Chapter 50: Chapter 50
Christian’s eyes flashed amber.
I took the cloth from him and started washing his shoulders, the tattoos on his chest, and the scars he’d earned protecting his pack.
"This one?" I traced a long scar across his ribs.
"Rogue attack three years ago. Nearly lost Marcus that day."
"And this?" A circular scar on his shoulder.
"Silver bullet. Hunter got too close to pack lands."
I kept exploring, kept asking, and Christian’s voice got rougher with every answer.
Then my empathic senses opened without me meaning them to, and—
Oh.
I could feel everything. His need, his love, and his complete awe that I was really here with him.
And because he could feel that I was feeling it, his feelings intensified, which made mine stronger, which made him— We were both gasping.
"Sophie." Christian’s hand fisted in my wet hair. "I need —"
I kissed him.
This wasn’t like the kiss in the arena. This was raw and desperate and private. His tongue explored my mouth while his other hand gripped my hip hard enough to bruise.
I didn’t care. I wanted the bruises. Wanted his marks on me.
The water was sloshing everywhere. I was straddling him fully now, and his hands were mapping my body like he was trying to memorize every curve, every spot that made me gasp.
His wolf was right at the surface. I could feel his control fraying.
But he was still being careful. Still gentle despite the desperate need pouring through our connection.
"Bed," he growled against my mouth. "Now."
Christian stood, lifting me with him, water streaming off both of us. He carried me to his massive bed—dark blue sheets that smelled like sandalwood and safety.
He laid me down like I was something precious.
Then his body covered mine, pinning me to the mattress in a way that made my wolf preen with satisfaction.
Christian started kissing a path down my body, pausing at every injury, every scar.
"You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen." Kiss. "These scars prove your strength." Kiss. "I’m honored you chose me." Kiss.
I could feel through my empathic connection that he meant every word.
My hands fisted in the sheets. "I don’t understand what you see in me."
Christian’s head snapped up, eyes blazing. "What?"
"I’m not good enough. Tom always said—"
"Tom was a fucking idiot." Christian’s growl made me shiver.
"You’re not broken. You’re a survivor. And I have never wanted anyone the way I want you."
He proved it.
With his hands. His mouth. Taking his time even though both our wolves were howling for completion.
Learning what made me gasp. What made me arch. What made me moan his name.
"I’m going to spend every night for the rest of my life proving this to you," he murmured against my skin.
I pushed at his shoulders. When he pulled back with concern, I flipped us.
His eyes widened. "Sophie—"
"My turn to explore."
I kissed my way down his body, using my empathic abilities to feel exactly what he liked. His control crumbled. His hands fisted in the sheets.
"You’re killing me," he groaned.
"Good."
When we finally came together, I sank down onto him, and we both gasped. The partial mating bond flared between us, thrumming with potential.
"Move," Christian commanded, his hands gripping my hips.
I did.
We found a rhythm that had both our wolves singing. I could feel everything he felt through my empathic connection, and it was overwhelming and perfect and—
Christian flipped us. Took control. His thrusts became more demanding.
His eyes were fully amber now. Mine had shifted to gold in response.
The room filled with our combined scents until I couldn’t tell where his ended and mine began.
Christian buried his face in my neck, over my pulse. His teeth scraped the sensitive skin.
"Yes," I gasped. "Please, Christian, please—"
We crashed over the edge together.
His teeth sank into my neck as pleasure exploded through me. The pain was sharp and brief, immediately drowned by the sensation of our mating bond snapping into place.
I bit his shoulder in return, marking him as mine.
The bond flooded open between us, and suddenly—
Oh god.
I could feel what he felt. He could sense what I sensed. A feedback loop of pleasure and love and belonging that had us both shaking.
Christian collapsed beside me, pulling me with him, keeping me pressed against his chest.
"Mine," he whispered against my hair. "My Luna. Nothing can separate us now."
I could feel his emotions through the new bond. Satisfaction. Possessiveness. Overwhelming love.
I sent my feelings back to him. Safe. Cherished. Home.
Christian’s arms tightened around me.
"Sleep," he murmured. "I’ve got you."
And for the first time in years, I believed it.
