Page 148 of Their Lethal Pet

My eyelashes flutter once more. “You were worried.” That’s… that’s an interesting concept. “I don’t think anyone has ever worried about me before.”

It’s… it’s kind of nice.

Flame and Orcus may be curious about my whereabouts sometimes, or even voice words of caution, but I doubt they’ve ever actually been concerned for me. Or maybe they have and just haven’t told me.

However, Alina… I can feel her relief. It’s written in the way her body clings to mine, like she thought she might not see me again.

I draw my hand down her back, my opposite palm going to her nape. “I’m okay, pet,” I tell her again. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

Her pupils flare as she stares up at me. “Is it silly to worry?”

I smile. “No. It’s… refreshing.” I draw my thumb up and down her neck. “It makes me feel… cared about.” Which is a very nice sensation, one that has me wanting to kiss her for entirely different reasons than before.

So I do.

I lean down and… kiss her.

Not passionately. Not hungrily. Just tenderly. Pleasantly.Lovingly.

It’s a vastly unique concept, one I’ve never quite considered before. Kissing usually leads to fucking. But this kiss… this kiss is underlined in emotion.

Emotion I don’t quite comprehend.

But I feel strongly for this female.

Because I care about her, too, I realize. Of course, I already knew that. However, I’ve been so caught up in the lust side that I haven’t truly evaluated the compassion side.

Together… together it’s…flooring.

Combustible.

Downright overwhelming.

The voices in my head are silent now, leaving me alone with my thoughts—all of which are consumed with Alina.

My intended.

My future mate.

My pet.

Her lips part as I slide my tongue inside, exploring her mouth and thanking her in my own way. Thanking her for this gift. For opening up my heart in a way I didn’t know was possible. For providing temporary relief inside my mind. Forworrying.

She’s everything.

This is everything.

Weare everything.

Her arms tighten around my neck, causing my grasp along her nape to flex as well. I want her.Oh, how I fuckingwanther.

It’s so godsdamn intense. And it’s so much more than mere excitement to play during her heat.

I want to claim her. To voice the vows that will make her mine.

She lets me splay her across the bed, my jean-clad hips resting against her exposed center. I have no idea what happened to her towel. It probably fell when I tumbled her backward onto the mattress. It doesn’t matter. I want her naked beneath me anyway.

“Alina,” I breathe against her mouth.