The correct environmental report finally had been obtained and the pack’s lawyers were sure the courts would rule in their favour. Once the land was designated as environmentally significant, Northern Oil wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. All the water and soil samples had come back clear, and now that Marla wasn’t trying to sabotage the pack, Kane had lifted the restrictions on where they were allowed to roam. Everything appeared to be falling nicely into place.
Elise smiled as she reflected on all these things. Standing by the bedroom window, staring out at the peaceful, snow covered landscape, a feeling of contentment welled up inside her. Despite everything that had happened, the pack was united and strong, their land was safe and Ryne’s name had been cleared of all wrong-doing. Most importantly, in her mind at least, she and Kane were still together. Kane had even begun taking her exploring throughout the territory, and she revelled in finally being able to run at his side, his mate both in fact and spirit. He was proudly showing her all his favourite places and explaining his plans to ‘christen’ several of them once the weather was warmer. Yes, all in all, life was good.
It was approaching midnight, but she hadn’t put on the lights, preferring the soothing darkness after the business of the day. They’d celebrated Thanksgiving, the house filled to the rafters with members of the pack. While it had been a fun occasion, quiet was what she now craved.
The door opened behind her and she half turned. Kane stood in the doorway, light from the hallway silhouetting his frame. Once again, she was struck by the power and beauty of her mate. He shut the door blocking the illumination and throwing the room into darkness. Leaving the lights off, he moved unerringly towards her. Elise waited silently until he stood beside her. As he slid his hands around her waist, she sighed happily and twisted slightly so that she was leaning back against him. He nuzzled her neck, and in response she tilted her head to give him better access.
“Are you tired?” His voice rumbled in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
“Yeah.”
“Oh.” He straightened behind her, loosening his grip, disappointment evident in his voice.
She chuckled to herself. Her mate could never get enough of her, not that she was complaining, of course! Turning in the circle of his arms, she slid her hands up his chest, “I’m not that tired.”
His whole demeanour perked up and he pulled her closer, kissing her tenderly before trailing his lips over her cheeks and brow then down to her ear. “I’m happy to hear that.”
“So I noticed.” She brushed her hips against him, already feeling the evidence of his arousal.
With a growl, Kane crushed her body to his, running his hands up and down her back. Elise reciprocated, pulling his shirt free and working her hands beneath the material. His skin was silky and warm against her palms, the muscles shifting smoothly. Eager to feel more of him, she moved her hand around his waist to his belt. Fumbling with the clasp, she finally freed it and undid the button. Sliding down his zipper, she worked her hand inside.
Kane’s shaft was hot and firm against her hand and she boldly stroked him, no longer the shy, young girl with whom he had first mated. His hips automatically flexed in response and he dug his fingers into her shoulders. Capturing her mouth with his, Kane kissed her deeply, plundering the sweet cavern with his tongue, mimicking the actions of his lower body. Finally, they pulled apart, flushed and breathing heavily.
“Elise, I need you.”
She nodded and gave him a hard kiss before attacking the buttons on his shirt. They disrobed quickly and Kane scooped her up, carrying her to the bed. Dropping her down onto the mattress, he settled on top of her. She loved the weight of his body pressing down on her. He was dominating her, just as an Alpha should.
Moving her splayed fingers across Kane’s broad shoulders, she tried to experience every inch of him. She slid her foot up and down the faintly hair-roughened skin of his calf while tracing the indented path of his spine with her fingers. Slowly, she skimmed her hands around his waist, before moving lower to squeeze and pull at his buttocks, urging him to move closer to her aching centre.
As she explored his body, Kane tenderly kneaded the soft flesh of her breasts, flicking her nipples with his thumbs until they stood at attention. He replaced his hands with his mouth, biting and suckling first one and then the other until Elise whimpered in pleasure.
Leaving her sensitized breasts, he moved up to her neck, kissing the spot where the mark from the blood-bonding still remained—a permanent sign of their union . His actions stimulated the scar, heightening her awareness of both her own feelings and his. Taste and touch and scent; all that Kane experienced, she did too. She ran her fingers through his thick hair, gently raking his scalp with her nails. He moaned in approval and she smiled, pleased to give as well as receive.