Rutting Season

13

She drew in a shaky breath. His offer was nothing like what she had expected. He hadn't listed assets and money. He had offered so much more. He was giving her everything. He was offering his heart, his loyalty, his support. Those things meant more to her than his money or power as an alpha.

Tessa thought about her conversation earlier that day with her parents. When her mom asked why she had changed her mind so suddenly about choosing a mate, why Racyn?

She didn’t need to think about it. She told her parents that she felt drawn to him in a way she had never felt before, that although she didn’t know him well, everything she had learned about him told her he was a good person and would be a good mate. She believed she could be happy and fall in love with him. She had no idea what kind of Luna she would be, but she knew she wanted this strong, handsome, and kind man as her mate.

Tears prickled as she glanced at her father standing behind Racyn and slightly to the right. He slightly nodded, and she threw her arms around Racyn’s neck. “Yes! Yes, I accept your offer.” He hugged her tightly, his face buried in her neck as he released the breath he had been holding. “Goddess Tess, you have no idea how happy you make me.”

She pulled away and looked into his beautiful golden eyes. “I’m not perfect, and I may make you angry sometimes, but I swear I will try every day to make you happy.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Can we get out of here now?” he asked, and she nodded. “Yeah. Let’s say goodnight to my parents. Then we can go.”

They walked hand in hand to the exit, where her mom stood talking to some of the chaperones. Her mom and dad looked happy for her, which only made her feel more assured. If they had any major concerns, they would have told her.

They said good night to everyone and left the party. She hadn’t given much thought to what leaving meant. She simply wanted to be alone with her mate, but as he led her to his suite, she began to feel nervous.

He must have felt her tension because he stopped outside the door and kissed her. “Hey, don’t be nervous. We’re going to take things at our own pace. Okay?” She nodded, still not relaxed, “Yeah, okay.”

He opened the door, and they were met by a man she hadn’t met before. He looked similar to Racyn, and she wondered if he was a brother. “Racyn! I was just going out for dinner. I should have known you would be back early. Introduce me to your mate,” Jessie greeted them with a grin.

Racyn gave her a boyish grin, “Tess, this is my cousin, Jessie. Jessie, this is my mate, Tessa.” Jessie looked her over and, to her surprise, enveloped her in a hug. He laughed as he drew away. “You’re a little thing. Do you really think you can handle being mated to this big bore? He’s not half as fun as some of his brothers.”

Tessa tilted her head, her eyes full of humor. “Yeah, I kinda like him. Besides that, a pretty face makes up for the lack of personality.” Jessie laughed and slapped Racyn’s shoulder. “I like her. She’s going to fit right into the family.”

Race pulled her into his side, his arm around her shoulder, “Yeah. Mom’s going to be so happy. Finally, a girl in the family.” Jessie left with a comment about finding a new room now that he was mated. It made Tessa blush, but she was glad to have the suite to themselves.

Racyn showed her where everything was located before rummaging in a drawer and handing her a T-shirt and a pair of boxers. “Here, you can wear these. Go ahead and get comfortable. Then I’ll change.” She took the offered clothes and went into the bathroom. She changed quickly, but the boxers were too big. She rolled them up at the waist to keep them on her hips. She was too nervous to leave the bathroom. Tonight, they would have s*x.

He was handsome, and she wanted to be with him, but she couldn't help the trembling in her hands. Her legs felt weak, and she sat on the toilet. Taking calming breaths, she worked up the courage and left the bathroom. Racyn grinned at her, “I should have bought some things for you. I love the way you look in my clothes, but they are big on you.”

She shrugged, “It’s fine. I didn't think this far ahead, or I would have brought some of my things.” He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her into his embrace. He kissed her forehead. “I won't be too long. Find something we can watch on TV.”

Tessa turned on the TV, but she was so deep in thought that she didn't notice what was on. Racyn wasn’t in the bathroom long before he came out to join her, flopping onto the couch next to her. He pulled her against his side, kissing the top of her head, and took the remote.

“Let’s find something better than the news to watch,” he said as he switched channels. Tessa settled against him. The feel of his muscled body against hers felt amazing; it was both exciting and welcoming, as if his arms were exactly where she was supposed to be while igniting her desire.

They were halfway through the movie when he bent his head to nuzzle her neck, just below her ear. She laughed at the feel of his breath on her skin. When he pulled away, she turned her head to look at him.

She didn't pull away when he kissed her. His mouth was gentle as his tongue caressed her mouth. Then he stood and offered her his hand.

“Let’s go to bed.” She took his hand and let him lead her to his bed. He sat on the side and pulled her down into his lap.

“I want to claim you, baby, but you’re the one in control. If it doesn't feel right, all you have to do is say stop, and we stop. Okay?”

She nodded and ran her fingers through his hair. “Okay.” The look in his eyes was filled with emotions that melted her heart. When he looked at her like that, their age gap, only knowing him for a week, didn't matter. She knew she was going to fall for him.

Tessa let him strip off her clothes, his mouth trailing kisses over her body. She couldn't stop the sounds she made as he licked and sucked at her n*****s while his fingers rubbed little circles on her c**t.

His erection pressed against her hip, and she pulled at his clothes. “Off. Take these off,” she demanded. Racyn did as she asked, and she groaned in appreciation at the feel of his skin pressed against hers.

His eyes searched her face, “Are you ready?” She knew what he was asking. “Yes.” He pushed himself up onto one arm and reached for the nightstand.

“I know contraceptives don't really work for us, but I have a plan.” he pulled out two packets. Her brows furrowed. “You said before that you weren't ready to be a mother. I don't know if it will work, but I thought if we used a female and male condom together, maybe you wouldn't get pregnant.”

He opened one of the packets, and his hand moved between her legs. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he inserted the female condom inside of her.

He then opened the other condom for himself. She squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't like the way this felt, like it was physically irritating, but also it made her emotionally uncomfortable.

She took deep breaths, trying to get back in the mood. He had listened to what she said and was trying to give her what she said she wanted. It was so thoughtful. She hates to ruin the moment, but she wasn't ready.

When she opened her eyes, he must have seen it on her face. He lay beside her, pulling the blanket over them both. Her eyes burned with tears. She was embarrassed and felt guilty.

She had accepted his proposal and chosen him as a mate, and now she wasn't completing the bond after he had waited so long. Racyn wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against his chest.

“Hey, it’s okay. We have all the time you need. No rush.” She sniffles. “I’m sorry.” He rubbed her back, kissing her hair. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

He held her until the tension left her body. Once she was relaxed. He removed his condom and tossed it on his pile of clothes. “Let me take it out.” She shook her head. “No, I can do it.”

Tessa removed the female condom and ignored her hot cheeks as she tossed it next to the other one. Then she settled against his chest with a sigh.

“It’s been a long day. Let’s get some sleep.” Racyn turned off the light and then put his arm back around her.

They lay in the dark for a few minutes before he said. “I’m so happy to call you my mate. If my rut gets too intense tonight, I will go to the other room. I just don't want you to think you did something that made me leave our bed.”

Tessa laces her fingers with his. “I’m proud to call you mine, Race. I may not have been looking for my mate, but I’m glad I found you. We will get through this rut in our own way. If you need to sleep in another room, I’ll understand.”

He squeezed her in a gentle hug. “Goodnight, mate.” He whispered. She smiled into the dark. “Goodnight, mate,” she answered.