“This man wasn’t old, thirty-five, maybe forty at the very most.”
“We don’t age the same way humans age. We mature slower and decline faster. A Therian remains in his or her prime for at least a hundred years. Some have lived much longer. Your sister’s definition was special, unique. I honestly think it’s best if she explains what happened and the decisions she’s made because of all she’s learned.”
It was as close to a straight answer as he’d given her, but she couldn’t help feeling he was still evading something important.
The stillness of the forest mocked her anxiety. She needed to think, analyze what he’d told her once her emotions had stabilized. “I’m giving you twenty-four hours. If we haven’t made it out of this wilderness by then, you tell me everything that’s happened to Carissa.”
“Ava.”
She looked at him and grimaced. His skin looked pale and distinct creases now framed his mouth. “What’s wrong? You look terrible.”
He shrugged off the backpack and stalked toward her, golden veins shooting through his green eyes. “I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but I can’t wait any longer.”
Matching him step for step, she backed up until her hips hit a rock formation. “You can’t wait for what?”
“Energy.” His arms shot out and pulled her toward him. “I need you now.”
She shoved against his chest and twisted her face away. “Let go!”
He wrapped one arm around her waist and tangled his other hand in her hair. “Look at me.”
“No.” His fingers tightened and he slowly pulled her head back around. She shut her eyes, refusing to be mesmerized by his gold-threaded gaze.
“I don’t want to hurt you.” His mouth brushed against hers, his breath warm and moist against her lips. “Don’t fight me, sunshine. I can’t be gentle if you make this a battle.”
She tried to turn her head, but his hand held firm. “Why do you need to kiss me to…refuel?”
“You’re still latent, so your instincts will resist. It will be almost impossible for me to access what I need unless you’re very distracted.”
Before she could reply, his mouth covered hers. He tilted her head back and slid his lips over and against hers. Her arms were trapped against his chest, maintaining some distance between their bodies. Still, she was surrounded by his warmth and controlled by his strength. The combination stirred something deep inside her, something dark and primitive.
His tongue traced the seam of her lips, his intention obvious. She clenched her teeth and pressed her lips together. If she surrendered to his kiss, how much more would he expect? She hadn’t asked him to heal her. But healing you is what left him weak.
Damning her conscience for a meddlesome bitch, she slowly opened her eyes. “Will you stop with just a kiss?” He hadn’t pulled back and her lips brushed against his with each word.
“I’ll try.” The shimmering gold had taken over his gaze, as if a mountain lion looked out from his human face. “But I need to touch you. Energy can’t transfer through clothes.”
He’d had to touch bare skin before he could heal her. It stood to reason that this would be the same. Besides, he’d already seen her in her bra, so what difference did it make. “If this doesn’t fill your tank, you’re out of luck. I’m not having sex with you.”
His only response was to nip her lower lip and reluctantly let go. He took off his coat and spread it over the rock behind her then did the same with his shirt. She watched the muscles in his chest flex and his abdomen ripple. Damn. Fully dressed he’d looked athletic, but his torso was utterly ripped. She settled back against the leather-padded rock and enjoyed the view.
“Now you.” His voice sounded gruff and dry, reminding her that their undressing had a higher purpose. She raised her arms and he pulled her t-shirt off over her head then let it fall to the rock behind her. “The more you enjoy this, the easier it will be for me to access what I need.” He wrapped his arms around her and eased his knee between her legs.
She placed her hands on his thick upper arms and heat cascaded through her body. He wasn’t bulky like a bodybuilder. Every inch of his physique was sculpted and lean. His head descended slowly, eyes glowing, lips parted.
“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered against her lips. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
She wasn’t afraid, exactly, just tense beyond belief. She closed her eyes and silenced her mind, trying to relax so she’d stop trembling. He needed this because he’d healed her. It was only fair that she… His mouth covered hers and her thoughts scattered as sensations erupted all over her body.