Page 99 of Red

“Yes.” Lirea’s face is wary, but it fades quickly as she addresses them. “It’s nice to meet you. I can show you where we keep all our supplies.”

“Yes, I’d like to get familiar.” Iris is a force in the way she holds herself, shoulders back, chin lifted like she owns the room. I know she will take command, which will be good for Faira—who hasn’t said a word to me since I got back.

“Thank you, Aloka. I can’t believe you’re going out there,” Wilde says.

“I’ll be careful.” I give a confident smile back.

They follow Lirea into the forum, now converted into a medical space. I’m grateful for the extra hands, we can’t predict how many injuries there will be. I slip back through the crowded main space and grab the rest of my things to bring into Stark’s room. My packed bags are already on the floor of Stark’s room, my hair dye tucked into a sweater pocket. I place Scarlett’s diary on the bedside table and move Pratt’s painting to rest on the dresser for now. If only he could be here, doing this together like the team we were supposed to be.

The door swings open, and butterflies flood my skin.

“That didn’t take you long.” He wraps his arms around me, and I reach up for a kiss.

“Are you here for the night?” I ask.

He lifts me with steady hands and carries me to the bed. I sink into the mattress as he leans over me, his arms braced on either side of my head. “I’m anywhere you want me to be.”

“I want you,” I pry at him.

He slides his lips down my neck and races his fingers under my shirt. I pull it off, revealing my red lace bra, which Stark eyes, letting out a growl. He cups my breast and pulls the fabric back, his tongue circling them into hard points. Wetness seeps between my legs and I rub them together. He traces down my stomach with kisses and pulls on my tight black shorts. When they come off, he freezes.

“Red . . .” His eyes glow and his hand grips my side. My lacy red thong has finally come in use. None of my other tactics have worked. He’s the one who said the color suits me.

“You won’t break me.”

He takes both hands and wraps them around my waist. The hard length of his shaft presses against the fabric of his pants.

“Be a good Alpha and fuck me.”

I lick my lips as he kneels. He kisses high up between my thighs, and the tingle sensation floods me. As he presses his lips over my dampness, I squirm. His fingers follow and trace along the edge of the fabric. I let out a moan, and his eyes harden. A low growl comes from the back of his throat, and he rips the fabric off. His tongue makes contact with my skin and my whole body trembles. I can’t even get mad about ruining my favorite matching set.

He pauses, leaning back just enough to look down my body, at me panting. I run my hand through his hair as he lowers himself again, my other hand clinging to the sheets. After days’ worth of buildup, I’m at a tipping point. I breathe heavier as fire launches through me. He restrains my hips with his hands, but I can’t contain it. The heat grows.

“Stark,” I cry out.

He feasts like there’s nowhere for him to be for days. “Come for me, Red, all over my tongue. I want to taste you.”

That’s all it takes before my legs crush the sides of his head and I shatter. Grabbing a pillow, I scream into it. He runs his tongue along my flesh, then sucks at that bundle of nerves, while I ride through the waves of shocks. When he sits back and looks at me, his grin is huge. He climbs up and kisses me.

The room is sweltering, but I try to calm the burning. My lungs rise and fall, similar to after a run. Pushing him onto his back, I climb on top. I slide down and grind my wet self on top of his hard shaft. He groans and grabs my hips, stopping me.

“I want this. We can go slow.”

“You don’t understand what sex is like when it’s your mate. We lose control. We mark. We claim. We bite. I won’t be able to control myself with you.” Except I’m not human and despite wanting sex, I’m not ready to tell him. I don’t know if I ever will be.

I lean over and run my tongue up his neck. “I’m stronger than I look, make me yours.”

He flips us over, his hand pressing against my neck, taking my air. “You’re mine, mate. Don’t think this makes any difference.”

I pull his hand off my neck to talk. “Sit down then.”

He takes one more look at me, then moves to sit on the edge of the bed. I rise up and slide off the bed. Stepping between his knees I pull down at the hem of his black boxers.

“Red . . .” he says, warning in his voice.

“Alpha, do as you’re told for once.”

He stays still this time, and I reach back, unclasping my bra. I pull the hair tie off my wrist and pull my brown locks into a high ponytail. His length rises tall, and I stroke it with my hand. Stark leans back and groans.