Page 114 of Rafe

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Skylar hopped onto the bed, taking in the sight of the enormous stateroom. A loud pop sounded and she laughed.

“Where would you like to go next?” Rafe asked.

“I’ll go anywhere with you.” She rolled onto her side, watching as he poured the champagne.

“That’s the spirit. You know, I used to make fun of Viktor with his boat but now? I’m loving the idea of touring the world.” Rafe rocked the bottle back into the ice bucket. “When I got back to New Orleans, Henri came to me and apparently Ilsbeth arranged for me to execute the details of her estate. Hazel and the others will watch over the two mansions in New Orleans while I’m away.”

“Is she really gone?” Skylar asked, her tone somber.

“It feels that way. You know, I can still remember her looking at me. I don’t think she wanted to tell any of us she’d planned on dying. But I think she knew. I think Greyson knew too.” Rafe shook his head.

“I believe in karma. I think that she earned it.”

“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here.” Rafe smiled.

“She’s probably up there with the Goddess right now. Having a cocktail and going for a swim.”

“That’s optimistic of you. But who knows?”

“So…this boat. It was hers?”

“Apparently Viktor bought her this yacht after she saved me, but she’s never cared much for the water. When I was in Wyoming, a parcel arrived with ownership documents and a letter from Ilsbeth gifting it to me. It’s been sitting in Seattle for a couple of years. She’s fully serviced, of course.”

“How did she know to send it to Wyoming?”

“It was postmarked the day we’d stayed with her in New Orleans. My best guess is she sent it off before we’d left for the desert or had Henri do it. Even in death, he won’t spill her secrets. But I think she knew if she told us she wasn’t coming back we would have tried to stop her. I don’t know if we’ll ever really know. All I do know is from the looks of things, she’d already had the paperwork done months before. My guess is the minute she saved me with her blood, she knew Zyaire would come after me. The clock had started ticking.”

Skylar shoved up in the bed, accepting the glass from Rafe. “So where is Greyson?”

“Off to Europe somewhere. I don’t know…for someone who genuinely didn’t care for Ilsbeth, he seemed pretty upset.”

“I get it. I didn’t know her a month ago, and I was sad. I guess given their history it makes sense.”

“Ilsbeth knew what she was doing. Given everything that’s happened, everything she did for me, I think you’re right, she’s earned that karma she was looking for.” Rafe slid next to Skylar and raised his glass. “She gave me my future. You. Us. Everything in between.”

“To Ilsbeth.” Skylar held up her glass and sipped the bubbly.

“To us.” Rafe shot her a sexy smile. “You know my lovely little raven, my wolf has not been claimed by his mate yet.”

“Hmm…considering we just got engaged,” she set her glass on the table, and lay back onto the bed, “I think we should rectify that immediately. You’re mine.”

22

Mine. Rafe’s cock stirred at her words, his wolf demanding his mate. He climbed over Skylar. Straddling her on his knees, he tore off his shirt as she unbuckled his pants. With his hungry gaze upon hers, he sought to devour every last inch of her.

“You’ve been a very bad girl, flying off on me.” He shot her a devilish look, a corner of his mouth ticking upward.

Starving for his mate, Rafe tugged her dress up over her head, her locks spilling over her shoulders. With a devilish grin, she licked her lips as if she’d eat him alive.

“Let me see you.” Rafe’s cock stood at attention as she teased him, bringing her hand to her breast. Rolling her nipples between her fingers, she sighed.

“Ahhh…” He sucked a breath as she reached for his cock and freed it from its cage. “Every part of you, little bird. I’m going to fuck you. Claim you. You’re mine. Do you understand?”

Skylar nodded, grazing her thumb over the crown of his cock.

“Ah but you’re not in control today. Do you know what it’s like to submit…to submit to your Alpha?” He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. Oh, how she would learn…and love every second of it.

She shook her head, her eyes lit with delight.