Page 8 of Highland Heat

My release came quickly, way quicker than I wanted, but I knew we’d have more time together. Ewan’s came at the same time, throwing me even further over the edge. My seed filled his channel, burying deep inside him.

I nearly collapsed on him but caught myself in time. My lips found his face, peppering kisses over his cheeks, his brow, his nose, until I found his lips.

“Mine,” I said.

He sighed. “Yours.”

Chapter 7

Ewan

Waking up alone shocked me. I should’ve been used to it. Every other day of my life I’d woken up with no one by my side, but yesterday I’d found my mate, and whether or not he realized it, I went into heat. It had been intense and quick. I tried not to think about what the brevity meant. Before we discussed that, he needed to learn who I was and what that meant for us.

After today, I hoped not to wake up alone anymore.

A wave of need ran through me. So much for thinking that my heat was over. My mate had just done a good job satiating me that it kept that desire at bay long enough for me to get some good sleep.

Heat was a blessing and a curse, and I was currently struggling with the negative side of it. We couldn’t be far apart for long until my heat was over, and judging by the panic now racing through my body, it was far from over.

I got out of bed. The blankets must have been replaced because the ones I had over me smelled like fresh linens rather than sex. Graham had worn me out more than I had realized, and being the man he was, had made sure to take care of me while I slept. I knew so little about this man, but every new thing I learned had me liking him more and more.

The room was bathed in light. From what I remember about the house, this window faced the west, so it was probably afternoon. I’d slept the whole day away. In between bouts of sex, of course. That was typical for a heat as far as I knew. This was my first one, and it was going great. Until my mate disappeared. Now it was the polar opposite of great.

My gaze snagged on the end table where a bottle of water sat with a muffin and a banana. Next to the plate was a note. I picked it up.

“Doing chores, I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.”

I grinned. Of course my mate wouldn’t leave. He had a farm to manage and animals to care for. He was a responsible man. He would be back as soon as chores were done. Most jobs you could call in sick and someone would cover your tasks. Farming wasn’t like that. If he slacked, other living creatures suffered.

Graham was doing important work. That didn’t make me any less restless. I flopped back onto the bed after guzzling the water and scarfing down the muffin. It tasted great, not one of those gas station ones that came wrapped in plastic. It was some sort of breakfast muffin with shredded carrots and zucchini and not a dessert treat. Perhaps grown from my mate’s garden? Did he make it himself? Was it intentional to give me the added nutrition I’d need after the intense activities of the night before? I had so many questions, and he wasn’t here to answer them.

My questions spanned so much more than how my breakfast came to be in my belly. Or was it lunch? In any case. I had so much I needed to learn about my mate. I knew that he was amazing with animals, his cock was perfection, and that he had a kindness about him that shone through all he did. That was about it.

Oh, and he was ticklish just behind his ear but nowhere else. I knew. I’d inspected him very carefully but would do it again to make sure. You know, for science.

I snuggled into the pillow and inhaled my mate’s scent. It was heavy here, like this was his pillow and not one he grabbed from the guest room. It made the ache in me hurt less.

The screen door slammed with a thwack, and I smiled. I had a feeling that was a noise I was going to get used to. There was a pause and some shuffling as my mate took off his boots which landed with a thump, then the soft footsteps as he made his way to the bedroom.

I smiled when his frame filled the doorway. He was back and somehow looked better than I remembered. Who knew that was possible.

“You’re awake,” he said.

“Barely. Thank you for the muffin. It was delicious.” This was awkward. What do you say the morning after meeting your mate in an animal pen while you were buck-ass naked and then deciding to bang the night away? Thank you? Hello? That was great?

“Do you need anything else? I can whip up some food or—”

“Just you.” I reached a hand out and beckoned him to me. My words might’ve failed me, but my touch wouldn’t.

He closed the distance between the bed and door in two easy strides. He wore a pair of worn jeans with a tear in the pocket and a white t-shirt that was stained with grease and who knew what else. I couldn’t think of anyone sexier than this man beside me.

“We should shower,” he said.

I nodded. Showering with my mate sounded like the best idea ever.

“Are you feeling better? You were so hot last night.”

I grinned. “I like to think I’m hot all the time.” I winked.