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His beast roared in approval as she arched beneath him, offering herself to him with complete trust. He’d never wanted anyone the way he wanted her—not just with his body, but with something deeper, more primal. More permanent.

He pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the softness of her skin under his fingertips as he traced the curve of her neck. She was still fully clothed, and his beast snarled in frustration.

“Too many clothes,” he muttered.

He lifted his hand, claws extended, but she gave a breathless laugh and reached for her button.

“My only dress, remember?”

As much as he wanted her, there was something intoxicating about watching her strip away her clothes, her eyes on his face the entire time.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he growled as her chemise slid away, leaving her naked in his arms.

Pink flooded her cheeks but she didn’t look away.

“You make me feel that way.”

She held out her hand to him and he took it, pressing a kiss against her palm. When her fingers traced the curve of his jaw, then drifted lower, his breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t bear her touch. It was too tender, too sweet. Too intimate.

“Let me touch you,” she whispered, her fingers following the lines of his muscles.

He shook his head, but her touch sent waves of desire crashing through him.

“Not this time.”

He kissed her again, hard and deep, his tongue plunging into her mouth. She tasted like honey and summer, a sweetness he wanted to devour.

When her hand moved lower, he caught it. His grip tightened, holding her wrist gently but firmly.

“This isn’t going to be slow or gentle, Tessa. Do you understand that?”

Her blue eyes met his, and her expression was steady. “Yes. I want you, Korrin.”

His beast howled in triumph, a primal growl rumbling from deep within his chest.

“Then let me take you.”

Her consent was everything he needed. He let go of her wrist, his claws retracting so he could finally, fully touch her. His hand roamed her body, exploring every inch, committing her soft curves to memory.

She writhed beneath him, her soft whimpers and sighs filling his ears, urging him on. Her breasts were perfect in his hands, hernipples hardening as he stroked them with his thumb. When his mouth closed over one, her back arched, her fingers threading through his hair and holding him against her.

He could feel her arousal growing, the heat from her core calling to him like a siren song. But this time he didn’t listen. He would take her, claim her, but he would give her pleasure first.

Her cries grew louder as his fingers found the heat between her thighs. He explored her slick folds, learning the places that made her gasp, that made her hips arch off the bed.

“Gods, Tessa,” he muttered. “You’re so fucking wet.”

She didn’t respond, her eyes fluttering closed as his fingers stroked her. He could feel her approaching the edge, and his cock twitched, aching for release.

“Look at me.”

Her eyes opened, clouded with desire. Her fingers clutched the sheets, her body tensing.

“Korrin.” His name was a moan on her lips, and it nearly undid him.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to her ear, his fingers still stroking her.

“Come for me, Tessa.”