I arch a brow. “Then what’s the hold-up? Tick-tock, Sofia.”
“Fuck it,” she mutters, voice low and dangerous. “I’ll show you how scared I am.”
And before I have a chance to register what’s happening, she straddles me, thighs clamping tight around my hips, and crushes her mouth to mine. For a split second, shock has me frozen—then instinct takes over.
Mine.
One of my arms snakes around Sofia’s waist, and my other hand tangles in her silky hair. I tilt her head slightly, getting her exactly how I want her, and she meets my passion with a fire I didn’t believe was possible.
The taste of her hits me like lightning. Citrus and spice, fire and fury. Her lips part and I’m inside, tongue stroking hers, demanding submission she refuses to give. She battles me for dominance, every slick slide of her tongue a declaration of war. Trying to beat me at my own game with dominance I’ll never give her. But, fuck if it isn’t sexy feeling her try.
She rocks her hips hard against me once. A groan tears free from me before I can stop it. Heat blazes where her core presses against the rigid length of my cock. She does it again, slower this time, deliberate. Testing. My hips jerk up in response, helpless to stay still. If she keeps grinding like this, I’ll come in my damn jeans.
Her spicy, citrusy scent intensifies, and my cock is harder than steel. But then she pulls back. My lips follow unintentionally, as if magnetized to hers. My whole body thrums with the need to touch her. My breathing comes in hard pants, and my cock aches to be buried inside my mate.
She continues to lean back, my lips chase hers, but then she puts a finger to my mouth, smirking like the wicked little brat she is. “Not scared.” She drags her gaze over my wrecked state, eyes dark with satisfaction. “And for the record? I didn’t enjoy it.”
Liar.
She pushes to a stand, turns on her heel and struts away. Her swaying hips and tight ass are at my eye level as I watch her leave.
“Oh, you want to play, Princess?” I mutter under my breath, my wolf’s answering growl vibrating in my chest. “Bring it on.”
And I have no problem playing dirty to win my mate.
“Hey man,” Jackson greets me as I knock on his front door with that smug, mated glow written all over his face. “I’m just about to head out for patrol.”
“Yeah, I thought I’d give you the night off. I might need to swap another night if that’s cool?”
Jackson’s grin is instant; it’s sickening how happy he is since marking his mate. Her scent is all over him, intertwining with hisown. It stabs something ugly into my chest. Jealousy. I’m such an asshole.
I should be happy for my best friend. Just because my situation is a mess, why should I want him to be miserable too? Plus, he’s had his years of being unhappy. He’s had more than enough heartache, and he deserves his happy ending with the girl of his dreams.
But I can’t help the envy twisting through me. He has his mate. His happy ending. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in this endless push-pull with Sofia, my wolf starving for a bond she refuses to give me.
“Emily home?” I ask. My voice comes out rougher than I meant it to.
“Yeah, she’s getting ready to watch a movie with Fia. Hopefully, they won’t mind me crashing their girl's night,” he says with a grin and fuck do I want to barge in and see my mate.
I nod my head, indicating for Jackson to follow me. We need to be further away than outside his front door not to be overheard by shifter ears.
“I was wondering if you had a chance to ask Emily about ways I can win Sofia over?”
His smile grows even bigger, and I pray to the Goddess that he has some answers for me. He lets out a chuckle and shakes his head before answering. “Yeah, I talked to her. She said she’s not telling you shit, but that you should try not being an asshole to her best friend if you want her help.”
“What the fuck, man? Why do you look so happy about your mate essentially telling me to get fucked?”
“Damn right, I’m happy about it.” His grin widens until it takes over his entire face. “You remember how terrified she used to be of you? Look at her now. Standing up to you for her best friend.” His eyes shine with pride, and, fuck, he is such a goner for that girl. Hard to believe he hadn’t trusted her in the slightest when they first met. I thank him for giving it a shot and ask him to tell Emily that I’m trying.
Maybe if I can win over Emily, it’ll help with Sofia.
I clap him on the shoulder and leave before my bitterness can poison the air and infiltrate his happy bubble.
A few moments later, I nod my head to the warriors on duty as I stalk through the outskirts of the pack. I make my way around the perimeter and check in at the outposts. All is quiet, as usual, giving me plenty of time to think about how much I’ve fucked myself over.
Three years ago
“I can’t believe you’re finally back, man!” Jackson says, pulling me into a half hug and slapping my back.
