Page 24

This seems to amuse Kaelen. “Good. You’re fierce. The perfect mate.”

“Not your mate,” I remind him, stepping back to create some breathing room between us. The distance helps clear my head marginally. “And using your pheromones or whatever is seriously unfair.”

“Nothing is fair about the way I want you,” he says simply.

Despite my exasperation at his tactics, I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him—so different from what I feel for Oren or Caspian, but no less powerful.

Where Oren makes me feel cherished and Caspian makes me feel desired, Kaelen makes me feel… claimed. Like I’ve always belonged to him, even before we met.

It’s terrifying and thrilling at once.

“Tonight,” Kaelen says, not a question but a statement. “You’re mine.”

“Promised me,” Oren interjects, stepping forward. “Forest heart. Tonight.”

“I haven’t actually agreed to either—” I start, but Kaelen’s growl cuts me off.

“Tomorrow then,” he concedes to Oren, though his eyes flash with displeasure. “She’s with me tomorrow.”

“And what about what I want?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to ignore how my body still hums from Kaelen’s pheromones. “Don’t I get a say in this monster scheduling conflict?”

“Of course,” Oren rumbles after a moment, flowers on his shoulders drooping slightly. “Your choice. Always.”

Kaelen looks less convinced, but nods reluctantly. “Choose then.”

I glance between them—tree giant radiating ancient patience, wolf-man practically vibrating with barely contained desire—and realize I’m actually considering their offers. Both of them. Because apparently getting cheated on has completely demolished my common sense.

“I’ll go with Oren tonight,” I decide, watching Kaelen’s eyes narrow. “He asked first. And tomorrow…” I can’t believe I’m saying this, “I’ll go with you, Kaelen.”

Kaelen's entire demeanor shifts, and I swear I see his tail give a little wag before he catches himself and tries to look fierce again.

"Did you just wag your tail?" I ask, not able to stop the grin on my face.

"I did not," he growls, but his tail betrays him with another small wag.

“And what about me?” comes Caspian’s voice from the water’s edge, tentacles swirling in agitation.

I turn to face him, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “Day after tomorrow? I mean, if you want…”

His smile is slow and predatory. “Oh, I want.”

“Great,” I mutter. “I’ve got a monster date schedule now. Very normal post-breakup behavior.”

“Not normal,” Oren agrees, surprising me with what might be humor. “Better.”

Kaelen steps closer, his heat enveloping me, that intoxicating scent making my head swim again. “Tomorrow,” he growls softly. “I will show you what real wanting feels like.”

Before I can respond, he captures my mouth in a kiss that’s nothing like Oren’s gentle exploration or Caspian’s cool silk. This is pure fire, pure possession. His lips are firm, demanding, his tongue invading my mouth with a confidence that makes my knees buckle. One clawed hand tangles in my hair, the other grips my hip with just enough pressure to hint at the strength he’s holding back.

When he finally releases me, I’m gasping, my lips tender, my body trembling with a need I can barely contain.

“You taste delectable,” he murmurs against my ear. “Better than I even imagined.”

“That’s… that’s not fair,” I pant, aware of our audience but too aroused to care.

“Told you,” he says, satisfaction evident in his voice. “Nothing fair about need.”

He steps back, his eyes burning into mine. “Tomorrow you will be mine,” he repeats, then turns and shift mid stride bounding back toward the forest, throwing one last warning glance at Oren.