Bonds And Betrayals

11.

I awoke to a soothing scent, head resting against a hairy chest.

It took me a moment to realize I was…naked, pressed against another naked body. Another moment to realize it wasn't just any naked body, but my mate’s.

I sighed softly, shutting my eyes as the memories from last night came rushing. That had never happened before. The mark had never reacted this way. Yet, somehow, it did yesterday. And I hadn’t the slightest idea why.

My bladder was full, but I didn't dare move. How was I going to face him? On the first day of meeting him, I was naked in his bed. What a mess.

Again, how was I going to face him?

‘How are you feeling?’ Ash asked, her voice groggy and quiet.

‘I feel okay. As though nothing happened last night,’ I answered. ‘Do you have any idea what happened? Or why?’

She shook her head, closing her eyes, her head lulling from side to side. ‘Maybe…’ she began, but quickly clamped her mouth shut.

‘What is it, Ash? Talk to me.’

‘Maybe it was the portion?’ She said timidly, as though afraid I’d deny it and snap at her.

But even I had thought of that. And there was every possibility that the potion caused this.

‘With the mate bond activated now, it will crave that connection, even though I’d say it is sizzling hot. But maybe it wants to bind with the other. And considering the potion is blocking everything about you as a werewolf, I am thinking it tried to reach out to Bello and crashed back, causing the pain.’

‘But why the birthmark? Why there?’ I questioned, frowning. My bladder was about to explode.

‘Right,’ Ash licked her snout. ‘Now that part I can't explain.’

I kept quiet, trying and failing miserably to find an explanation why the pain chose my birthmark, but my bladder was too full to focus on anything.

Maybe he was a deep sleeper and I could slip away without him knowing? Right, I could totally do that.

I shifted, slow at first so I wouldn't wake him. But when I shifted again, a little harder this time to untangle myself from his hold, his arms tightened around me, one on my waist and another splayed on my back.

“Stay still, Bellis”, his voice was rough. Scratchy. Deep. And it was doing things to my stomach.

I stayed still, because really, I had no idea how to face him like this.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, suddenly switching our positions. I now laid on the bed, while Bello hovered above me, lifting himself with his hands. His eyes were tender, but also…burning.

And he smelled so damn good! Too good, in fact.

“I…” I cleared my throat then tried again. “I am okay.”

“No more pain?”

I nodded, squirming a little at pee pressing me.

“Are you sure? I could take you to the hospital if you need…”

“I am fine. Really,” I was breathless, probably from trying too hard to hold back my pee.

But I knew that was a lie. It was because of his closeness. The intensity of his gaze. His body heat. His scent.

“I see,” he murmured, dropping his head on my chest and inhaling deeply. His beard tickled, and I tried not to react to it. “I was worried. Has that ever happened before?”

“No.”

He sighed, raising his head. “It must be the mate bond.”

“I thought…what is the mate bond?” I corrected myself quickly. Now, I did want to tell him about me, that I was a wolf like him and Lamido was my father.

But did I…trust him enough yet? What if he truly meant what he told his brother about just using me to while away time? What if I was just a toy to him? What if he wanted power too and would use me as a bargaining chip with my father? What if…

“Are you listening?” I heard him ask, drawing me out of my panicked thoughts.

His gaze was burning into mine, brows furrowed as he stared down at me.

“Sorry,” I whispered, dropping my gaze to his stomach. Hard muscles. Clear russet skin. What would his skin feel beneath my palm? Soft? Hard? Rough?

“You look like you have a lot on your mind. I can offer some distractions if you want me to,” his head dropped to the side of my neck this time, and I couldn't hold back the small moan that escaped my lips.

Bello chuckled.

“A mate bond is a sacred bond between two people, bound as one,” he began, his mouth moving against my neck. “I suppose my brother already told you about us. We are werewolves, and the mate bond is sacred for us. You and I are mates, and that means we are legal couples. Husband and wife. Only without the wedding aspect where we publicly acknowledge the bond with others. We are one and the same now.” He explained what I already knew.

I swallowed, gasping a bit when his teeth grazed my collarbone.

“I think you were in pain last night because of the bond. Maybe it was too powerful for you, as a human, hence the reaction. I hope it doesn't react anymore.”

His hand gripped my waist and he dragged me flush against him as he flipped us again, this time, he was sitting, his knees spread wide with me in between, my head against his stomach.

“I like touching you,” he was saying, his hands traveling across my skin. My almost bare skin.

Goodness.

“I don't know what your past was like, but I plan to rewrite your bad memories. I plan to replace them. I plan to know every single one of your secrets. Your likes. Your dislikes. Then make you mine in every way possible,” his fingers played with the edge of my panties waistband, his voice deep and soothing. “I plan to ruin you for everyone out there, Bellis. That is a vow.”

A shudder raked through me.

“But I am going to take it slow, only for you. I will go at the pace you want me to. A pace that is comfortable for you. But trust me,” he leaned down, breath fanning my face, eyes staring right through my soul. “I am not sure how long it will be before I ruin you. In a good way, of course.”

Then he untangled us, stood up and pulled his trousers over his shorts, his eyes never trailing away from me.

“I forgot I have a court meeting to attend. It is starting in ten minutes so I will probably be late. I have a few meetings to attend afterwards so I will probably see you tonight. I will send some people to keep you company.”

I pulled the sheets and covered my body, and saw the corner of Bello's mouth tilt up slightly as he buttoned his shirt.

“I'll look at what is underneath some day. I didn't do that last night to respect your privacy, and I kept my gaze fixed on your face this morning. One day, I will have my fill staring at you,” he leaned closer, gently gripped my jaw and brought our faces together. “And staring isn't all I will do, Bellis.”

Goodness! Doesn't he have something better to do than render me speechless?

He kissed my eyes. Each a tender press of his lips. “I'll see you later, Bellis. Have a lovely day.”

And he was gone, leaving me a panting mess on the bed with a full bladder.