Page 84 of His True Mate

“Now,” she said.

My teeth elongated and my mouth watered. I wanted her so bad. I needed to make her mine. But I also knew she wasn’t herself. She was drunk and I knew from experience that alcohol could make a person feel invincible and determined to do things they would never do sober.

This was too important.

I couldn’t risk any regrets.

Winnie leaned down and licked a spot on my neck. It sent a shiver down my spine.

“That’s where I’m going to mark you. I don’t want it to blend in with your tattoo, so I’m going to do it on this side for everyone to see.”

I leaned down and kissed the spot I hoped to one day mark too. I sucked hard on it, knowing it would leave a hickey, but I refused to sink my teeth into her no matter how badly I wanted to.

I gave the spot one last kiss and pulled away.

Tears welled up in Winnie’s eyes.

“Why?”

“Because I want you to be sober and ready to make that kind of commitment when the time comes.”

“But I am ready.”

“You’ve had a lot to drink tonight, Winnie.”

“Not enough to not know how badly rejection hurts.”

I cringed hating knowing that I was upsetting here. I held her closely unable to look into her eyes any longer and see the hurt there.

“But I’m staying,” she whispered. “I want to stay. I want to be with you.”

I grinned and kissed her forehead.

“If you still feel that way in the morning, I’ll proudly make you mine forever.”

She nodded and I could feel her determination wane.

A few minutes later we hadn’t moved, but she was becoming heavier in my arms as she leaned against me. Then I heard her soft snoring and couldn’t help but smile.

I carried her to bed, wondering if she’d even remember this moment in the morning. I had to hope she meant every word, that she wanted to stay, that she wanted me.

*****

Winnie awoke with a moan, naked in our bed.

I tried not to smile and handed her a bottle of water.

“Drink up. You’re dehydrated. I can give you some headache medicine if you want,” I said softly.

It had been a while, but I knew what a hangover felt like, especially a wine induced hangover. For some reason those were always the worst.

She groaned.

“No meds. I never take that shit.”

“Good, because I don’t either and would have to go out and buy something.”

She turned and glared at me.