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Ridge’s thrusts became faster and more forceful. His grip on my hips tightened, and he let out a loud, uncontrolled moan as he pushed himself deeper yet, spilling deep inside me.
We lay on the bed in a tangle of sweaty limbs, catching our breaths. My eyes drifted closed, my brain quiet for the first time in days, showing no images of Ridge’s bones cracking and contorting, no horror as I watched him suffer. The day hadn’t even started, and I was ready to fall back asleep.
As Ridge shifted on the bed next to me, I rolled slightly towards him. His lips touched my damp brow. “I love you, Tori. I can’t thank you enough for the last few days.”
I mustered a slow, relaxed smile for him. “If that’s how you’re going to thank me, I’ll look after you anytime. You just have to ask, though. No need to get injured or anything.”
Opening my eyes, I sat up. Ridge was sitting on the edge of the bed. He hadn’t done anything more strenuous than lift the television remote for the last couple of days. I looked him over for any visible signs that he was in pain. “Are you okay?” I asked. “No pain or anything?”
“I swear, Tori, I’m much better, and it’s all thanks to you. It would have taken so much longer without you looking after me, making me sleep and eat.” He patted his perfectly sculpted washboard abs. “I haven’t eaten so many carbs in years. It’s going to take a few weeks of smoothies for my body to get back to its glorious best. Seriously, Tor, I can’t thank you enough. I’m fighting fit.”
I sighed. “Which means it’s time for you to get back to work.”
I’d have loved to keep him all to myself, but that would be selfish of me. He had so many people depending on him. I told him last night the ban on working would be lifted this morning and that he could resume his duties as the mayor, alpha, and CEO. I knew he would be itching to connect with Clawson and the other alphas in town, eager to get a detailed report and ensure everyone was safe. He’d promised me that once the threat of the hunters had passed, we would make time for ourselves. I was determined to make him keep that promise.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his eyes creasing at the corners. “I don’t want to leave you if you’re not ready.”
“I’m ready,” I said, even as my heart ached at the thought of him leaving my side. “Besides, I’ve kept you cooped up here long enough. The town needs you, Ridge.”
He hesitated, then nodded and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. “Swear you’ll call if you need anything?”
“I swear.” I sealed the promise with a soft kiss.
He went into the bathroom and showered to get ready for the day ahead. I didn’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so excited to go back to work, but he’d always been such a devoted alpha and mayor. He’d put everyone else’s welfare ahead of his own, even to the detriment of his own health—he’d said so himself. If I hadn’t forced him to take some much-needed R&R, it would undoubtedly have taken him longer to heal properly.
Although, since he was their beloved mayor and alpha, the townspeople would have looked after him if I hadn’t been here to do it. I laughed out loud at the thought of the Magpies rushing to the house to give Ridge a sponge bath.
Ridge came back into the bedroom. “What’s so funny?”
I only laughed harder, then shook my head. “It’s nothing. I promise you don’t want to know.”
As I watched him get dressed in a business suit, I thought about how much I wanted to claim him. We’d discussed it before, but he’d insisted that we wait until I was completely ready. I felt that readiness now, but the timing just didn’t seem right.
“Take care of yourself, babe.” Ridge kissed me hard and fast, love blazing in his eyes. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Be safe.” I watched him disappear down the hallway before closing the door behind him.
With Ridge gone, I decided to check in on Kyle. While Ridge had been recuperating, he’d kept me updated on what was happening around town, but I had yet to see him in person.
I jumped in the shower. For some reason, it felt wrong to wash the scent of our lovemaking off my body. I wondered if my scent would change when we were mated. Pulling on some clothes, I stepped out into the crisp morning air and set off in search of my brother.
I ambled down the main street, my mind still on Ridge and the desire to claim him— and to have him claim me. Kyle hadbeen my lifeline while I’d cared for Ridge. I was grateful for his support, but I longed to reconnect with my brother in person.
Familiar male voices pulled me from my thoughts. Turning the corner, I spotted Jaxon Hyde and Dean Aldrin leaning against a building, deep in conversation. They looked up as I approached, genuine smiles lighting their eyes.
“Hi guys.” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. When we’d arrived back in Blackwood Creek, I’d been so focused on getting Ridge back to the manor and caring for him that I neglected to properly thank them for everything they’d done to help us.
“Good to see you out and about, Tori,” Jaxon said. “How’s Ridge doing?”
“Much better, thanks to you both,” I said. “I don’t think I ever properly thanked you for everything you did.”
“Ah, we offered, remember? Insisted, actually, so no need to thank us.” Dean gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “We’re just glad everything turned out okay.”
“Still, I owe you.” I glanced around the bustling street, my gaze stopping on the Moonlight Café. “Why don’t you join me for breakfast? My treat.”
Jaxon and Dean exchanged glances before Jaxon nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’m starving.”
Dean threw his head back and laughed, and I smiled. “Thanks for the offer, Tori, but I’m not exactly big on human food.” He ran a hand through his tousled hair. “No taste or flavor for me, you know?”
