Page 14

“No,” I say, rubbing my chin as I think about it. “You are a timid, insecure species, but there is goodness in you too. Love, hope, cleverness—there is a lot worth celebrating in you humans.”

She smiles sadly and my heart aches at the beautiful sight. “Thank you.”

I nod.

“I have a question,” I say.

“Shoot,” she says, pointing her finger at me.

“You said you were practicing kissing.”

She drops her head, covering her face with her hands. “Oh gods, not this again.”

“Are you embarrassed?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

“Is that a serious question?”

“Yes.”

She groans loudly. “Can you just ask your damn question so we can move on? Please?”

“What were you practicing for?”

“Oh my gods,” she hollers. “I don’t know. I was just practicing, okay? For the day I meet someone worth kissing, I don’t know! Can we like not talk about this anymore?”

“Practicing for the day you meet your mate?”

“I don’t know. I guess.”

“Well, your mate is here,” I say, my back straightening, my mouth watering. “Practice time is over. It’s time to kiss me for real.”

She slowly lifts her head up and gulps as she looks at my mouth.

“You want to make out?” she says, staring at me in shock. “With me?”

“Of course,” I say, stepping forward. “You’re my mate, Ravena. I want to do a lot more than that.”

Her eyes widen as she drags them up my body.

“Okay,” she says, her voice a little unsteady. “I guess we can… try. Just kisses though. For now.”

I don’t know how I’ll be able to ever stop myself from taking everything, but I’ll try. For her, I’ll be strong.

I move closer, slowly this time, watching her face for any signs of fear or hesitation. I know I can be scary to humans. I’ve seen the fear in their eyes when they look up at my face. I’ve seen their skin lose color when they see my claws and wings. They’re a fearful species, but I don’t want her to be afraid of me.

Her stunning green eyes stay locked on mine as I step up to her, close enough that her sweet scent fills every breath I take.

My chest rumbles as I lift one hand to her face, being careful with my claws as I cup her cheek, those wild red curls tumbling down over my fingers. She shivers beneath my touch, but her eyes are alive with excitement. Her breathing gets faster.

“I’ve wanted you for ages,” I whisper as I lean down, staring into her big round eyes. “My heart was beating for you before your parents were even born.”

“That’s… strangely romantic,” she says, her eyes dropping to my mouth. Her lips part and she leans in just a little as a moan escapes her throat.

I tilt her chin up, my mouth hovering over hers. My body aches with need when I feel her soft breath tingling on my lips.