“It means you’ll belong to me. Always. Do you want that?”
Her foggy gaze cleared with his words. “Is this a panther thing?”
He nodded.
She brought her hand to his face, tracing the furrow of his eyebrows. “I don’t know what I want. This is happening so fast.”
Disappointment slammed him in the chest, but he couldn’t blame her. Everything she thought she knew about him had been upturned over the past few days. Now he had to make a choice. One that could alter their future. Cats didn’t ask before they marked. They just took what they wanted. It was one of the reasons the Ouachita clan lived by the code, because they realized what a violation it was to take away someone’s choice.
He could mark her now. Lock in the mating. Keep his Bethy forever.
Or…
He could wait until she was ready. If she was ever ready. Make the mating mutual. And have a chance at convincing Magic to change the code.
Fighting his animal’s urge was nearly unbearable. Sweat broke out on his brow. His legs trembled with the desire to plunge into her.
He dipped his head to hers, tasting her lips to calm himself. Home. She was his home. How could he take any chance of damaging what they had?
Renner pulled back to look into her eyes. “I won’t mark you today. I’ll wait until you’re sure. But Bethy, you are mine. I’m going to show you what that means. Are you ready?”
Her teeth worried her bottom lip as she gave a tiny nod.
Carefully, he guided his erection into her. She was so tight. The way her silken folds gripped him… Renner bit his tongue to keep from losing control.
When he was all the way in, he found her eyes. “This okay?”
“Yes,” she breathed.
Reaching between them, he pressed on the tender spot at the top of her mound. At the same time, he pulled out and thrust forward.
“Agh!” Her deep, guttural moan told him the motion hit her just right.
He repeated the action over and over. With each thrust, her nails dug into his shoulder. “God, you feel good, Beth.” He placed frantic kisses along her jaw. “Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of this moment?”
Gripping her thighs, he spread her legs farther and plunged deeper, earning another gasp and moan.
Renner pulled back to watch their connection but was distracted by the way her breasts bounced with every push. He wanted to thank the Creator for making her so perfect. Bending his head, he ran his tongue around a tight nipple before sucking it between his lips.
“Renner! I’m going to…”
He felt her tighten around his cock. Fuck.
“Let go, babe. Give me what you’ve got.”
He was close. If she said his name one more time, it would all be over.
Nibbling at the sweet curve of her breast, he realized how different this was from every other encounter he’d had. This wasn’t sex. Not just a fuck to ease his needs. No, they were making love. Maybe he wasn’t marking her, but he was claiming her nonetheless. Claiming her heart as his. Whether she wanted him to or not.
Bethany cried out as her body convulsed around his shaft, pulling him to a release. He slowed his thrusting and then stopped altogether, but didn’t break their connection. He never wanted to leave her body. His breath rushed forward, mixing with her heavy pants. The moment was perfect.
He bent and took her lips tenderly, sliding his tongue against hers.
His strength was slipping. Worth it, he thought as his panther retreated to focus on healing. He was only partially satisfied with no marking, but Renner couldn’t remember a time he’d been happier.
“How do you feel?” he whispered against her neck.
It took a moment for her to answer. “Lost.” Her voice was almost non-existent.
He leaned back to look into her eyes, questioning.
“Lost to something I can’t control. Lost to you, Ren. Now you have the power to ruin me.”
He took her face in his hands. “Never again. Do you understand me? You’re safe here.”
She nodded.
Carefully, he pulled out and rolled onto his side. He’d done a number on his wound. It felt like he’d rolled in razor blade catnip. He dragged Bethy close, tucking the covers around them, and within minutes he was asleep.
Chapter Nine
The sun creeping in through the blinds was the first sign of something wrong. Bethany hadn’t awoken to sunlight in a long time. Usually she greeted the dawn after having already finished a cup of coffee. Or two. Early mornings were almost necessary to her sanity.
She blinked, replaying the events of the night before.
Renner.
His arm around her naked waist tightened. “Good morning, sweet.” His voice was rough from sleep and it sent a shiver down to her toes.