Now, his wolf urged. She’s the one.
Grayson knew that, but she wasn’t a wolf shifter. He had to wait until she was comfortable with that, if ever.
He attempted to ignore the itching in his fangs as he fucked her harder. He lifted her hips and rammed into her. She squealed and grabbed onto him, bucking against him from below.
The intensity grew immense. Her cries turned ragged.
Aurora sank back onto the pillow and she turned her head to the side, exposing her neck and shoulders. “Go ahead, Grayson. Mark me as yours.”
His wolf danced inside. It had been pushing Grayson to claim her as his mate from the first moment they met. Was she truly ready for him to seal their mating with his bite?
Before he grew too excited, he paused, “This is permanent, binding us always. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
She looped her arms around his neck and ruffled the hair at the back. “Remember what I said about time being precious?”
“Yes.”
She stared into his eyes. “So let’s not waste another second.”
“Okay.”
The desire to mark her grew unbearable. He rocked into her again and bent down, opening his mouth to release his fangs. When the tips pierced the flesh near her shoulder, she gasped.
Her sweet blood flowed over his tongue like nirvana, igniting a primal instinct that focused entirely on her. He’d do anything to protect this woman and wanted nothing more than to love and cherish her. A magical connection grew between them, so palpable that he thought it might be visible and solid in form. Yet, he didn’t see anything but a glowing, iridescent light that surrounded them, growing brighter as it expanded, and then it contracted, filling him with that soul-invigorating light.
They were bonded. He had no doubt that magic had connected him to his mate. An urge to seal their connection on a physical level grew overpowering.
He pulled his fangs out and licked the puncture wounds, and then he fucked her harder, with fierce thrusts that made her cry out.
She tightened and quaked beneath him. “Grayson.”
Her climax ignited his own, and it tore through him with a ferocity he’d never experienced. Pulse after pulse of fiery heat exploded out of him until he was spent. He all but collapsed on top of her, but prevented himself from crushing her with his hot and sweaty body.
When his brain functioned again, he asked her, “Are you okay?”
She gazed at him with warmth in her hooded eyes. “Absolutely. That felt amazing.” She smiled. “You?”
After finally claiming his mate, he felt incredible. He felt euphoric, as if anything and everything was possible. Even as the pack edged ever closer to war, he wouldn’t change a moment of what had happened. With her at his side, he’d be willing to face anything.
He gazed at the woman he loved. “With you as my mate, Aurora, I’m the luckiest shifter alive.”
Chapter 13
Aurora
What a night—a terrifying, amazing, life-changing night.
Aurora was now mated to a wolf shifter, and she had zero regrets. Every part of her sensed that it was right. She knew deep in her being that they were meant to be.
She thanked the goddess for leading her to Grayson. Not only was he the most wonderful man Aurora had ever met, but he was a phenomenal lover. She didn’t know sex could feel that incredible, but she supposed it had something to do with them being so connected. Already, in such a short time, he was such a tremendous part of her life and she couldn’t imagine him not being in it. Their connection would grow with time, and she looked forward to them building their relationship together.
After Aurora gathered her belongings from her hotel room and packed them in her trunk, Grayson said, “Walk with me a minute?”
“Sure.” She took his offered hand, and they walked away from the hotel. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see soon.” His tone revealed nothing.
His hand was hot and trembling slightly. Or was it hers shaking?
Grayson didn’t say anything as they walked on the brick sidewalks through the village. They passed several restaurants and shops. Curiosity drove her to want to repeat her question, but she’d find out soon enough.
A few minutes later, Grayson stood in front of an empty brick storefront in between a bakery and clothing boutique. The windows were smeared with a white coating.
“What do you think?” he asked.
Her brows drew closer together . “About?”
“About your new shop space.” A mountain-wide grin spread across his face.
Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
“You told me how you wanted to have your own shop. I thought about it and talked to the CFO.” He winked. “He’s a tough businessman, but he saw the potential in your idea.”
Aurora gaped at Grayson. He was talking about himself, but it was such an unexpected conversation, she didn’t even know where to begin to process it. She spun in what felt like slow motion back to face the empty storefront. The idea of opening up her own shop here was a dream—one she thought was out of reach for a long time.
“Is this for real?” she asked. “Or am I dreaming?”
Grayson laughed. “It’s one-hundred percent reality.” He stepped behind her and wrapped both arms around her waist. “Look at it, Aurora. Do you see the potential? Think of all you could do to make it your own.”
Once she started to visualize the possibilities, the ideas wouldn’t stop. “It’s perfect. We could hang witch globes in the window, set up displays for herbs, offer personalized charms with candles and herbs…”
Grayson squeezed her more tightly. “I’m glad you’re envisioning it. The inside is even better.”
She turned in his arms and faced him. “Oh, Grayson. I don’t know. I mean, there’s so much to consider. First, I need to move up here. Also, I have to check my finances to see if I even have enough to start something like this.”
“Fortunately, you have an in with the CFO, as well, since you’ve captured his heart.” He glanced down at her with warmth in his eyes. “He is ready to invest.” He arched a brow and gave her a knowing glance. “I also happen to know he has plenty of room in his house.”
She placed her hand on her heart. “Oh my goodness. I can’t believe this. Why are you doing this for me?”
“You’ve done so much for others,” Grayson said. “Especially me. I kept you up for here for selfish reasons—I didn’t want you to leave. You’ve made my dreams come true, so now I want to do something for you. Maybe you’ll let me start to help you realize yours.
“Oh, my.” She covered her mouth and then dropped her trembling hand. “Grayson, this is too much.”
“It’s not nearly enough. You deserve the world, Aurora, but I’ll start with offering you my heart, if you take it.” He cocked his head. “And a key.
He pulled one out of his pocket. “Here’s one for your store.” He then reached for another. “And the other for the house. Our house.” His eyes turned soulful and full of hope. “If you’ll consider moving in with me.”
Happiness fluttered inside her, making her feel so light. “Consider it? Of course.” She threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Grayson.”