Page 89 of X-Clan The Origin

He maintained his stare as he drove me to oblivion, and continued to watch me as his knot claimed me from the inside.

So intense. And exactly what I craved.

He kissed me again as the waves of pleasure rocketed through both of us, his low growls a rumble against my chest.

A rumble that turned into a purr.

I melted beneath him, that sound easily my favorite addiction. “You’re mine,” he whispered.

“Yes,” I agreed, my nails digging into his nape a little as I held him to me. “And you’re mine.”

He smiled against my mouth and kissed me soundly again.

And when his knot released me, he carried me across the guest suite to the adjoining bathroom.

Where he bathed me.

Purred for me.

And washed all the blood from his own skin. I’d tried to wipe him clean on the plane with the towels Kieran had provided. But running water definitely helped.

It wasn’t until we were drying off that Jonas said, “If you asked me to stay here, I would. For you.”

“I know.” He’d more than proved to me that he would always put my desires first. But that wasn’t what it meant to be lifemates, as Kieran had so helpfully pointed out.

The V-Clan Alpha was certainly an enigma, always providing wise words while ensuring I could read between the lines at the same time.

He wasn’t like that with others. Actually, he could come across as downright cold.

But never with me.

Not for romantic reasons, though.

We were friends. Just like I’d told Jonas. Two researchers at heart who both maintained a similar form of respect for humanity.

His was more cynical in nature. Mine was more hopeful. However, that was what helped us balance each other.

“I want to talk to the Andorra Sector Alpha,” I told Jonas after a beat. “I want to hear more about his clinic. And maybe speak to Beta Ceres about his research, too.”

“Are you sure?” Jonas asked.

I nodded. “It’s what makes sense forus, Jonas. And Kieran was right about the potential collaboration there.” I studied my mate as he wrapped a towel around his waist. “Are you interested in Andorra Sector?”

“I’m interested in discussing the option with Ander, yes,” he said. “I’m familiar with his father, Ludvig. He’s a good wolf. If Ander has turned into anything like him, which I imagine he has if he’s already taking over a sector, then Andorra may be a good place for us.”

“Because you could be an enforcer?” I wondered aloud.

“Because Ander will treat you as he should—as a world-renowned researcher with the potential to ensure that our species survives this pandemic.”

Not an Omega or the cherished mate of an Alpha, but as a position of worth,I thought. “You think he’ll be respectful of my dreams?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Jonas stepped up to me, his palm curling around my nape as he stared down into my eyes. “I won’t ever put you in a position where you feel inferior. Nor will I allow anyone else to do so.”

I smiled up at him. “I’m not sure I’ll allow it either.”

His lips quirked at the sides. “I’m counting on that,ástin mín.” He brushed his mouth against mine. “We’ll see if Ander lives up to our expectations and go from there.”

“Okay,” I whispered.