Page 32 of Roommate Wanted (Knotty #1)

Lyall

Nia’s anticipation came through the bond before I heard her muffled giggle behind me. She was amused by the idea of me strolling naked through the woods, but her arousal was louder.

It soaked into the air, curling around the trees, threading through the sounds and scents of the forest. Mine.

“Stop starin’ at ma arse and get ower here,”

I said, tossing a glance over my shoulder with a mock glare.

Her gaze dropped lower. Her scent spiked.

A low growl rumbled deep in my chest, thick with want. She clenched her thighs tighter like she thought I wouldn’t notice.

I turned fully, eyes locked on hers.

“Am gonna take care of that soaked wee cunt after yae meet him, darlin’,”

I rasped.

“Bend yae over that log and gie yae what yae need.”

The bond pulsed with heat. Raw. Hungry. There was no need to manipulate it. She wanted me just as much as I needed her.

Time to meet your mate. I said to Conall, who’d been itching all morning to get out of the house.

“Dinnae get scared, darlin’. He might get a bit…excited when he sees yae,”

I warned her with a crooked smile.

“But he’d never harm ye. Not ever.”

Nia gave a small nod, but I felt her nerves flicker through the bond.

Then I let go.

The shift hit hard. I dropped to my knees as Conall surged forward. To anyone watching, it only took seconds, but I felt every moment of it. Every bone snapping, every claw breaking through skin. Fire under the flesh. Pain, then bliss.

And then it was done.

Conall stood tall, fur bristling, chest heaving, the forest wind in his nose.

In this form, I was untouchable. Alpha. Wild and whole.

And she was ours.

Nia stood her ground, but we felt her fear.

It wasn’t overwhelming, but it rippled through the bond.

Conall paused.

In this form, we were towering, dark grey fur bristling, eyes locked on her, bigger than any wolf she’d ever imagined. When he took a single step closer, she stumbled back.

Conall let out a soft, wounded whine.

Give it time, I told him through the link. She’s not used to your big, hairy arse yet. Try purrin’, dumbass.

He huffed and then let the low, rhythmic purr roll out of his chest.

The sound curled through the air like a lullaby made of thunder. His ears lowered slightly. Submissive. Reassuring.

Nia stilled.

We waited, and she finally moved while we remained still. Her movements were slow and cautious as she approached us.

Conall was dying to leap on her and lick her into oblivion. His head jerked up as he sniffed the air eagerly, tail twitching like a live wire.

Nia inched closer and raised her hand.

Steady, I warned.

He pounced.

She screamed.

And then Conall was on top of her, pinning her to the ground and drowning her in licks—face, hair, neck, anywhere he could reach.

It took her a few seconds to realise he wasn’t attacking. Her laughter burst out, bright and wild, echoing through the woods like music. Delight flooded the bond—pure, surprised joy.

Her hands dug into our thick fur, rubbing at his shoulders, his ears, until she found the spot at his neck. Conall groaned and flopped, his arse landing squarely on her legs.

You’re going to crush her legs, I snapped. Ya big hairy beast.

He shifted, huffing, trying to be gentle until his nose found her crotch.

Without hesitation, he licked her, right through her jeans.

“Hey! Stop that, Conall!”

she gasped, trying to shove his head away.

I rolled my eyes because she didn’t try very hard.

But watching them together, with her laughter and his unrestrained joy, until I felt her love pulse through the bond.

It was a moment that seared itself into my heart.

Wild. Playful. Ours.