Provocation

My heart raced at his words. Never had I imagined someone could truly understand the feelings swirling inside me, yet here he was, seeming capable of easing my solitude. Perhaps he could. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I need to inform my father about this when he returns so we can start the mating ceremony immediately." So soon? I thought, prompting a laugh from him. "What were you expecting? You have no idea how hard I'm trying to keep my wolf in check, do you?" he asked. I crossed my arms defiantly. "I don’t recall giving you permission to hold the ceremony before claiming me." I felt a playful urge to tease him. "Is that why you bolted yesterday like a frightened kitten?" His brows furrowed as he cupped my face in his large hand. "Don’t make me lose the last bit of control I have, because you won’t like what I’m thinking of doing to you." A shiver ran through me as his eyes glowed a stunning red—his wolf was surfacing.

He released my face, but I craved his touch again. "I’ve stopped reading your mind, but your expressions reveal everything, Felicity," he chuckled, lowering himself to meet my gaze. "That’s a relief; now I don’t have to worry about you snooping in my thoughts." I couldn’t help but tease him further. "You have such a sharp tongue, and I enjoy it. It reminds me of the good old days, though I didn’t appreciate you getting all over that guy, Frederick." Who knew Drew could be so possessive? "Frederick has found his mate now," I replied, a smile breaking across his face. Should I push my luck? "But before that," I paused, watching his eyes widen. "What happened before that?" he asked, the tension in the air thickening. "He and I dated," I revealed, and that was all it took for my mate to snap, and I relished the reaction.

He stood up suddenly; one moment I was perched on the edge of the bed, and the next, I found myself lying back with Drew hovering above me. His breath was uneven, and his fangs were noticeably longer. "Did you kiss him?" he asked. Perhaps I had crossed a line, but I couldn't help it; I found him incredibly attractive in this state. "Not just once or twice." What happened next took me by surprise—he bit into my neck, and I flinched as the sharp pain surged and then faded almost instantly.

A wave of heat coursed through my body, not unpleasant but rather exhilarating, and a moan escaped my lips. This was the most intimate experience I had ever shared with anyone. My toes curled in response, and when he finally stopped, I felt a sense of restlessness. He licked my neck and rested his head there, gazing at me. I turned my eyes to meet his, and his crimson gaze locked onto mine. I could feel his arousal pressing against my thigh, solid and undeniable. "Was he a good kisser?" he asked, his voice low. I scoffed, "No, he was terrible." He licked the spot where he had bitten me, and I relished the sensation. Just then, a knock echoed through the room, followed by a voice calling, "Young Master Drew, the alpha has returned and requests your presence."

He immediately ceased his ministrations and got off me. I sat up as he said, "Don't go anywhere; I'll be back. I'll send someone to bring you food." I nodded, as he turned and left, though I really wished he wouldn't leave. Damn, I already missed him.

Absolutely not! Why, just why? What’s the point of being here if he’s already met his mate? I can’t stand her." I simply watched my sister Abigail as she vented her frustrations. That’s not what’s consuming my thoughts right now; it’s the so-called Felicity. Why does Drew always seem to have it all? My father constantly compares me to him, which is incredibly frustrating, and now I discover he has a stunning mate. Meanwhile, I’m still without one. I can’t help but wish I could take away everything he has, that scoundrel, I hate him, truly.