"Not too fast, Alec." She winked, standing up and leaving me hot and bothered.
I followed her, catching her hand and spinning her around. With a firm grip on the small of her back, I pulled her close.
"You won't be saying no much longer," I whispered in her ear, grazing my lips over the mark on her neck. "I can already sense the start of your heat."
She bit back a moan. The faint scent of her excitement broke my last threads of restraint. Lifting her into my arms, I quickly carried her through the back corridors of the castle, away from prying eyes, and into my chambers.
Setting her on her feet, we stood there for a lingering moment, gazing into each other's eyes. I leaned down to kiss her forehead, feeling an overwhelming blend of love, want, and gratitude.
Slowly, I reached for a ha
