Page 12

Cameron

Hannah fits perfectly in my arms, like she was made to be here.

We’re on her porch swing, the night wrapping around us like a blanket. The stars are bright above the trees, and her head rests on my chest, her hair soft against my skin. The faint hum of bees lingers in the distance, mixing with the cool breeze that carries the scent of wildflowers and honey.

This is what peace feels like. Her warmth pressed against me, her soft breaths steady and calm.

I thread my fingers through hers, holding her hand tightly as if letting go could shatter this fragile moment. It’s impossible to believe that just a few days ago, I thought I’d lost her for good. That I thought my secrets, my bear, would be too much for her to handle.

But she’s here. And by some miracle, she wants me.

I press a kiss to the top of her head, letting my lips linger there. “You feel like home. You know that?” I murmur.

She tilts her face up to look at me, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Good,” she says, her voice a quiet hum against my chest. “Because you’re not getting rid of me now.”

Her words send a warmth through me, a steady thrum in my chest that spreads through every inch of me. I pull her closer, my hand sliding along her back until she’s practically in my lap.

“Never,” I promise, my voice low and firm.

The swing creaks softly beneath us as she shifts, turning so she’s straddling my lap. Her hands rest on my chest, her fingers splayed over the fabric of my shirt, and I feel the heat of her touch seeping into my skin.

Her eyes are bright in the moonlight, her expression open and full of something that steals the breath from my lungs.

“I love you, Cameron,” she says. The words are so simple, so sure, they hit me like a punch to the gut.

I rest my forehead against hers, closing my eyes as I breathe her in. “I love you, too,” I whisper. “More than I’ve ever thought it was possible to love someone.”

Her smile softens, and she leans in, her lips brushing mine. The kiss starts slow, almost hesitant, but it doesn’t stay that way for long.

My hands grip her waist, pulling her flush against me as the kiss deepens. Her fingers slide up to tangle in my hair, and I groan against her mouth, the sound low and desperate. She tastes sweet, like honey and something uniquely her, and I can’t get enough of her.

It’s not just the kiss. It’s everything. The way she fits against me, the way her warmth seeps into my skin, the way her breath hitches when my hands slide under the soft hem of her sweater to find the bare skin of her back.

“Cameron,” she whispers against my lips, her voice breathless and full of need.

My name on her lips is fire. It burns through me, igniting something wild and untamed in my chest. I pull back just enough to look at her, my hands tightening on her hips.

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” I ask, my voice rough.

She laughs softly, her fingers brushing along my jaw. “I think I have some idea.”

Her teasing only makes me want her more. I capture her mouth again, this time with more urgency, more heat. She melts into me, her body pressed as close as it can get, and I feel her heartbeat pounding in time with mine.

I carry Hannah up the stairs, her laughter echoing in the quiet house, a melody that stirs something primal within me.

Her legs are wrapped tightly around my waist, her arms clinging to my neck, and I feel the heat of her body seeping through our clothes.

The strength in my arms, the way I can lift her effortlessly, it’s a reminder of the power I hold.

But her trust in me truly makes me feel invincible.

We reach her bedroom, the door creaking softly as I push it open with my foot.

The dim light from the bedside lamp casts a warm glow over the room, highlighting the curves of her body and the soft smile playing on her lips.

I set her down gently on the bed, but my hands linger on her waist, unwilling to break contact.

“Hannah,” I murmur, my voice rough with need. “You’re everything to me.”

She looks up at me, her eyes full of desire and something deeper, something that makes my heart race. “Show me,” she whispers, her voice a soft plea that sends a jolt of heat straight to my core.

I lean down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss, as my hands roam over her body and feel every curve and dip.

She responds eagerly, her fingers tangling in my hair, pulling me closer.

The kiss deepens, turning hungry and desperate, and I feel the tension building between us, a fire that threatens to consume us both.

With a growl, I break the kiss, my hands moving to the hem of her sweater. I pull it over her head in one swift motion, revealing the smooth expanse of her skin. She’s beautiful, every inch of her, and I can’t help but pause to admire her, my fingers tracing the line of her collarbone.

“You’re perfect,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

She shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “I’m not perfect, Cameron.”

“You are to me,” I say, and I mean it. Every word.

I trail kisses down her neck, my hands sliding to the clasp of her bra. With a flick of my fingers, it comes undone, and I pull it away, baring her to my gaze. Her breasts are full and round, her nipples already hard with arousal, and I can’t resist leaning down to take one into my mouth.

Hannah gasps, her back arching off the bed as I suckle her, my tongue swirling around her nipple.

I feel her hands gripping my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin, and it only spurs me on.

I move to the other breast, giving it the same attention.

My hands roam over her body, feeling the heat of her skin beneath my palms.

“Cameron,” she moans, her voice breathless and full of need. “Please.”

I know what she wants, what she needs, and I’m more than willing to give it to her.

I trail kisses down her stomach, my hands sliding to the waistband of her jeans.

I undo the button and zipper, pulling them down her legs and tossing them aside.

Her panties follow, leaving her completely bare to my gaze.

“You’re so beautiful,” I murmur, my voice a low growl as I take in the sight of her. “And you’re mine.”

She nods, her eyes locked on mine. “I’m yours,” she whispers. “Always.”

The words send a surge of possessiveness through me, and I feel my bear stirring within, eager to claim her. But I push him back, focusing on the woman in front of me, the woman who has captured my heart and soul.

I spread her legs, positioning myself between them, and I feel the heat of her arousal against my skin. I lean down, my breath ghosting over her core, and she shudders, her hands gripping the sheets.

“Please, Cameron,” she begs, her voice a desperate whine.

I don’t make her wait any longer. I lean in, my tongue sliding through her folds and tasting her sweetness. She cries out, her hips bucking against my mouth, and I grip her thighs, holding her in place as I devour her.

My tongue circles her clit, teasing and taunting, and I feel her trembling beneath me. I slide a finger inside her, feeling her tight heat clenching around me, and I groan against her, the sound vibrating through her body.

“Cameron,” she gasps, her voice breaking on my name. “Oh, God, Cameron.”

I add another finger, stretching her, preparing her for what’s to come. My tongue never stops its assault on her clit, and I feel her getting closer, her body tensing as she nears the edge.

“Come for me, Hannah,” I growl, my voice rough with desire. “Let me feel you.”

She does, her body shuddering as she comes apart beneath me, her cries filling the room. I don’t stop, drawing out her orgasm until she’s a trembling mess, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps.

When she finally comes down, I pull back, my fingers sliding out of her as I sit up. She looks at me, her eyes hazy with pleasure, and I can’t help but grin.

“Your turn,” she says, her voice still breathless.

I don’t need to be told twice. I stand, quickly shedding my clothes, and she watches me with hungry eyes, her gaze roaming over my body. I know I’m big, my muscles honed from years of hard work and shifting, and I see the appreciation in her eyes.

I climb back onto the bed, positioning myself over her, and she reaches for me, her hands sliding over my chest and down my stomach. I groan as her fingers wrap around my cock, her touch sending a jolt of pleasure through me.

“Hannah,” I growl, my voice a warning.

She just smiles, her eyes locked on mine as she leans forward, her tongue darting out to lick the head of my cock. I hiss, my hands fisting the sheets as she takes me into her mouth, her lips sliding down my length.

It’s heaven and hell, the feel of her mouth on me, the wet heat of her tongue. I feel myself getting closer, my hips thrusting instinctively, and I have to fight to keep control.

“Hannah,” I gasp, my voice strained. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to—”

She pulls back, her lips curving into a wicked smile. “Not yet,” she says, her voice a sultry purr. “I want you inside me first.”

I don’t need any more encouragement. I position myself at her entrance, my cock sliding through her wetness, and I feel her trembling beneath me. I lean down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss as I thrust inside her, filling her completely.

She cries out, her nails digging into my back, and I groan against her mouth, the feel of her tight heat around me almost too much to bear. I start to move, my hips setting a steady rhythm, and she meets me thrust for thrust, her body arching to meet mine.

“You’re mine,” I growl, my voice rough with possession. “Say it, Hannah.”

“I’m yours,” she gasps, her eyes locked on mine. “Always.”

The words send a surge of pleasure through me, and I feel myself getting closer, my thrusts becoming more urgent. I reach between us, my fingers finding her clit, and I start to rub, feeling her body tense beneath me.

“Come for me, Hannah,” I growl, my voice a command. “Come with me.”

She does, her body shuddering as she comes apart around me, her cries filling the room. I follow her over the edge, my orgasm crashing through me like a tidal wave, and I groan her name, my hips stuttering as I spill inside her.

When we finally come down, I collapse beside her, pulling her into my arms. She rests her head on my chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns over my skin, and I hold her close, my hand tangled in her hair.

“I love you,” I murmur, my voice thick with emotion.

“I love you, too,” she whispers, her voice a soft sigh against my skin.

We lie there in silence, our bodies entwined, and I know without a doubt that this is where I’m meant to be. With her. Always.

We don’t talk for a while, content to just exist in the quiet together. But as the night deepens, I feel the words bubbling up inside me, the truth I’ve been holding back for too long.

“Hannah,” I say softly, my voice breaking the silence.

She hums in response, her head tilting up to look at me.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” I say, my chest tightening. “Something I’ve been holding back.”

Her expression shifts, her eyes softening as she waits for me to continue.

“You’re my mate,” I say, the words finally tumbling out. “In shifter terms, it means you’re... everything to me. My soul, my heart, my future. It’s not just love. It’s deeper than that. Permanent.”

She blinks, her lips parting slightly, and for a moment, I can’t breathe. But then she smiles, her fingers brushing along my jaw.

“Good,” she says simply.

I blink, stunned. “Good?”

She laughs softly, her eyes sparkling. “Good. Because I want forever with you, Cameron. Whatever being your mate means, I’m all in.”

Relief floods through me, and I pull her into a kiss, my heart pounding with a mix of love and gratitude.

“You have no idea how much I love you,” I murmur against her lips.

She smiles, her forehead resting against mine. “I think I have some idea.”

***

The night fades into morning, and as the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, I know without a doubt that this is where I’m meant to be.

With her.

Always.

We sit on the porch together later, the swing swaying gently beneath us as we watch the sunrise. She leans against me, her head on my shoulder, and I hold her close, my hand resting on her thigh.

“I’m going to carve you something else,” I say after a while, the thought striking me suddenly.

She tilts her head to look at me, her lips quirking into a smile. “Oh? What is it this time?”

“You’ll see,” I say, grinning.

She laughs, the sound warm and full of life, and I kiss her temple, my chest tight with love.

This is it.

The future I never thought I’d have. The peace I never thought I’d feel.

And I’m never letting it go.

***