Rutting Season

11

Tessa kept her eyes on his face as he led her out of the water and stood so close she could feel the heat radiating off his skin. He released her hand and held her waist bending to kiss her. Her chin tilted up to meet his lips, the simple fact feeling so natural and right. As their kids grew hungrier he lifted her and her legs wrapped around his waist. She didn't miss that he held her high enough that his c**k didn't touch her. His harms under her legs added another barrier.

His lips left hers and trailed down her neck making her shiver. With her eyes closed, the soft sounds of the forest and the feel of his mouth made her feel as if the rest of the world has fallen away. He ran his lips over the top of her breast and it made her shiver. Racyn chuckled but didn't stop his gentle kisses on her skin.

The sound of hooves caught his attention and he stilled. After a few seconds he release her to slide down to the ground. “Theyre coming this way. Shift. I don't want another man seeing you naked.” although amused, Tessa didn't hesitate to do what he asked. Nudity was normal for shifters but he was in rut so it would be all too easy for him to become aggressive with another male.

Once she stood before him in her elk form he shifted next to her. A male and female Burt through the trees into their little clearing and he nudged her with his head then jerked it into the direction they came from during their run. She decided he was telling her they needed to leave so she lept off into the forest with him closely behind her.

They were almost back to the meeting spot when she stopped and turned to face him. Tessa rubbed her body against his, down one side and up the other before nuzzling behind his ear. She scented him and was satisfied that he smelled like her.

This time she calmly walked back to her clothing. He left her there to find his own clothes. Once she was dressed she rounded the tree to find him waiting for her. She gave him a small smile and offered him her hand. He took it and pulled her into his side, wrapping his arm around her.

“Let’s relax while we wait for the others to get back,” he suggested. She nodded in agreement and they found a comfortable place not far from the chaperones to sit. She leaned against him in contentment. “Are you okay,” he asked. She was surprised by his question. “Of course, why?”

He shrugged one shoulder, his gaze not leaving hers. “You’ve been quiet. If I overstepped back there, I’m sorry.” Tessa pressed her finger to his lips and kisses his cheek. “No. You didn't. I was just thinking. Being with you like this feels right and I don't understand how since we barely know each other.”

She sighed and gave him a quick kiss, making him grin. “It does feel like we fit together perfectly and I’m not going to question it. I’m just glad you feel it too.” Tessa licked her lips, “I’m nervous about tomorrow.”

He raised an eyebrow, “About accepting my offer?” She shook her head, her curls tickling his skin. “No, the rest of it.” He was confused for a moment then realized she meant the mating. “It’s normal to be nervous but it will be fine. I promise. If it’s not something you’re ready for, we can wait.”

The time slipped by while they talked quietly but Tessa couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow. Once she accepted his offer they would be expected to leave center and spend time alone, mating. It wasn't that she didn't want to have s*x with him, he was hot and she had never been so attracted to anyone. It was the normal way things went for them but she wanted it to feel natural not like a routine chore.

“Hey, did you hear me,” Racyn asked gently and she pulled herself from her thoughts. “Sorry, I was distracted. What did you say?” He laughed and she loved the way his eyes lit up when he did it. “It’s time to go. The others are all back.”

A bus and a few SUVs came down a dirt road opposite from the way they hiked to the forest. “Oh, yeah. Let’s go. I’m ready for a shower and my bed.” He took her hand and the joined the group.

“Okay, everyone can get on the bus. If any couples need some privacy to talk, you can take one of the cars,” a chaperone instructed. He led her to a car and opened the door for her. Tessa Sid into the backseat and he went to the other side to join her. Once the car turned onto the road he pulled her to his side.

She relaxed against him and he sighed in contentment. “Race,” she said his name like a question. “Hmm,” he responded. “I’ll tell

My parents tonight. Then tomorrow you can make the offer with me. It feels weird for you to ask my dad.” His arm that was wrapped around her squeezed her in a little hug. “Okay. Is there anything in particular you want included?”

She was caught odd guard, she hasn't put any real thought into what she expected when a man asked her to accept him as his mate. When she was younger she had imagined it would be something grand and romantic. Now that she was older she realized it was more practical.

The males offered things that made the pairing more appealing, like money, property or other assets. The purpose was to prove to the woman how well they could provide and gave her security. Her father had given her mother a large monthly allowance, the home they lived in, and a beautiful and expensive jewelry set at the birth of their first child. Tessa just happened to be the only child they had.

“I don't know. To be honest, I haven't given it much thought since I was a child. I figured I had more time.” She felt a little stupid now. Maybe her parents would have some suggestions. “Will you be offering me the same thing you offered your first choice?” For some idea, that bothered her. She didn't have a logical explanation but she didn't like the idea. She felt a little jealous that he had made an offer to someone else before her and she didn't like the idea of being gifted something that was meant for someone else.

Racyn cut through her thoughts, “No. You’re very different from her. I don't think you would want the same things.” She nodded, not looking at him. He must have noticed that the conversation was making her uncomfortable.

“Tess, what’s wrong,” he asked. She glanced at him. “Nothing. I’m sure whatever you suggest will be fine. I will talk it over with my parents and let you know if I think anything specific should be included.”

He watched her for a moment then turned in the seat to look directly at her. He turned her face to his. “If you had been an option my first year, I wouldn't have been able to see anyone but you. I came here this year knowing that I may end another season without a mate. I know we are a perfect match for each other. I’ve known it since the moment I met you. Please don't think that you are a second choice.”

She smiled at him, wishing she could believe his words. Maybe he had known they would be a good match but he had cared for that other woman and was hurt by her rejection. She didn't know if he would always think about the one that got away.