James I woke up with a happy smile. The first thing I saw was my beautiful mate lying next to me. Despite all the cold, distant behavior she threw at me yesterday — crushing my hopes into dust — she did want me. And oh, I had her. I claimed her like a wild animal for hours. Goddess, I hope I didn’t hurt her. After months and weeks of denying the pull between us, I lost myself in her. I needed her in every way — every position — just to admire her from all angles. Her body was perfect. Slim, glowing, utterly irresistible. At least, that’s how she looked to me. I couldn’t get enough. It wasn’t just lust — part of it was my wolf. We had to mark every inch of her space. Make it ours. Laila lay there now, staring at the ceiling, clearly deep in thought. I watched her profile — her red, swol

