’t sense anyone for miles.

“I’ve got a gun and marbles.” My mate’s loud voice echoed around the mountain. “I’m fully loaded and won’t get caught surprised this time. So for fuck’s sake stop circling me and go for a run.”

Brat.

He was doing his best to make sure he got his spanking later.

I made one more close circle but smelled the gun clearly.

Fine.

Leaving him completely wasn’t something I was ready to do, but I let myself run through the forest until he was at the edge of my senses. It made him happier, as I could feel that through the bond, but I made sure I could get to him if something happened.

Working my way back, I let the smells of the forest fill my senses as I explored the mountain until I was at the trailer again.

Crouching low, I inched my way forward toward the edge of the forest, loving the way his scent took over my senses. He wasn’t as aroused as he’d been earlier, but a relaxed happiness radiated from him that pleased my panther even more.

Soft music was playing from a small speaker on the table. He was swaying to the music I didn’t recognize but I liked the way it almost seemed to pulse through me. Lying low on the ground, I watched him move as he laid a cover over the picnic table.

My mate was settling in, making it clear he wanted to stay for a while, but as he fitted the last corner, he paused and looked around.

I knew he couldn’t see me. I’d picked the spot carefully to make sure I was hidden in the shadows of the thickest part of the trees, but Henley’s eyes kept scanning the area. “I know you’re here.”

He frowned but I felt a rush. “Why are you so excited?”

Because it was the bond.

“You’re supposed to be running, not stalking me.” My mate was adorable and huffed, crossing his arms over his chest again. “What did I say about that?”

His heart rate jumped as I leapt out of the forest, but I could see the smile he was trying to hide. “I’m a dangerous monster hunter. Don’t you forget that.”

I couldn’t…he wouldn’t let me.

Stopping just in front of him, I ignored the pungent smell of the gun and nuzzled against his groin again. He laughed, shaking his head. “I’ve been busy being very productive.”

Hmm.

He might’ve been busy but he smelled very clean.

Stepping back, I let the magic flow over me as I shifted to my human form. His eyes sparkled as he watched with an awed expression I loved. But my favorite part was the way he immediately stepped into my arms. “I knew you were watching.”

“Well, you are a world-renowned monster hunter.” My dry response got a snicker from him. “That has to be it.”

Pressing his face against my naked shoulder, he nodded and tried to sound serious. “That has to be it. Can’t be a mate thing. I’m just an amazing hunter.”

“You are amazing in a thousand different ways, my mate.” Wrapping my arms tight around him, I soaked up the feel of his body against mine and the soft scent of his emotions as they shifted in waves. “Knowing what I needed is just one of them.”