“What?” No longer able to keep her gaze anywhere else, she looked back at him.
“You heard me. My clan has dedicated itself to her cause and to protect her. It’s the reason I’ve been dividing myself between Alaska and West Virginia. It’s also the reason my brother, Lukas, has taken a place with the Alaskan Tigers. He can do more good for them on their missions than he can in West Virginia right now.” He pulled back the covers and slid between the sheets. “Join me?”
“What a moment…” She shook her head trying to clear away the cobwebs. “It’s all true, the legend, everything?”
“Yes. It’s why Ben wanted me to tell you. When Tabitha makes the announcement I will be there at her back, along with Ty, her guards, and the Kodiak Bears. Tex has also committed himself and the clan to her. Anyone against us will see us as the enemy, and we will be targets.” He adjusted the pillows allowing him to lean against them. “As my mate, you’ll have your own guards to protect you. I’ve never bothered with guards myself because my clan is small, but that will have to change. Elder guards will be put into place immediately. I will also be electing a Lieutenant for my clan so that when we’re away there’s official leadership.”
She came to the bed and sat on the edge. “Wow. I can’t believe it.”
“Does all this make you want to run to the hills as fast as you can?”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s amazing. I mean, I never thought I’d live to see the day when the Queen of the Tigers would be here to unite us.”
“Not only witnessing it, but a part of it. As my mate, you’re very much involved in it. With that comes the danger.”
She threw her head back and gave a half-hearted laugh. “I laugh in the face of danger.”
“Then come here, lay with me, and we’ll face the rest of the danger later.” He patted the side of the bed. “Take your jeans off, you’ll be more comfortable.”
“That sounds like a line.” Teasingly, she moved her hands around to the front of her jeans, tracing the button with her finger before undoing them.
When she slid them down her legs, a soft growl rippled from his throat. “I might have just discovered the secret to staying awake. All my tiredness has melted away. Come here.”
“Only if you sleep.” She pulled back the covers next to him, slipping between the sheets.
“Sleep? How can I sleep with a beautiful half-naked woman next to me? Let me show you how much you mean to me.” He closed the distance between them, forcing her to lie back.
“I mean nothing to you.”
“You mean everything to me.” He kissed the side of her neck, gently gliding his teeth along her skin. “It’s so much more than just the bond and desire. The moment I saw you, I felt drawn to you.”
She refused to let herself think of the motives that had brought him to her. What mattered was he was there next to her, wanting her. “Show me then.” Her own desire laced her voice.
Without giving her a second to think about it, he pounced on her, pushing her gently the rest of the way back onto the bed and pressing his body tight against hers. “You’re beautiful.” He traced his finger along her jawline, watching her. “I can see it in your eyes that you don’t believe it, so let me show you.”
With his gaze locked on hers, he slid his hand under her shirt, slowly tugging it up her stomach. “Lay back.” When she did as he asked, he teased a hot, wet trail of kisses across her belly, and stroked her thighs with his fingertips.
He slid his hand between her legs, sliding his finger between her wet folds until he found her sweet spot. He teased the bundle of nerves, dragging pleasure from her in hard, hot waves as moans tore from her throat. He held her captive against the bed, his fingers thrusting into her as his thumb continued to wring more pleasure from her core. Fierce desire rose within her like a tidal wave smashing through a dam.
With every touch, she arched her hips to him, demanding more. Her desire soared to new heights, until she couldn’t hold back her need for him.
“Please, Jinx.” She clawed her nails up his back. “I want you.”
In answer, he rose off her, tugging his boxers off.
“Take your shirt off, too,” she encouraged.
“So demanding.” He tugged off his shirt and tossed it to the floor.
Once he was as naked as she was, he nudged her legs farther apart with his knee, giving him the access he needed, his hand cupping her hips and drawing her closer to his body. She ran her fingers over the hard muscles of his chest before she cupped the side of his cheek.