Dire(7)
“Nothing happens for a reason.” She headed toward the stairs.
I followed behind her. “That’s not true. You can’t believe everything that happens in the universe is random.”
“What?” She turned to look at me over her shoulder. “Are you a religious wolf?”
“It has nothing to do with religion. It’s just life.”
She continued up the stairs. She hesitated in the hallway, and I could tell she was debating between my room and the guestroom. Whichever one she chose, I was going to follow. I needed her with me whether she liked it or not.
“I suppose asking to sleep alone is out of the question?”
“It is.”
“Then why don’t we get this over with, huh?” She walked toward my room.
“Get what over with?”
“The sex. The mating. Whatever the hell I’m expected to do.”
“Get it over with? That implies it’s something bad. It’s not. It’s good. For both of us.”
“How is any of this good for me?” She ran a hand through her long red hair.
I caught up with her and put my hands on her hips. I expected her to brush me off, but for once she didn’t. I knew it was more from exhaustion than anything, but I still took it as a win. She needed to get used to my touch. “It’s good for you.”
“Tell me why.”
I couldn’t tell her, but I could show her. I brushed my lips against hers. They were so soft.
“Hunter.” She said my name in a whisper that made me wonder if she wanted me to stop or continue.
I took the safe route. “Let’s go to bed.”
She nodded and walked into my room. She disappeared into the bathroom. While I waited for her to finish, I stripped down and put on a pair of boxer shorts. I’d have preferred to sleep naked, but I wanted to respect Mary Anne’s comfort for the first few nights. She needed to get used to being with me at her own pace whether I wanted to wait patiently or not. For that reason, I wasn’t going to say a word about what she wore to bed.
I was standing just outside the door when she walked out. She stepped back as her eyes raked over me. I loved having her eyes on me, especially since she wasn’t able to hide her reaction. She was attracted to me, and it was about time she stopped denying it.
“Would you mind sleeping in more clothing?”
“More clothing? I’d prefer to sleep in less.”
“Less? How can you be in less?” She gestured at me.
“Easy. Would you like me to show you?” I teased.
The look of shock on her face had me grinning. For a girl who wasn’t completely innocent she sure acted that way. “No thanks.”
“Would you mind taking off clothing?” Two could play at that game.
“I’m wearing the right amount.” She pointed to the tank top and pants she wore.
“The right amount would be none.” I didn’t bother to keep the heat out of my words and eyes. She knew how much I wanted her. There was no sense in pretending otherwise. I held up the blankets.
“That’s not happening.” She slipped into my bed.
With a satisfied smile I walked around to my side. “It’s going to happen eventually.”
“How soon is eventually?”
“As soon as you’re ready.”
“What if I’m never ready?”
I pulled her into my arms, wrapping her body up with my arms and legs. “You’ll be ready.”
“How are you always so warm?” She asked without moving away. She seemed relaxed enough in my arms despite her earlier hesitation.
“It’s part of being a Dire.”
“So that means that—”
I didn’t need to hear her say his name while in my bed. “Yes, he’ll run warm too. That’s why you don’t need to worry about him out there. He’s not bothered by the cold anymore.”
“I’m the only human here.”
“Does that bother you?” I rested my chin on top of her head. It felt so good to have her in my arms.
“Kind of.”
“Why?”
“Because being different is overrated.”
“Is it? It’s better than being like everyone else.”
She laughed dryly. “I’ve never fit in. Never.”
“Well, you fit in here whether you like it or not.”
“But I’m human.”
“And you’re going to be my mate. Besides, even without that you fit here. Couldn’t you feel it the moment you stepped into my home?”
“I was afraid when I got here.”
“No you weren’t.” I gently rubbed her back.
“How would you know?”
“You were frightened of being stranded, but you were never fearful of us.”