by Katie Reus
Slowly he pushed into her, inch by inch, filling her up. She reached back for him, grasping onto his hips as he stretched her. When he thrust fully inside her, she sucked in a breath. He cupped one of her hips and palmed a breast, teasing her nipple in slow, erotic strokes.
Breathing hard, she stilled, getting used to his size. The male was huge, perfect. Even so, she needed a second.
“Mine. Forever.” He sounded savage, animal, even as he remained immobile inside her.
“Yours. Always,” she whispered.
He jerked at her words, withdrawing just a fraction. She moaned at the friction. Oh yeah, that was what she wanted.
“Do something,” she begged, drawing the word out.
He bit into her neck without actually piercing the skin, as if holding her in place. Then he began to move, thrusting his thick length into her at a steady pace.
At first.
The faster he slid in and out of her, the more erratic his thrusts became, mirroring the wild energy humming through her. She met him stroke for stroke.
A sharp flare of heat hit as his canines pierced her sensitive skin, right where her neck and shoulder met.
“Aldric,” she screamed. Pleasure poured through her, overwhelming her, another orgasm wrenching her in its grip.
She slammed her palms against the tile wall as he continued thrusting. He pinned her up against it, taking more, possessing her completely.
There was no pain from the bite like she’d expected. Only pleasure.
He growled against her neck, his canines still in her skin, continued to thrust over and over until he growled hard and let go of her neck. He released himself inside her, a harsh groan tearing from him as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms tight around her.
As he buried his face against her neck, she leaned back into him, savoring his strength. She’d never felt more at home than with him, as if she belonged to him. And he to her.
Mine, mine, mine. She heard the words in her head.
Blinking, she jolted against him. A smile broke out over her face. Holy shit, they were truly bonded. Happiness exploded inside her, a kaleidoscope of colors in her mind. Do you know another word besides mine? she asked along their telepathic link.
He stilled. I didn’t realize I’d projected that to you… How do you feel?
Perfect. It was true.
You’re perfect.
Groaning, she arched against him. Though she was loath to move at all she wanted to see his face.
We’re bonded. Awe tinged his voice. I’ll wear your mark.
It took a moment to realize what he meant. She hadn’t been thinking about that, hadn’t been thinking about much after that orgasm. The gods or God or magic decided what mark the male wore. It was always a small tattoo-like symbol on their back or shoulder.
She twisted to face him and he pinned her flat against the tile wall. She wiggled against him. “I want to see it.”
Looking down at her, his normally hard expression was soft, full of emotion. He gently let her go and turned.
Water continued to cascade around them, a steady stream of heat. She traced her finger over the small symbol on his upper shoulder, her heart swelling with love as she recognized what it was. “It’s the Celtic symbol for everlasting love.” Her voice cracked on the last word. Two triskeles were linked together, creating the everlasting circle of eternity.
He turned to face her again, pulled her into his arms in a tight, possessive grip. “I never imagined someone like you existed,” he said softly. “You completely own me. Whatever you want is yours.”
Her heart turned over. “I just want you. Forever.”
“You’ve got me. All of me.” He bent down slowly, brushed his lips over hers in a sensual kiss that made all her nerve endings sizzle.
Just like that, the familiar hunger he incited swept through her again and she knew they were in for a very, very long night.
This male was all hers. Hers to touch and kiss whenever she wanted. For always.
Epilogue
Holding a giant color wheel, a stack of design magazines and a basket of fresh-baked muffins, Natalia nudged the front door shut with her hip. She didn’t bother locking it, not here on the ranch.
She followed the scent of her mate to the kitchen, where he was pouring a mug of coffee. Two of her favorite smells: coffee and Aldric.
Wearing low-slung jeans and no shirt, he took her breath away. Like usual.
The smile he gave her was slow, wicked. “Where’d you sneak off to?”
Natalia had gotten a call from December this morning that she’d baked, so while Aldric had been in the shower she’d hurried out to surprise him with breakfast. But then she’d been sidetracked by one of her brothers-in-law who needed help picking out a Christmas gift. “I’d hoped to be back before you got out.”
Before she could set anything down, he took it from her and put it all on the center island. “December baked again?” he asked, pulling food from the basket.
“I promised her we’d watch Ellie tonight so they could get some grownup time.” December and Liam had named their little girl Elspet after his long-deceased mother, but she was Ellie for short.
Watching the sweet baby wasn’t an inconvenience, and she’d have done it without the baked goods anyway. Everyone in the pack looked out for each other and helped with the little ones when needed.
Aldric grinned at the news they’d be watching Ellie. At six months old, she was crawling everywhere. She hadn’t had her first shift yet but she would soon enough. That was when the real fun would start. Cubs were so mischievous and wanted to explore everywhere. “When do you want…cubs?”
Hand halfway to the basket, she blinked. “I’m good waiting for a while.” She stepped closer to him, wrapped her arms around his middle as he set his muffin down. “What about you?”
“Waiting is good for me too.” He seemed almost relieved to admit it.
Over the last month they’d talked about everything under the sun—except cubs. It had been intentional on her part, because after what he’d been through, Natalia hadn’t wanted to rip open an old wound. Deep down she knew they should have discussed cubs before bonding because it was a huge thing. But even if he hadn’t wanted them, she’d have still mated him.
She cleared her throat. “You do want them though?”
His eyes widened slightly. “God, yes.”
Relief slid through her veins at the vehemence in his voice. “Good. I’m selfish though. I want a few years of just us first.” As shifters they had very long lifespans and she wanted some uninterrupted time with her bondmate.
“Me too.” He brushed his lips over hers, then deepened the kiss.
She melted against him, her nipples beading tight against her bra cups as he lifted her up onto the island countertop. Forget breakfast, forget everything else. This male consumed her.
In a few weeks they’d have their own place. Just in time for Christmas. Since Aldric hadn’t had a real Christmas in centuries she was going to make sure this one was special. That he knew just how loved he was and that the adventure for the two of them was just beginning.
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading Dark Protector. I hope you enjoyed it! If you’d like to stay in touch with me and be the first to learn about new releases you can:
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Happy reading,
Katie
As usual I owe a huge thanks to Kari for helping me with the early version of this book. I’m also grateful to my editors, Deborah Nemeth and Julia Ganis for helping get this in shape. Thank you to Jaycee for creating such a wonderful cover. For my Moon Shifter readers who kept asking for Aldric and Natalia’s story (and to see more of Jayce and Kat!) this one is for you. I’m also incredibly thankful to have such a wonderful assistant, Sarah, who takes on all the little (and big) things so I can get in more writing. For my family, thank you guys for putting up with my writing schedule. As always, thank you to God.
About the Author
Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Darkness series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.
However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. For more information on Katie find her on twitter @katiereus or visit her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor. If you would like to be notified of future releases, please visit her website: www.katiereus.com and join her newsletter..
Complete Booklist
Red Stone Security Series
No One to Trust
Danger Next Door
Fatal Deception
Miami, Mistletoe & Murder
His to Protect
Breaking Her Rules
Protecting His Witness
Sinful Seduction
Under His Protection
Deadly Fallout
Sworn to Protect
Secret Obsession
Love Thy Enemy
Dangerous Protector
The Serafina: Sin City Series
First Surrender
Sensual Surrender
Sweetest Surrender
Dangerous Surrender
Deadly Ops Series
Targeted
Bound to Danger
Chasing Danger (novella)
Shattered Duty
Edge of Danger
A Covert Affair
Non-series Romantic Suspense
Running from the Past
Dangerous Secrets
Killer Secrets
Deadly Obsession
Danger in Paradise
His Secret Past
Retribution
Merry Christmas, Baby
Paranormal Romance
Destined Mate
Protector’s Mate
A Jaguar’s Kiss
Tempting the Jaguar
Enemy Mine
Heart of the Jaguar
Moon Shifter Series
Alpha Instinct
Lover’s Instinct (novella)
Primal Possession
Mating Instinct
His Untamed Desire (novella)
Avenger’s Heat
Hunter Reborn
Protective Instinct (novella)
Dark Protector
A Mate For Christmas (novella)
Darkness Series
Darkness Awakened
Taste of Darkness
Beyond the Darkness
Hunted by Darkness
Into the Darkness