Page 64 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha (Witch Twins #2)

Bastien

I scooped my mate into my arms. Her head lolled back against my forearm. Her eyes were open but unseeing.

Something had sent her into a deep state of distress. Why hadn’t I pursued the topic of her panic attacks earlier?

Gently, I manoeuvred my body onto the bed, my back against the headrest, settling her tiny body more securely into my arms.

Then I began to purr and I opened the bond, letting all of my feelings free.

I love you.

I can’t do this without you.

Don’t leave me.

I need you.

Was I getting through? I couldn’t tell.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that you were my mate the moment I saw you. I was trying to respect your choice. I didn’t want to pressure you.

But every day I struggled with the desire to tell you.

I tried to show you how I felt. Feeding you. Taking you special places. I was courting you.

But you didn’t know it.

I’m so sorry.

I dropped my head down to her neck.

She hadn’t responded to any of my words, but her scent was less sour.

It would work. It had to work.

I fell in love with you the moment I met you, but everything I learned about you only made me want you more.

The cute way you scrunch your nose up when you taste food you don’t like.

Your courage. The way you never hesitate to protect me.

I paused.

Okay, I hate that one. The idea that you would take a hit meant for me has been hard to live with. As your Alpha, it’s my job to protect you. But it was what you wanted and I couldn’t deny you the chance to shine in your chosen career.

I’m so proud of you baby.

I had to take a breath, swallow the lump in my throat. Nuzzling her ear, I just breathed.

Her body had been too cold when I lifted her from the floor but now she felt warm against my chest.

Get closer.

Skin to skin .

It was lucky for the guards that they were female. If any males had seen my mate barely dressed and distressed, it would have been the last thing they saw.

I leaned forward, letting my Pixie rest against one forearm as I used the other to pull my shirt off my torso.

Then I pulled at the tie that kept her robe closed, pulling it off her shoulders.

There.

I wriggled down on the bed, laying my mate on my body. I kept my pants on, because this wasn’t the right moment for sexual intimacy.

Not yet. But before we had finished here today, my mate would know that I worshipped her; body and mind.

Now her lush breasts were pressed against my chest.

Wrapping my arms around her, I pressed her head against my rib cage, right over my heart. She would surely hear my purr like this.

Hear how my heart beats only for you, my love. I purr for you, my mate. Always.

I need you to come back now. I won’t stop until you are here, with me.