Page 18 of Stripe for the Picking (Paranormal Dating Agency #92)

FIFTEEN

WREN

W ren's eyes fluttered open to the sensation of Rylan's muscular arm wrapped possessively around her waist and his naked body pressed against her back.

The warmth radiating from his chest seeped through her skin, and she could feel every defined ridge of his abs against her spine.

His breathing was steady and deep, tickling the sensitive spot behind her ear where his face nestled in her hair.

God, I actually had sex with him last night.

The memory sent a delicious shiver through her body. She didn't regret one second of it—not the way he'd worshipped every inch of her skin, not the desperate hunger in his blue eyes, and not the way he'd made her feel like she was the only woman in the universe.

He was everything she'd never known she wanted in a man.

Strong without being overbearing, intelligent without being condescending, and tender in a way that made her heart ache.

The crazy part was she'd only known him three days, but this mate bond thing was no joke.

It transcended logic, time, and every rational thought she'd ever had about relationships.

Her mind wandered to her life back on Earth—her apartment in Vermont, her cybersecurity business, and the mundane routine that had left her feeling empty.

The thought of going back to that colorless existence made her stomach twist with dread.

She didn't want to leave Nova Aurora. More importantly, she didn't want to leave Rylan.

She needed to make some calls, tie up loose ends, maybe find a way to make this permanent. Her business could probably be managed remotely, and honestly, what she was doing here felt infinitely more important than helping people fix their careless mistakes.

Rylan stirred behind her, his arm tightening around her waist as he pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep and desire. "Sleep well?"

She turned in his arms, finding herself face to face with his piercing blue eyes and that devastating smile that made her knees weak. His dark blonde hair was perfectly tousled, and she couldn't resist running her fingers through it.

"Best sleep of my life," she admitted, heat creeping up her neck. "You make an excellent pillow."

His laugh rumbled through her body. "Just one of my many talents."

"Mmm, yes, you demonstrated several others last night.

" She traced a finger along his collarbone, delighting in the way his muscles tensed under her touch.

"Actually, I need to ask you something. I want to make some calls back to Earth, arrange some things.

I don't think I want to go back anytime soon. "

His eyes darkened with satisfaction and something primal that made her pulse race. "So does that mean you're staying here with me?"

"If you'll have me. This fated mate business is pretty compelling." She tried to keep her tone light, but her heart hammered against her ribs. "Plus, someone needs to keep you in line."

He rolled her onto her back with lightning speed, his powerful frame caging her in. "If you promise to shower with me afterwards, I'll let you use my computer. It has Earth connectivity—better than Skype and more secure. You can make whatever calls you need."

"I suppose I can shower with you since you're being so generous." She traced the line of his jaw, marveling at how right this felt.

"Perfect. I'll make us breakfast while you handle your business.

" He pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling back.

"After breakfast and our shower, we should really head over to Defense Nexus.

The opening ceremony of the Trials is in two days, and even though we're in perfect sync, more practice wouldn't hurt. "

He climbed out of bed, and she couldn't help but admire the view—all lean muscle and confident grace as he pulled on athletic pants, leaving his chest gloriously bare. The man was a work of art.

She slipped out of bed and grabbed one of his black t-shirts from the dresser, the fabric hanging loose on her smaller frame. It smelled like him—cedar and something uniquely male that made her want to bury her face in it.

"One more thing," Rylan said, his voice taking on that alpha edge that brooked no argument. "You're staying here from now on. After that attack last night, I'm not risking your safety. You don't leave my sight until we handle this Arvox situation."

"Rylan—"

"Non-negotiable, Wren." He stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. "You're mine now. That means I protect you, no matter what."

The fierce protectiveness in his eyes made her breath hitch. "Okay," she whispered, surprising herself with how easily she surrendered to his demand. "I guess I can live with that arrangement."

His smile was pure male satisfaction. "Good. Now come on, let me show you to my office."

Wren settled into the ergonomic chair at Rylan's sleek desk in his small office next to his bedroom.

As she familiarized herself with his computer, the cool metal surface of his desk reflected the soft morning light filtering through the large windows behind her.

The communication system on his computer hummed to life with a series of holographic displays that would have made NASA weep with envy.

Here goes nothing.

She initiated the video call to Mallory, her heart hammering as the connection established. Within seconds, her best friend's face filled the screen, her blue eyes widening with relief.

"Wren! Thank God, I've been worried sick about you. How's the alien planet treating you? Are you—" Mallory's words died as she took in Wren's appearance. A knowing smirk spread across her face. "Is that a man's t-shirt you're wearing?"

Heat crept up Wren's neck as she tugged at the oversized fabric. "Maybe."

"Things must be going pretty damn well if you're wearing some guy's clothes." Mallory's eyebrows shot up. "Please tell me you're not fooling around with random aliens."

"It's actually my commander boss that I've been assisting." Wren couldn't suppress the smile that bloomed across her face. "And he's... God, Mal, he's everything I always dreamed of and could want in a man."

Mallory leaned closer to her screen, her eyes sparkling. "Interesting career development, sleeping with your boss on an alien planet. Very professional of you."

"It's not like that." Wren's voice took on a breathless quality that made her friend's expression soften.

"He told me last night that I'm his fated mate.

To a tiger shifter, that's like soulmates but deeper—a fated connection that's undeniable.

The crazy part is I feel it too, like I've known him in other lifetimes. "

"Hold up." Mallory held up a hand, processing. "Your soulmate is a tiger shifter on an alien planet? Honestly, I guess that doesn't surprise me. You've always been destined for bigger things than Earth could ever offer."

The certainty in her friend's voice made Wren's chest tighten with emotion. "Speaking of which, my job here is pretty incredible too. Every day on Nova Aurora is exciting, like a new adventure waiting to unfold." Wren paused and took a deep breath. "And I'm probably not leaving."

"That's a pretty massive decision, Wren."

"I feel it in my heart and soul that being here is right." Wren's voice grew stronger and more confident. "This is exactly where I've always belonged. This is the life I was meant to live all along."

Mallory's smile turned radiant. "Then I'm happy for you. Just make sure to send me an invite to the wedding."

After ending the call with promises to stay in touch, Wren navigated to her next task. Her landlord answered on the second ring, his gruff voice familiar through the speakers.

"Mr. Peterson, this is Wren Calder from apartment 4B. I need to terminate my lease immediately."

"What's the reason for the sudden departure?"

"Important business matters have arisen that require my permanent relocation. I'll pay the full lease amount and arrange for a company to empty my apartment. I won't be returning."

"I'll email you the paperwork. Good luck with whatever's got you running off."

If only you knew.

Next came the hardest call—thankfully her parents' answering machine picked up after four rings. "Hi, Mom and Dad. I'm going to be unreachable for a while, but I'll be in touch later. I'm away on urgent business matters. Don't worry about me."

She ended the call before her voice could betray her emotions. They wouldn't understand her choice and would probably call her crazy for abandoning everything for a man she'd known for three days. Their criticism was the last thing she needed when everything finally felt right.

The final task required some creative hacking.

Rylan hadn't shown her how to access external websites, but her genius-level IQ made quick work of the system's security protocols.

Within minutes, she'd updated her business website with a simple message.

"Services temporarily suspended due to urgent matters requiring immediate attention. "

Maybe permanently suspended.

She leaned back in the chair, a sense of completion washing over her. Every loose end was tied up, and every bridge was either mended or burned. She was going all in on Nova Aurora and on Rylan, ready to see wherever this wild adventure took them.

The sound of approaching footsteps made her pulse spike. Rylan appeared in the doorway, still gloriously shirtless, carrying a steaming mug of coffee and wearing that gorgeous smile that made her forget how to breathe.

"All finished, beautiful?" he asked, his voice low and laced with a possessiveness that sent a thrill down her spine.

Wren nodded. "All handled. My business, my apartment, my life back on Earth—it's all taken care of. I'm officially giving you and Nova Aurora my undivided attention."

The satisfaction that flickered across his face was unmistakable. "That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say." He set the coffee down on the desk and extended a hand. "Come on, breakfast is ready."

She grabbed the coffee mug and took his hand with her free hand, letting him lead her to the dining table where two plates were already set.

Scrambled eggs, crispy toast, and a side of vibrant purple fruit that she'd come to love since arriving on Nova Aurora.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning light shining through the windows.

Rylan sat across from her, his eyes locked on hers as they dug in. He wolfed down his food with an urgency that made her laugh.

"Someone's excited for our shower," she teased, taking a bite of her toast.

"How could I not be?" he replied, his voice rough with anticipation. His eyes darkened as they roamed over her, and she felt the heat of his gaze like a physical touch.

She laughed, the sound light and carefree, but her own hunger—not for food—was building. She hurried through the rest of her meal, her body thrumming with anticipation. The connection between them was electric, and she couldn't wait to feel his hands on her again.

When they were done, Rylan stood and held out his hand. "Come on, my beautiful mate."

She took it without hesitation, letting him lead her to the bathroom. It was surprisingly large, with sleek black tiles and a rainfall showerhead that looked like it belonged in a luxury spa. He tapped a panel on the wall, and the shower roared to life, steam quickly filling the room.

With a quick, possessive motion, he pulled the borrowed t-shirt over her head, his eyes drinking in her naked form. Wren watched as he stripped off his athletic pants, her breath catching at the sight of his hard, chiseled body. His arousal was more than evident, and her stomach coiled with desire.

He guided her under the warm spray, water cascading over them both. Rylan grabbed a bottle of shampoo, his hands gentle as he worked it into her long, dark hair. His touch was reverent, almost worshipful, and she leaned into him, letting the warmth of the water and his hands soothe her.

But then his hands wandered, sliding down her neck, over her shoulders, and to her breasts. He cupped them, his thumbs brushing over her nipples until they hardened under his touch. Wren's breath hitched, her body responding instantly.

"Rylan," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water.

He didn't respond with words. Instead, he lifted her effortlessly, pressing her back against the cool tiles of the shower wall. She wrapped her legs around his waist instinctively, her heart pounding in her chest. His large hand roamed her body, teasing her, stoking the fire building inside her.

And then he was inside her, filling her completely in one smooth, powerful thrust. Wren gasped, her fingernails digging into his shoulders as he began to move, his rhythm desperate and primal.

Their eyes locked, and she could see the raw hunger in his gaze, the way he was completely consumed by her.

She matched his intensity, her hips rising to meet his, her body trembling with raw need. The water mixed with their sweat, the heat of their connection overwhelming. Wren's moans echoed off the tiles, the pleasure building until it was almost too much.

"Rylan, I'm—" she started, but her words were cut off as her orgasm ripped through her, her body shuddering against his.

He groaned, a deep, guttural sound that sent another wave of pleasure through her as he followed her over the edge, his grip on her tightening as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.

For a moment, they stayed like that, their bodies pressing together and their hearts racing in sync. Finally, he pulled back slightly, his eyes soft as he looked at her.

"Are you glad you agreed to shower with me?" he breathed.

Wren laughed breathlessly, her hands still tangled in his damp hair. "Very much so. You definitely know how to make me feel alive."

He smirked, that alpha male confidence radiating off him. "That's good to hear. Because I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon."