Secretly Mated(22)

Squeezing her close, he rumbled, “Sweet mate, I’m not having sex with you. Not until we figure out this shit between us.” His thumb running along her bottom lip stole her breath. “But the next time I have you, I promise, it won’t be anything like the first time, Christina. Or any of the times since. It will be so. Much. More.”

Owyn had promised her many things throughout the years. From their first meeting to the time they’d agreed to be an outlet for each other’s needs, to this. Every time, there’d been a ring of truth to his voice. As if his oath was manifested on a sound wave that triggered a place inside her that believed him.

He’d never broken a promise to her.

Somehow, she knew this one wouldn’t be any different.





Chapter Seven



Doc let Owyn pull her through the lobby and out the front doors, aware that someone might see them. It gave her a thrill. Like they were doing something naughty. But getting caught wouldn’t be so bad. In fact, it was nice to not be shushed and hidden anymore.

It was equally her idea to hide their friends-with-benefits situation. It had been necessary when the no-mating pact was in effect. People would have mistaken their relationship for a real mating. Which would have caused trouble among the clan.

But these last few months, Doc had grown to want more. If she peeled back the layers of her heart, she’d wanted more for a long time. But it was different when she knew she couldn’t have it. When more would’ve meant losing her place among the clan. When it would’ve meant losing family for Owyn.

Outside, the cool February night was dark. A black canvas for the pin-pricks of light the stars created. The outdoor lanterns were lit and their dim glow marked the way toward the footbridge that crossed a small part of Lake Haven.

Owyn didn’t release her hand as they made for the bridge, winding down the stone path. At the top, where it arched directly over the center of the water, he stopped. Doc braced her hands on the rail and looked over the side. The lake was calm tonight.

His arms came around from behind as he placed his hands on the rail beside hers. She was locked into place, and his body surrounding her while they stared out at the water made her feel so safe.

“Do you remember why this is special?” he husked near her ear.

Her breath hitched. “Yes.”

Just like it was yesterday, it all came back to her…

***

Back then…

Christina looked out over the lake, pressing a hand to her chest in hopes of stopping the shaking behind her sternum.

She’d been at Lake Haven three months and already she was in love with the place.

And the people.

She’d made quick friends with the potty-mouthed Layna. Smiley Eagan could cook up anything her heart desired. Renner and Mason were good with their hands and didn’t shy away from the lady guests. Although they both had traits of typical males of her species, they’d taken the oath not to mate and seemed devoted to respecting the women in their lives. And Magic… well, he was rough around the edges but it didn’t take a Sherlock to know he was a decent man.

Owyn hadn’t been lying when he described his clan. They were different. And she had found a home here.

So had Tana. The female was training under Owyn and Renner to help with construction and repairs around the lodge. She’d had her choice of jobs, and she picked the one that made her feel the most strong. Her recovery was impressive.

Christina took a deep breath of clear mountain air, but the shaking became worse. Oh, she knew what was wrong. She was a doctor after all, and one who’d treated this condition before.

Drugs could help a little, but the real cure was distance.

Distance from her mate.

She might’ve considered this before she decided to come with Owyn and Tana to the lodge. But at the time, it hadn’t seemed like she’d be afflicted.

The problem was, Owyn was everything he’d promised to be. His heart was gold. Every day she witnessed how he cared for each of his clanmates. How his gaze seemed to evaluate their well-being and when it wasn’t quite up to par, he stepped in to make life better. And most surprising, he’d never once overstepped the boundaries she’d put in place.

He was as dedicated to not mating as the rest of the clan. And as she was now. She’d never been more relieved to enter into a pact in her life. It wasn’t trapping her. It was freeing her.

Or so she’d thought. Until now.

Her bitch of a cat was fighting her hard, and the only thing she knew to do was… leave. Leave beautiful Lake Haven and its beautiful people.

Footsteps thumped along the bridge but she didn’t make to move. Eventually, they came to a stop beside her.

“Everything okay, Doc?” The voice was low, rumbling along her spine, which only made the shaking worse.