Page 15 of Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #7)

CHAPTER 15

R obin found herself leaning into Eric’s embrace, her body seeking comfort before her mind could catch up. His arms tightened around her, solid and warm, pulling her closer. His familiar scent surrounded her as tears finally began to spill down her cheeks.

“I’m so tired,” she whispered into his shirt. Months of fear and exhaustion crashed over her like a wave. Her shoulders shook as she finally let go of the rigid control she’d maintained since that terrible day in Martin’s office.

His hand rubbed gentle circles on her back, his touch anchoring her as she fell apart. His steady heartbeat thumped against her ear, its rhythm soothing her ragged breaths.

“I know, little bird, but you’re safe now,” he murmured into her hair, the rumble of his voice vibrating through her body. “I’ve got you.”

She pressed closer, letting his strength hold her together. She’d been alone for so long—sleeping in cheap motels, looking over her shoulder, trusting no one. But she didn’t feel alone now, and she didn’t push him away.

“Can you stop him?” she asked quietly. “Rick’s not going to give up.”

This time a growl vibrated through his body.

“You let me worry about him,” he said grimly.

The certainty in his voice helped her to breathe a little easier. She didn’t want to think about how he might take care of Rick. She didn’t want to think about anything other than the warmth and safety she felt in his arms.

“Will you…” She hesitated, unsure how to ask. “Will you hold me for a little while?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, and let the warmth of his arms pull her under.

When she awoke, it was to find herself still in Eric’s lap, her cheek pressed against his shoulder, his arms tight around her. She didn’t think she’d been asleep long, but she felt better, calmer. She didn’t move, reluctant to leave the warmth of his embrace, but a soft laugh ruffled her hair.

“Playing possum?”

She leaned back and looked up at his face. Golden eyes glowed down at her, no longer angry but warm and kind.

“Thank you for holding me,” she whispered.

“Anytime. It’s a mate’s privilege.”

He spoke lightly, but the word mate reminded her of Lila’s earlier words and her heart ached. She didn’t want to be a temporary distraction, just a playmate until he decided to settle down with a real wolf.

“What’s a mating bite?”

His body went rigid beneath her, his eyes blazing with something she couldn’t read.

“It’s a mark that shows a permanent bond between mates. When a wolf bites their true mate, they leave a mark.” His fingers brushed lightly over her neck and she shivered. “It’s our way of showing commitment. A promise to stay together, no matter what.”

Unable to look at him, she focused on the top button of his shirt, open to show the hint of golden skin underneath.

“Why haven’t you…” The words stuck. She swallowed hard and tried again. “Why haven’t you given me one? Since we’re supposed to be mates.”

He was so still he didn’t even seem to be breathing. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.

“Because a mating bite is permanent. Once it’s done, there’s no taking it back. I would never ask that of you. Not when…” He looked away, his shoulders tense. “It has to be a choice. Not a demand, not a necessity, not even a request.”

She looked up at his face, studying his profile. For the first time he seemed… vulnerable. Had he been protecting her? Or himself? Or perhaps both of them.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For giving me a choice. For not… For not being like everyone else who tried to control my life.”

His gaze returned to her face, golden eyes as warm as sunlight through honey, and gently cupped her cheek. Something flared between them, and this time she was the one to look away.

“Is… is it a problem that I don’t have one?” she asked, remembering Lila’s words again. “Will it cast doubts about our relationship?”

He shrugged.

“Not really, not as long as you carry my scent. The neck is the traditional place, but it’s not the only place.”

She frowned up at him.

“I don’t understand. Where else would they go?”

“Places covered by clothing.” He leaned down and growled the words directly into her ear. “Private places.”

“Oh,” she breathed. Did he mean… Could he mean… She should have been shocked but instead the thought sent a curl of heat through her body.

“But the traditional mating mark is the bite on the neck, or just below it on the top of the shoulder,” he said, straightening and looking away again. “It’s a vulnerable spot. Showing a wolf’s trust and submission to their mate. And, of course, the scar is always visible, a reminder to the world that you’re taken.”

“Taken.” She tested the word, liking the sound of it. “So everyone would know that I belonged to you?”

“Yes.”

“You mean…” Her cheeks flamed. “That you… um… owned me.”

“No, not own,” he said fiercely. “No one owns you, little bird. No one. But if you wore my mark, yes, everyone would know that you were mine.”

Mine.

Another shiver of heat raced through her body. His arm tightened around her, pulling her closer, and she suddenly realized how intimate their position was.

“You’re blushing,” he said softly, and she turned her face into his shirt to hide her flaming cheeks.

“It’s hot in here,” she mumbled.

His chest shook, and then he was laughing, the rich sound washing over her. She relaxed into him, letting his laughter fill her heart.

“My shy little bird.”

He kissed her, his mouth claiming hers, and she melted into the kiss. As if that was what her body had been waiting for, the coil of heat in her belly unfurled and spread through her body. The soft cotton of his shirt rubbed against her skin as her hands explored the contours of his chest. She needed to feel the warmth of his skin, needed the contact. Needed him.

But he pulled away, then placed her gently back on the couch as he rose.

“I’m going to start on supper.”

“I can help.”

“Not tonight,” he said firmly. “You’ve had a hard day. Let me take care of you.”

The words sent a shiver of remembered arousal through her body, and when she looked over at him, his eyes were glowing gold again.

“Food. You need food.”

He headed for the kitchen with somewhat less than his usual grace, leaving her staring after him. Food wasn’t what she wanted from him. But how could she convince him to take care of her again?