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He gave me one last, light kiss, handed me my purse and shoes, and finally stepped back.

I fiddled with the zipper on my bag before I managed to get my keys out. My hand was still a little unsteady as I unlocked the door, but I got it open.

He was still waiting on the porch to make sure I made it safely inside, when I stepped in.

I turned, my eyes meeting his. “Thanks, Beck. I had fun.”

“So did I. Sleep well.”

“You too.”

I finally, reluctantly, closed the door between us.

My cat greeted me with an annoyed hiss, and for once, it didn’t make me feel like shit.

I’d had the best night of my life.

three

BAUTHER

My hand worked my cock, the other spread on the shower wall.

Sienna’s cries were in my ears.

Her taste was on my tongue.

Her scent was in my lungs.

I’d jerked off three times in the hours since I’d left her, but it wasn’t enough.

It would never fucking be enough.

My wolf urged me to go to her.

To be at her side.

But if I pushed her too hard, too quickly, she’d run. Or at the very least, push me away. And if not push me away, resent me for pressuring her the way the alpha and the pack’s females did.

My mate didn’t know how to tell people no.

I’d tried like hell not to let myself take advantage of that. She needed to know she was safe with me, no matter what.

My balls tightened, and I swore as I found my release again.

It barely took the edge off my need for her.

If I was with her, it would’ve been different.

But I had to give her that damn space. She needed time to realize for herself what we were—and I couldn’t push her into it.

No matter how badly I wanted to.

Patience.

I had to have patience.

There was a knock at my door.