He watches as I place the bandage on him and then lowers his arm.
“All done.”I close the first aid kit and put it back in the cabinet where I found it.
When I stand and turn to face him, I realize how close we are.Jensen is only a breath away.The bathroom suddenly feels smaller and warmer, like all the air has been sucked out.
My eyes flick up to meet his, and what I see—raw affection, desire, and something deeper that tugs at the frayed edges of my heart—makes my breath hitch.
“You okay?”he asks, voice low and rough, like gravel smoothed by time.
I nod, not trusting my voice.
His hand lifts slowly, giving me a chance to pull away.When I don’t, his fingers brush my cheek as he tucks a strand of damp hair behind my ear.
“Dillon,” he murmurs.“Can I kiss you?”
The question sends a shiver down my spine.I’ve never had anyone ask before.Never had someone treat me like I matter, like what I want matters.
I swallow hard.“Yeah,” I say softly.“Please.”
That’s all it takes.
His lips meet mine in a kiss that’s gentle at first—soft and questioning like he’s afraid to scare me off.But when I lean into him, when I press closer and slide my hands up to his bare chest, he deepens it.
He tastes like mint and something wild—like the forest after a storm.He cradles my cheek with one hand while the other rests at my waist, holding me like I’m precious.
My heart pounds in my chest, and every nerve ending lights up as I kiss him back with everything I’ve been holding in—fear, longing, hope.All of it pours into that kiss.
When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless.
His forehead rests against mine, his eyes closed.“Mate,” he rasps, voice hoarse.
“Thank you for saving my life.”
“Anytime.Always.I’ve got you now.I’m not going anywhere.”
I smile, my heart swelling in my chest.“Good,” I whisper.“Because I think I’m finally ready to stop running.”
His smile is slow and devastating.“Then come here, mate.”
When he pulls me into his arms, I go willingly because, for the first time in my life, being held feels like home.
EIGHT
Jensen
The towelaround my waist slips as my mate steps closer, and I let it fall.My arms are wrapped around Dillon, and I’m not about to let her go to fix it.
My wolf paws at me, commanding me to claim her again.
“I need you,” she whispers.
“You have me.All of me.”
“And you have me.I love you, Jensen.”
“Fuck, I love you, too, mate.”
I smooth her fiery red hair away from her face and kiss her.She moans against my lips, and I tug her closer.
