Page 16 of Fennick’s Fortune (Sentinels of Apollo #2)
“What’s his name?” he fired back immediately.
My mind went blank for a moment or two before I pulled a name out of my ass. “I-It’s Derek.”
“Is he your mate or boyfriend?” he asked next.
“My boyfriend.”
“You’re lying,” Fennick said.
“No, I’m not. How would you know if I were?”
“Because not only can I tell when someone lies, which you’ve done more than once, but there is no way any man, even a boyfriend, would allow you out alone. And if he were your mate, that’s doubly so. He’d be too protective.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. He knows I have to travel for work, and he has his.”
“I know because there would be nothing on earth that would keep me from being with you and making sure you were safe and happy. If your work required travel, I’d find a way to travel with you or have someone I trusted go along to keep you safe.
You’re too fucking precious to be left alone, unprotected.
If a man kissed you the way I just did, with the intention I have, I’d kill him,” he rumbled low in his chest.
I hadn’t noticed that as we talked and I made up my lie, which I’d glanced away a few times from him during, Fennick had been inching closer. My mind was like a tornado, and Nova wasn’t helping me.
“His bear is called Ripper. He’s strong and wants to mate with us. He promises to protect us. He’s a fighter and pledges to fight to the death to keep us and our cubs safe. And he smells delicious,” Nova stated in what passed as a satisfied rumble for a bear.
She was pushing to rise. If she did that, Fennick’s Ripper could claim us.
If that happened, I wouldn’t be able to leave.
She and Ripper would bond as would Fennick and I.
No matter how much that appealed to me, which shocked me, I couldn’t do that.
I wouldn’t bring him or the Sentinels into my mess.
“Ripper says your bear is called Nova, and she’s receptive to him placing a claim. There is no boyfriend or mate. That’s all I needed to know,” Fennick said abruptly.
I saw the satisfaction and triumph on his face. I gasped as he reached out and pulled me to him. I tried to wiggle free. But the way he held me prevented me from escaping. I felt Nova rising.
“No,” I screamed to her.
Nova ignored me as Fennick’s bear rose, too.
Fennick lowered his head to the spot between my shoulder and neck.
I shook as I waited for him to claw my back, embedding his scent into me for all time.
Once he did, I would be claimed, and any other bear trying to claim me would have to fight Fennick to the death to take me.
I moaned in a combination of excitement and fear.
I shouldn’t want him to do it, but a part of me did.
For him to take the choice away from me.
Which, if he knew me, he would know was generally the last thing I ever wanted, no matter the situation.
I had to be in control. My body shivered as his hot breath caressed my bare neck and ear.
Then, he whispered to me, “I want nothing more than to claim you right this second and then take you, so you know you’re mine.
Ripper wants it, and so does Nova. For whatever reason, you’re holding back.
I won’t force myself on you, Akiva. Nor will I make a claim you’re unsure of at the moment.
All I’m asking is for you to come back and let me show you that being mine isn’t a terrible thing.
I promise to make you happy, allow you to blossom, and protect and love you.
I pray you’ll feel the same way about me one day. ”
His gruff, though sincere tone made my eyes sting with tears. He was offering me the one thing I wanted more than anything in the world. I was so tired of the hiding, running, and lying. I rested my forehead on his hard chest. I sighed.
“Fennick, you don’t know what you’re asking me to do. It’s more than my submission you’ll get if I say yes.” I couldn’t continue.
“You’re running and hiding. What I don’t know is if they’re both from the same thing or more than one. To remove the threat or threats, I need to know. Aren’t you tired of always moving? Never able to stay and grow roots? I would think that would be an awful way to live.”
Tears slipped from the corner of my eyes. “I don’t remember what it’s like not to be afraid,” I whispered.
“Then stop the madness. Come back to Needles. Sit down and tell me and the other Sentinels what you’re running from. I bet with help, it won’t be as scary or insurmountable as it feels.”
Fennick’s voice and the things he was saying were eroding my resistance.
He was making me yearn for the fantasy he was weaving.
I was doubting less and less that it was unattainable.
Could I stay in one place, build a life with friends and a special someone, have a family, and not have to look over my shoulder, fearing it would be taken from me every second of every day?
“Please, don’t do this,” I whimpered.
“Let me in,” he whispered, then his teeth grazed my earlobe.
I was being torn apart by physical desire, longing for a home, family, and mate, and so much more.
I tried to tell myself I was a fool to think any of it was possible.
I gasped as Fennick’s mouth retook mine.
This kiss was no less passionate than the last one, but there was tenderness and more mixed in it.
As it ended, I didn’t know how long later I had made my choice and gave him the only answer I could.
“I’ll go back and give this a chance. I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for. And that you’re not playing with me. God, help us all if you are.”