Page 175 of Pretty When She Breaks

He didn’t go slow or warm me up; one second, he was lining us up and the next, he had speared into me, sending a rush of pleasure-pain through my body as he bottomed out. I released a choked gasp, clinging to him desperately as I arched my back and rocked on him, drawing out another skittering wave of pleasure.

His eyes met mine, intent and fierce as he held me there for a moment, his pride and lust in the bond sweeping through me, and I reached for him as well, echoing the feelings. My Ocean, gazing at me with those deep blue eyes. I crossed my legs behind him, and his face darkened as he thrust forward.

It was a delicious stretch as he pinned me to the wall, his eyes fixed on mine. I let my head fall back, and he brushed his mouth along my neck as he swelled inside me, making my head swim with pleasure. Every movement was making his knot brush against my clit, and I cried out as he nipped at my neck.

It felt so good to let go and lose myself to him. To relax in his arms as he took me, his teeth sinking into my neck as his knot pushed against my entrance. To let the warmth seep through my nerves, setting them alight as he went harder,deeper?—

My orgasm hit as his knot slipped inside me, as he pinned me against the shower wall and hissed while I clamped around him. He trembled under my touch, his muscles going taut as he released inside me.

I was panting when he moved again, pulling me closer and licking the bite mark on my neck. It wasn’t a bond, but it was a claim, and one I welcomed from my precious Ocean.

I was languid and only managed to turn off the stream of water, not able to gather the energy to give us a proper wash. We’d had a good rinse and could scrub another time.

Later.

Right now, I wanted my alpha’s arms around me. He carried me out and took me to the softest place he could find in the room—the bed. I tugged the cover over us and passed out to the sound of his purr in my ears.

I woke up to a stirring beside me and fingers brushing gently against my cheek. “Laurel?” Ocean whispered.

I blinked up at him, and gave him a sleepy smile. “You’re back,” I said, the relief almost overwhelming me with its intensity.

“I’m back,” he said, pulling me close and resting his chin on my head. “What happened?”

I caught him up with the events at the Blood Well.

“So, we did it,” I finished.

“Sounds likeyoudid it,” he replied, tilting my chin up so I was looking into his deep eyes. “Of course, you did. You’re amazing, Laurel. My sexy, smart omega.”

“Not really,” I said, squirming to get away from him. My cheeks were heating at his praise.

“Yes, really. You’re strong and smart and brave, and just amazing, Laurel,” he said, pulling me back against him.

The happiness was a warmth in my chest, something bright and fragile. He evidently sensed it down the bond.

“What?”

“I’ve just never had someone say that before and believed they meant it,” I told his chest, not daring to look up.

“Well, you better get used to it because I am going to say it every single day,” he promised. “Now, where are the others? I need to talk to them.”

ONE HUNDRED

LAUREL

I held Ocean’s hand tight in mine as we stepped out of the bedroom into the main living space.

“Ocean!” Finch said, standing up. Relief was written all over his face, and he opened his arms wide as Ocean came closer.

He was completely unprepared when Ocean decked him directly in his face. He staggered to the side as Ocean squared up.

“That was for dark bonding her,” he said, his face hard.

Finch didn’t strike back. He only lowered his head, consternation written across his features. “I deserved that.”

“Damn right, you did,” Ocean said, settling back on his feet. “You better spend your whole life making it up to her.”

There was a shriek, and a flash of black whizzed past me as Kaos tackled Ocean to the ground. Ocean was laughing, trying to free his arm where Kaos was wrapped around him like a koala, his face a mask of determination.