Page 19 of A Love Bite (Werewolf Motorcycle Club #1)

19

J ake

Making love to Alex is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. Lying here beside her, I feel a profound closeness that I’ve never experienced before.

As a werewolf, the instinct to claim my mate is powerful and deep-seated. The urge to give her a love bite, marking our bond, is almost overwhelming. It’s a significant act among werewolves, one that cements a lifelong connection. However, I know I must tread carefully. Alex is unaware of the supernatural world and my true nature. Revealing such a truth through a spontaneous bite, without her knowledge or consent, would not only be irresponsible but could frighten her or, worse, drive her away.

Lying there, caught in the warmth of the afterglow, I grapple with my instincts versus the right way to handle the situation. Her head is turned away, her slender neck available.

“Bite her.” My wolf is growling at me.

I can feel my canines grow, and the urge to bite her nearly overwhelms me, but then Alex stretches and smiles up at me. Immediately, I shut my mouth.

“I’m going to shower,” she murmurs.

She kisses my forehead, and she slips out of bed.

I lost my chance.

I lie back, staring at the ceiling, feeling the opportunity slip through my fingers. It’s for the best, I remind myself. Something so significant shouldn’t happen impulsively or without her full understanding and agreement. The knowledge doesn’t ease my frustration but solidifies my resolve to handle things the right way.

While Alex is in the shower, I take deep, steadying breaths, trying to align my human reasoning with my werewolf instincts. I need to plan a moment to share everything about my world with her, to explain what being mates means for werewolves, and most importantly, to gauge her feelings and thoughts.

When Alex returns, the fresh scent of soap and shampoo mingling with the warm, comforting smell that is uniquely hers, I smile reassuringly. We need to talk, but not tonight. Tonight is about the newness of us, the discovery, and the gentle exploration of our relationship.

“Feeling better?” I ask as she slips back into bed beside me.

“Much,” she replies with a soft smile, curling up against me. Her closeness is comforting, and I wrap my arms around her, content for the moment to just be with her.

There’s a part of me that feels it’s time to tell her everything about who I am, including the dangers that come from the rival pack and the role she would play in my world if we were to fully mate, but the timing has to be right. It’s crucial that she accepts this part of me willingly and fully informed, not out of a moment’s passion or surprise.

As we settle back into the quiet intimacy of the night, I know that soon I’ll have to confront the larger truths, but for now, I focus on the woman beside me, the gentle rhythm of her breathing, and the shared warmth of our connection. The future with its revelations and challenges will come soon enough, but it will be faced together, with openness and honesty.