Larissa hesitated.Part of her—the part that had spent years building walls, protecting herself from vulnerability—wanted to deflect, to keep this realization to herself a little longer.But she knew it was time for honesty.
Still, she couldn’t bring herself to state it outright.So instead, she asked, “Do you think it’s possible that we’re…mates?”
She expected surprise from Malcolm.What she didn’t expect was the low chuckle that rumbled through his chest.
“About time,” he teased.“I was beginning to think that brilliant mind of yours had a blind spot.”
Larissa pushed herself up onto one elbow, staring at him in disbelief.“What do you mean, ‘about time’?How long have you known?”
Malcolm reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.“I’ve suspected for a while.Since the night we first kissed,” he said.“When we were on patrol and Hannah and Gregory slipped past us.”
Larissa’s mind raced back to that night.She’d written it off as simple attraction, a moment of weakness.But now, with the benefit of hindsight and acceptance, she realized what it truly had been.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”she demanded, a hint of her usual sharpness creeping into her tone.
Malcolm’s expression softened.He sat up, pulling Larissa into his lap.She went willingly, unable to resist the draw of his touch.“Because you weren’t ready,” he said simply.“You needed to come to it on your own terms.”
This man, who could match her strength for strength, who challenged her and supported her in equal measure, had been patient enough to let her find her own way to him?
I have had a blind spot.
“I’m sorry it took me so long,” she murmured, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips.
Malcolm returned the kiss with enthusiasm, slipping his hands down to clasp her hips.When they parted, both slightly breathless, he grinned.“Don’t be sorry.The journey was half the fun.”
Larissa laughed, the sound full of a joy she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in years.“Only half?”she teased, rolling her hips against his suggestively.
“Well,” Malcolm said, “maybe sixty percent.”
Before Larissa could respond, Malcolm flipped them over, pinning her beneath him on the bed.She gasped at the sudden movement, arousal flooding her system.
He nuzzled into the curve of her neck, inhaling deeply.“Do you have any idea,” he murmured against her skin, “how long I’ve wanted this?Wanted you?”
Larissa arched into him, craving more contact.“Tell me,” she breathed.
Malcolm pulled back just enough to meet her gaze.“Since that day in high school when you stood up to me in our first mock pack meeting, arguing for a more diplomatic approach with the River Valley Pack.You were so fierce, so brilliant.I wanted to kiss you senseless right there in front of everyone.”
The memory of that day flashed through Larissa’s mind.She remembered her frustration at Malcolm’s stubborn insistence on a show of force, the way her blood had sung as they’d verbally sparred.
Even then, a part of her had recognized him as her equal, her perfect match.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”she asked, running her hands down the planes of his back.
Malcolm’s lips quirked into a smirk.“Because I was pretty sure you would knock me on my ass if I tried.”
Larissa laughed, the sound quickly turning into a moan as Malcolm began trailing kisses down her neck.“You’re probably right.”
“Probably?”Malcolm nipped at her collarbone playfully.“Definitely.But it only made me want you more.”
As Malcolm continued exploring her body with his lips, Larissa let herself get lost in sensation.The scrape of his stubble against her sensitive skin, the whisper-touch of his breath, the strength in his hands as they caressed her—everything about him was intoxicating.
But more than the physical pleasure, it was the emotional connection that overwhelmed her.
She tangled her fingers in his hair.“I need—”
“I know,” he murmured, understanding her unspoken plea.“I’ve got you, Larissa.Let go.”
And she did.For the first time in her life, Larissa surrendered completely, trusting Malcolm to catch her as she fell apart in his arms.
