Page 21 of Alien Huntsman (Alien Wolf Tales #2)

CHAPTER 21

T essa’s eyelids fluttered open, the dim light of the cabin casting everything in a soft glow. The first thing she felt was warmth—Bashful was curled against her side, his tiny body a comforting weight. Then she noticed the larger presence beside her bed. Korrin. His hand was wrapped around hers, his head bowed, golden eyes closed as if he was willing her to wake. She watched him for a moment, memorizing the way his lashes fanned against his cheeks, the tension still lining his features even in rest.

Her body felt heavy, as if she’d been sleeping for days. Her mouth was dry, her tongue sticking to the roof of her mouth. Gathering what little strength she had, she squeezed his hand. The response was instant—his eyes flew open, sharp and alert, searching her face. Then, his expression softened in a way she’d never seen before. Relief washed over his features, and a slow, almost disbelieving smile curved his lips as he whispered her name.

“Tessa.”

The way he said it—like a prayer, like salvation—made her heart flutter. She’d never heard such tenderness in his voice before, never seen him look so vulnerable. His fingers tightened around hers, warm and strong, his thumb tracing small circles against her palm.

“You came back,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She tried to sit up, wincing as her muscles protested. Korrin was there instantly, his arm sliding behind her back to support her weight. The heat of him seeped through her thin nightgown, and she leaned into his strength, grateful for his steadiness.

“Water,” she croaked, her voice a raspy whisper.

He quickly reached for a cup next to the bed, supporting her head with one hand while bringing a cup to her lips with the other.

“Slow,” he murmured as she gulped greedily. “Easy, love.”

The endearment warmed her more than the blankets piled on top of her. When she finished drinking, he set the cup aside but didn’t release her, his thumb stroking her cheek as if reassuring himself she was real.

“How long?” she asked.

“Two days.” His voice was rough, haunted. “You’ve been sleeping for two days.”

“What happened?” she asked, fragments of memory swirling through her mind. “I remember the honey… and Edgar…”

A shadow crossed his face, something dark and dangerous flashing in his eyes before he carefully masked it. “The honey was poisoned. Edgar brought it, claiming it was from Lenora.”

She shuddered, remembering Edgar’s smile as he’d handed her the basket. How he’d looked at the cabin with such disdain, as if he couldn’t imagine why she’d choose this life over what he offered. The realization that he’d tried to kill her—or worse—made her stomach churn.

“The pups,” she said suddenly, looking around the cabin. “They were growling at him.”

“Safe. They protected you.” His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking along its edge. “If they hadn’t been there… They kept him away until Malrik found you.”

“Malrik?”

“The beast Vultor. He came to find me.”

She reached up, her fingers trembling as they traced the dark circles under his eyes. “You look like you haven’t slept.”

“I couldn’t.” His admission was simple, devastating in its honesty. “Not until I knew you’d wake up.”

He lifted their joined hands to his mouth, his eyes never leaving hers. The brush of his lips against her skin sent a tremor through her body that had nothing to do with her weakened state. His touch was reverent, careful, as if she might shatter beneath his fingers.

“I love you,” he said, the words hanging in the air between them. “I should have told you before the poison. Before everything. I’ve never said those words to anyone, but they’ve been true since I first saw you caring for those damn pups.”

Relief flooded through her. She’d thought she’d heard him whisper it while she drifted in that cold darkness, but memory and dreams had tangled together, leaving her uncertain.

“I love you too,” she whispered back, her voice still raspy. The admission felt like releasing a breath she’d been holding for too long. “I think I have since you brought me here. Since you showed me who you really are beneath all that growling.”

His lips quirked up at that, and he pressed another kiss to her palm, this one lingering. The tenderness of the gesture made her heart swell. This was the real Korrin—not the cold bounty hunter or the fierce warrior, but the man who’d carried orphaned pups through the forest, who’d taught her to survive, who’d held her through the night as if she were something precious.

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “When I found you on the porch, so still and cold…”

She squeezed his hand. “I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere.”

His golden eyes darkened with an emotion so intense it stole her breath.

“No,” he agreed. “You’re not.”

He leaned closer, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek.

“I want to claim you as my mate,” he said, his voice low and fervent. “I want everyone to know you’re mine, and I’m yours.” His expression softened, vulnerability flickering across his features. “But only if that’s what would make you happy.”

The words sent a rush of warmth through her body. She’d learned enough about Vultor customs to understand what he was asking. This wasn’t just a proposal—it was something deeper, more permanent. A bond that would tie them together in ways she was only beginning to understand.

She didn’t hesitate.

“Yes,” she whispered, reaching up to touch his face. “That would make me very happy.”

His eyes flared gold, and the smile that spread across his face was breathtaking in its joy. He bent down, capturing her lips with his. The kiss was tender at first, but quickly deepened as his hand slid into her hair, cradling the back of her head. Heat bloomed between them, familiar yet somehow new with the promise of forever hanging between them.

She wound her arms around his neck, trying to pull him closer despite her weakened state. His body pressed against hers, and she felt the rumble of a growl vibrating through his chest. His fangs grazed her bottom lip, and she gasped, her body responding eagerly to his touch.

The sound of someone pointedly clearing their throat broke them apart.

“That’s quite enough of that,” Agatha said firmly from the doorway, hands on her hips. “The girl nearly died yesterday. You’ll have plenty of time for that sort of thing when she’s properly recovered.”

Heat flooded her cheeks as Korrin reluctantly pulled away, though his hand remained firmly clasped around hers.

“Sorry, Agatha,” she murmured, not feeling sorry at all.

Agatha’s stern expression softened slightly as she looked between them. “You’ll need to wait until she’s stronger before any claiming happens, boy. I won’t have you risking her health, no matter how eager you both are.”

Two days later, Tessa hummed contentedly as she stirred the pot of soup simmering on the wood stove. Her strength had returned quickly under Agatha’s watchful care—a combination of the old woman’s herbal remedies and Korrin’s relentless attention. The last traces of weakness had finally faded, leaving her feeling more alive than she had in years.

The door swung open, and Korrin stepped inside, a brace of rabbits slung over his shoulder. His eyes immediately swept the cabin, narrowing when he found her alone.

“Where’s Agatha?” he growled, dropping his catch on the table.

She gave him a teasing grin. “She left about an hour ago. Said I’m all better now.”

His nostrils flared as he stalked toward her, his eyes flashing gold. “All better?”

“Mmm-hmm.” She tilted her head and deliberately ran a finger down the curve of her neck. “Which means…”

He froze mid-step, his expression shifting from irritation to something far more intense. The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity as understanding dawned in his eyes.

“Are you certain?” he asked, his voice dropping to that deep rumble that always sent shivers down her spine.

She nodded, her heart racing as she closed the distance between them.

“Agatha said I’m completely recovered. She even gave me her blessing before she left.” She reached up, tracing the strong line of his jaw with her fingertips. “I’m ready, Korrin. I want to be your mate. Today.”

A shudder ran through his powerful body as he caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her palm. His eyes never left hers, burning with an intensity that took her breath away.

“Do you understand what that means?” he asked. “Once I claim you, there’s no going back. You’ll be mine, and I’ll be yours. Forever.”

His words sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

“Forever,” she repeated, winding her arms around his neck. “That sounds perfect to me.”

His hands slid to her waist, tugging her flush against him. Her breath caught as she felt the hard length of his arousal pressed against her hip.

“Are you certain, little baker?” he murmured, his voice rumbling through her chest. “I’ve waited so long for you. I can wait longer, if that’s what you need.”

“I don’t want to wait any longer.” She tugged his head down until his forehead rested against hers, her fingers tangling in his thick, dark hair. “Make me yours, Korrin. Please.”

He needed no further urging. With a low growl, his lips crashed into hers, searing and demanding. She opened to him, welcoming the possessive thrust of his tongue. His hands tightened around her waist, lifting her easily as he deepened the kiss. Her feet left the floor, and she clung to him, dizzy with desire.

When he finally broke the kiss, they were both breathing hard. She felt light-headed, her body thrumming with need.

“Bed,” he rasped, his voice thick with lust.

“Bed,” she agreed, tightening her arms around his neck.

He carried her to the bed, his mouth never leaving hers. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and she gasped as his erection pressed against her through their clothing. Arousal flared through her, hot and urgent, and she rocked her hips, desperate for more friction.

“Eager, little baker?” he teased, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck.

“Please, Korrin,” she breathed, her fingers tugging at his shirt.

“Anything,” he murmured. “Everything.”

He lowered her onto the mattress, following her down, his body pressing her into the soft blankets. She moaned, arching up to meet him. He braced himself on his elbows, framing her face with his hands.

“Tell me what you want, my mate.”

“You,” she said, her voice ragged with desire. “I want you, Korrin. All of you.”

He growled, a low, primal sound that sent a bolt of pleasure through her. “You have me. Forever.”

She kissed him again, the taste of him sending a surge of heat through her body. His hands were everywhere, touching, caressing, driving her mad with need. She could feel his claws extend and retract as his control slipped, the sensation thrilling and dangerous.

Her own hands were just as eager, sliding beneath his shirt to explore the hard planes of his chest and abdomen. His muscles tensed beneath her touch, and his kisses grew more insistent, his fangs grazing her lips.

“Tessa,” he murmured, his voice strained. “Are you sure?”

“More than anything.”

He pulled back slightly, his gaze locking with hers. The hunger in his eyes sent a shiver through her.

“I’ve waited so long for you,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

She smiled up at him, her heart full. “Then take me, Korrin. Make me yours.”

He growled, the sound feral and possessive. “Always.”

His hands made quick work of their clothing, and soon they were both naked, skin against skin. She gasped as his cock brushed against her core, hot and heavy. She rocked her hips, craving more friction.

“Please,” she begged. “I need you.”

He groaned as his cock lodged against her entrance, and his hips jerked forward, the thick head starting to stretch her open. His eyes fluttered closed. “Tessa. Gods, you feel so good.”

“So do you,” she panted, her nails digging into his back. “More, Korrin. I need more.”

“As my mate commands,” he growled, slowly pushing deeper.

Despite her willingness he had to work his way into her, the overwhelming stretch almost too much to bear, and they were both panting by the time he was fully lodged. He paused to let her adjust, his big body taut with strain, but she didn’t want to wait.

She wiggled impatiently, and he began to move, thrusting slowly, drawing out the pleasure. Each stroke sent sparks of ecstasy through her, and she moaned, arching her back. She felt his claws prick her skin, but the slight sting only heightened her desire. She writhed beneath him, meeting his every thrust, lost in the pleasure of his body against hers.

“Tessa,” he groaned, his voice raw. “You’re mine. Mine forever.”

“Yours,” she breathed, her climax building with each movement.

His fangs scraped her neck, and she tilted her head to allow him better access. His mouth closed over her neck and then he bit down, pushing her over the edge. She cried out, her body clenching around him as her release washed over her. Stars danced before her eyes as wave after wave of ecstasy surged through her, until she was trembling with pleasure.

“Mine,” he growled, his pace increasing. “My mate. My love.”

She felt him go rigid, his cock pulsing inside her as his knot expanded, locking them together. The sudden rush of sensation sent her straight into another climax, and she clung to him, her body quivering with pleasure.

“Yours,” she managed, her voice ragged. “Always.”

His shoulders slumped, and he nuzzled her neck, sending little shivers of pleasure down her spine each time he brushed the mating mark. She felt a sense of calm settle over her, a rightness she’d never known before. She was home, here in his arms, and she knew she would never want to be anywhere else.

“I love you,” she murmured, trailing her fingers along his spine.

He raised his head, his eyes glowing gold. “I love you too. I’m the luckiest beast in the universe.”

She grinned up at him, so happy she felt like she was floating.

“Yes,” she agreed. “You are.”