Her lips curved into a sexy smile that already had my blood pumping. “Conservation is so important these days.”
I nodded, wetting my lips. “Just doing my part for future generations.”
She closed her laptop and stood. “One of the things I love about you.”
I raised a brow. “What else do you love?”
She came over to me and ran her index finger down the center of my chest, around my belly button, and then down the thin line of hair to my jeans. Peering up at me from under her lashes with the sexiest pair of bedroom eyes I’d ever seen, she whispered, “Let’s get naked and I’ll show you.”
I scooped her up in my arms, ignoring the ache in my leg as I carried her up the stairs. Inside the bathroom, I turned on the shower, grinning as I turned around to find her already stripping out of her clothes. My pants were off in record time, and I pulled her into my arms. She fit so damned perfectly there. Her skin against mine was home. She made me whole.
We stepped into the shower, kissing the whole way. I was desperate for her. Her lips were the air I needed to breathe. I pressed her back against the tile, my hands on either side of her head as our tongues swirled together. The water rained over my back as I kissed my way down her neck. Her fingers tangled in the back of my hair as her other hand slid down to stroke my swollen shaft.
I trembled with need, aching to be closer. I gripped her hips with my wet hands and growled against her ear. “Spread your legs for me.”
Her stance widened, and I ran my fingers up the smooth skin of her inner thigh. I loved hearing her gasp when I brushed over her sweet spot. I toyed with her nub, and her fingers tightened in my hair, while her other hand stroked me. I rubbed her faster, teasing her higher.
She released me, moaning against my neck, “I want you inside me.”
I was happy to give her everything she wanted. Without slowing my fingers, I rocked my hips up into her, groaning as I sank into the warmth of her body. She fit me like a glove. The smooth friction of our bodies was a sweet torment. I wanted to surrender and fight to make it last all at the same time.
My mate, my love, my life—she made surrendering inevitable. And mind-blowing.
I pounded my hips into her until her inner muscles clenched tightly around me. Her nails dug into my shoulder as she cried out my name, and I was done for. I slammed up into her one last time, erupting deep inside her body.
My chest heaved against her as we stared into each other’s eyes. I clung to the connection between us, sending her all my love.
I love you, too, she whispered through my mind.
Her mastery of her psychic gift was growing, but so far, I was the only one who could hear her speak mentally. Maybe it was our mate bond. Either way, I welcomed the intimacy.
Our world was changing. If Deidra came back for Serenity, or the government did start declassifying the research that had kept shifters secret from the world, we might need to be able to communicate without speaking out loud.
The ability to share our minds and bodies probably would’ve scared me with anyone else, but not Madison. It was cliché, but she really was the other half of my soul.
And together, we were a force to be reckoned with.
After our candlelit dinner at the Red Coyote, I reached across the table for Madison’s hand. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.” She took a big breath, searching my eyes. “This has been the best one in a long time.”
“Oh, we’re not finished yet,” I teased.
Her brows raised. “Really? What else is on the schedule?”
“Well…” I did my best to drag it out. The truth was, my hands were already getting sweaty. “It’s karaoke night at the Wolf Pack Bar. And I thought I’d…sing something for you.”
Her eyes widened, and the brightness of her smile banished some of my stage fright. “Oh my gosh! It really is my birthday!”
I chuckled and helped her to her feet. “Hope you still feel that way after you hear me sing.”
“You have a great voice,” she countered as we walked back to her car. My truck was still at the body shop.
She handed me her keys, and I pressed a kiss to her temple. “You’re definitely the pop star of this couple.” I closed her door and made my way around to the driver’s side. I took a deep breath and started the car.
“What are you singing?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise.” And again, I sent up a prayer that it would be a good one. I didn’t have to be a rock star but not looking like an idiot was preferable.
I drove to the Wolf Pack Bar and took her hand as we walked toward the entrance. When I opened the door, everyone inside spun around and shouted, “Surprise!”
Chandler, along with their mom, rushed forward to embrace Madison. Her mom pulled back with a grin. “Happy birthday.”
Madison smiled. “You came all the way back?”
Her mom had returned to San Francisco, promising to keep Chandler’s infants a secret from his father for now. If there was any truth to Deidra’s threat about the government exposing shifters, we couldn’t risk their grandfather finding out about the babies.
“I couldn’t miss another birthday.” Her mom hugged Madison one more time and then released her to the rest of the room.
I went to the bar where Ryker had a beer already waiting for me.
“Thanks, man.” I took a few gulps of the liquid courage.
“You look a little…shaken,” Ryker whispered.
“Understatement, but I’ll be okay.” I finished the beer and set the glass on the bar. “Better give me another one.”
“You got it.”
He took the glass over to the tap while I made my way to the deejay in the corner. Was I really going to do this?
The deejay had his headphones down around his neck. “Did you want to sing tonight?”
“Yeah.” I took a breath. “Do you have ‘Happy Together’?”
He searched his computer, and a spark of hope lit in my heart. If he didn’t have the song, then this could all be a “sweet thought” and I wouldn’t have to warble in front of my entire pack.
He started to smile. “Yep. Right here.”
Dammit. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and nodded. “All right. Right after birthday cake?”
“Sure thing.”
I wrote my name on the clipboard, and my gut clenched. This was happening.
When I turned around, Madison was watching me, and the smile on her face made all the churning in my stomach worth it. I went back to the bar and finished beer number two. I could do this.
I went over to stand with her, whispering, “Surprised?”
“Yes.” She smiled up at me. “And very intrigued about your song.”
I chuckled. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m no rock star.”
She slid her arm around my waist. “You are to me.”
Her mom brought out a cake covered in candles, and we all sang.
I kissed her cheek. “Be right back.” I went to the table in the corner and took the wireless mic from the deejay. “Don’t start it yet.”
He nodded. “Just give me a cue.”
I stepped into the lights and took a breath. “Hey, everyone. I’m Cole, and this one is for the birthday girl.” I found her in the crowd and smiled. “Madison, I love you. Thanks for making me so damned happy. I hope this makes you smile, and every word of this song is for you.”