“There,” she said, giddy that she was able to ease his pain. “Test it out.”
Owyn flexed his hand, tentatively at first, and then more sure once it seemed like his finger worked.
“How is it?”
“A little stiff,” he mumbled. “But… wow, Doc. That’s amazing. I’ve seen other mating bonds at work, but actually feeling ours…” He shook his head in wonder. “I want more.” He scooped her up with both arms around her waist. “I want everything.”
She gasped just as his mouth captured hers, his tongue pressing in to claim it. She was ready for this. Ready for his total claiming. Ready to be his for the rest of her days.
Owyn brought her to the bed, pulling away to ease her shirt over her head. His came next, and then her bra. His eyes grazed her hungrily, catching on certain places longer than others. The hollow of her neck, the peaks of her nipples, the dip of her belly just before the waist of her jeans.
Desire licked at her, creating a burning pool at her core. But there was another desire that had nothing to do with the physical burn for Owyn. It was the desire of her heart. That he’d give her his to hold, to love. And finally, it was happening.
Touching her with only the tips of his fingers, he brushed a trail down her neck, between her breasts, and over her belly to her waistband, his eyes following the entire way. He gripped the fabric and tugged her forward in one sharp move.
His lips brushed her cheek as he husked, “Gonna make every part of you mine. For good. Any objections, Doc?”
“None,” she breathed, her palm sliding over the bulge in his jeans.
A low purr rumbled his chest and it sent chills racing down her spine. The panther was near, and the cougar wanted all of him.
Owyn flicked the button on her jeans, ripped the zipper, and had her pants down all in the next breath, leaving her in the black lace panties she’d worn to the party.
“Those panties are pretty, Doc, but I’m going to have to ruin them.” His voice was thick with lust. “They stand between me and your pussy, and I’m not letting anything get in my way tonight.”
God, yes. She’d buy new ones.
Doc reached down, grabbing the offending fabric by the waist and yanking hard to rip it. The panties came away scraps that she held out for Owyn to take.
“There,” she said, dropping them in his palm. “All gone.”
One side of his mouth curved up in a sexy grin. “Anxious, are we?”
Doc nodded, swallowing down the emotion welling in her throat.
“Been waiting for this, haven’t we, mate?” Owyn whispered.
She nodded again, not trusting her voice.
“I’ve imagined this night with you,” he admitted. “Laid awake, dreaming of it. Of how I’d touch you. How you’d respond. How it’d be to make love to you with my heart wide open for you to see. Without the shadows and secrets. Just me showing you everything.” He dropped a soft kiss to her lips. “Doc, I’m telling you right now, I don’t think my dreams are going to live up to the reality.”
A whimper escaped Doc as his palm ran up her ribs to cup her breast and his thumb teased her hardened nipple. Owyn brushed his mouth along her jaw, inhaling as he went, and bringing shivers of anticipation.
Doc’s hands worked his belt open, and then his jeans, anxious to get to what was underneath.
When there were no more clothes between them, Owyn pushed Doc into the bed, following her down with his mouth. He kissed her, lapping at her tongue, until the fire inside was a burning pillar. Until she was sweating with need.
His erection lay hard between their bodies, his slight thrusts against her thigh telling her he was as revved up as she was.
Hands braced on either side of her head, Owyn rose up to hover over her. The muscles of his shoulders rippled and flexed as he gazed on her body, starting with her eyes and rolling down to her hips in a leisurely stroll.
“My mate,” he murmured as if trying to believe it.
The tattoo on his neck stood out, reminding her of that first night at Cleaver’s. She knew what it meant now. And that it meant even more to him after the sacrifices Mandi made for Josie and Magic, and ultimately the entire clan. Doc and Owyn could mate now, because of her. She would never be forgotten.
Doc touched her fingers to the tattoo and uttered a near silent thank you.
Owyn reached one hand between their bodies, his fingers brushing softly over her folds. “So ready for me,” he murmured, replacing his touch with his steely erection.
Meeting her eyes, he pressed at her opening, slowly inching inside. Emotions tumbled from his gaze, filling her with so much love she thought she wouldn’t be able to contain it.