Page 108 of First Offense

Another of those delicious whimpers escaped her, followed by a subtle purr that she desperately tried to swallow. She’d denied her urges, and now they were demanding compensation in full.

“Layla,” Auric breathed, tension lining his tone and body.

“I-I can’t.” She practically vibrated with need, her nostrils flaring as she took in our scents. “P-please.”

I couldn’t tell if that was a plea for us to grant her space or for something else entirely. Her expression told me she wasn’t sure herself.

Auric’s lips went to her neck, his expression an intriguing mixture of pain and resolve. Had the warrior finally realized the futility of denying his desire? Even if Layla managed to rise from her Fall, she’d still be ours. And there wasn’t anything society or her father could do about it.

His mouth traveled up to her ear, causing her pupils to dilate even more. She uttered his name on a purr, then squeezed her eyes closed as though to hide from her own need.

But it was too late.

I could see the change overcoming Auric, his features tightening with a desire that rivaled her own.

Gone was the obedient Nora Warrior, replaced by a man who scented and knew his mate.

They had a history far deeper than the beginning I’d established with Layla, something I respected between them and endeavored to achieve in time. I lusted for her now but hoped it would grow into something more. A bond. Perhaps even a deep friendship.

Zian and Sorin seemed to share that with Raven after knowing her for barely a few months. Why couldn’t I develop a similar relationship with Layla?

I withdrew my touch from her face as Auric shifted, guiding her to her back so he could hover over her. She stared up at him with an apologetic look, one that morphed to surprise as he touched his forehead to hers.

“Layla,” he whispered, the name reverent on his tongue. “I’m not strong enough. I’m trying, but my duty is to the crown. Toyou. My Layla.”

“What are you saying?” she asked, her voice so incredibly soft.

I went onto my elbow beside them, giving Auric the space he needed with Layla. Of course, he was so lost to her that he barely noticed my presence. His hand cupped her cheek as he lifted his forehead from hers to stare deeply into her eyes.

“Tell me to stop,” he said, ignoring her question. “And I will. But tell me to continue, and I’m yours.”

Her breath feathered out of her, time standing still as she processed what he was telling her.

I said nothing, observing the exchange, wondering what she would do.

She claimed to require someone from the dukedom, yet none of those suitors fit her true requirements. And while she might eventually meet one of circumstance, she also might not. Which would mean she’d wasted valuable time with her true mates.Us.

Layla swallowed, her fingers trailing up Auric’s arm to where he cupped her face. “Mine?”

“Always,” he vowed. “I shouldn’t keep you, Lay. It’s wrong. Forbidden. Against so many rules. But my loyalty has always been to you. If you choose me, then I choose you. Always you.”

29

Layla

My heart stopped.

I was drowning and I couldn’t breathe, too consumed by Auric’s intense blue eyes to do anything other than stare.

Always you.

Those two words spun through my mind on repeat as I echoed them back at him. I’d always wanted him. Always dreamt of him. Always yearned for him.

I knew it was forbidden.

I knew it was wrong.

I knew I could be falling headfirst into the trap my uncle had set for me.