Page 22 of Rival Love

Archer slid his arm along my bare shoulders and tucked me in closer. “You are by far the best thing that’s happened to me in less than twenty-four hours.” He kissed my temple, and that quick press of his lips to my skin heated me all over.

“Likewise.” I turned my head and brushed my lips against his. “And you know, if you decide in the final week Vince and his pack have here in Moon Valley that you don’t want to take the high road, I know where their packhouse is. I also know it was Anthony who had the whip in his hand when I came for you.”

Archer contemplated my offer then he stood and pulled me to my feet. “That is all very tempting, but I’m ready to get started on our future together. Let me show you to your new home and properly welcome you to it, my queen.”

I followed him to his house, loving the log cabin style of it. The thick logs lining the walls and the wide, hardwood planks on the floor made me feel as if we were still outside in the forest.

“This is beautiful, Archer.” I ran my fingers along the live edge countertop on the kitchen island.

He stood in front of me, completely naked, a true masterpiece of the male form. “I’ve always loved my home, but I love it even more with you inside it.”

“But will you feel the same when you have to make room in your closet for my clothes?”

Grinning, Archer grabbed my hand and pulled me down a long hallway to the master bedroom where a huge, king-sized bed conjured up images of all the things I wanted to do to Archer. He didn’t stop at the bed though. Instead, he led me to a set of double doors at the far end of the room. Opening them, he gestured for me to walk inside.

It was his closet. His closet where his clothes only took up a third of the massive space.

“As you can see,” he said, coming up behind me so his erection rubbed along my backside, “making room for you in my life will be absolutely no trouble at all.” He turned me to face him. “I’ve been waiting for you, Selena, my fated mate, my queen, my love. I didn’t realize it, but I have.” He cupped my cheek then slid his hand up into my hair, fisting some of it and craning my head back a bit so he could nip at my neck.

I let out a raspy sigh, letting my hands roam over the ridges of his abs as I backed him toward the bed. Halfway there, he picked me up and carried me the rest of the way, setting me down as if I was a special treasure he didn’t want to break.

After he turned on a bedside lamp, I pulled him down on top of me, happy we didn’t have to waste time getting out of our clothes. His skin rubbing against mine was a glorious sensation, and we both let out needy moans.

“I don’t know how it’s possible to love someone so immediately,” Archer said, “but I do love you, Selena. So much.”

I ran my fingers through his short hair, scraping my nails along his scalp and loving how his eyes closed. “I love you too, Archer. This mating bond with you makes me feel as if a missing piece of my soul has finally been put in place.”

He lowered his head to my stomach, pressing a kiss to my navel. “I feel the same.”

I lifted my head to see his back. “Holy shit. All the wounds are closed on your back now. They’ll probably leave scars though. You’ll need to get those tattoos fixed.”

Archer shrugged one shoulder then took a gander at his wrists that appeared to be in the same stages of healing. “I hope you don’t mind a slightly-damaged mate.” He ran his nose along my hip, stopping to take little bites here and there then soothing the spot with his tongue.

I reached down and tilted his head so he’d look at me. “You’re hot no matter what.” I ran my fingers over the intact tattoos on his chest. “Maybe I need some of these too.”

Archer let out a low groan as he smoothed his hand along my side. “A tattoo would look so sexy on this flawless canvas. Let’s get matching ones.” His hazel eyes sparkled in the dim lamplight, making them look like sunshine filtered through green leaves.

“I would love matching tattoos.”

Then the time for talking was over, and Archer took my breast into his mouth, his tongue circling the sensitive flesh there until I ached all over for him. He gave my other breast the same attention while his roaming fingers found my core and tested its hot, wet depths.

On a groan, he slid down my body until his mouth was between my legs, licking me to the edge of control. I thrashed beneath him, my moans mixing with my growls and low rumbles of approval sounding from him.

“Archer . . .” I angled my hips up, seeking to have him plunge that skilled tongue deeper. “I need you inside me. Now.”

He crawled up the length of my body, letting his arousal chart its own trail along my skin. Capturing my mouth in an all-consuming kiss, he thrust into me and it was pure heaven, extreme bliss, everything I’d always wanted and so much more.

Archer slid in and out of me, sometimes increasing his pace and other times slowing down so it was sweet, sweet torture. He brought me to the edge, then held still, giving me the chance to recover slightly before going through the cycle again. I was insane with desire, and I loved every damn moment of it.

I panted Archer’s name over and over as he brought my body more pleasure than I thought was possible. As I spasmed around his length, he let out the sexiest growls. Right when we were both about ready to explode, I let my canines extend and sunk them into Archer’s shoulder.

He let out a ragged breath then his teeth pierced the curve of my neck, and with our jaws locked on each other, we erupted together. I swear I felt Archer’s very life force coursing through me as the orgasm stretched on.

And on.

And on.

With a hoarse, semi-howl of my name, Archer collapsed on top of me.