Page 52 of The Witch’s Daughter

“You don’t get to make this mean nothing.” His words were so quiet, I could’ve convinced myself I’d imagined them. That’s what I tried to do as I twisted to get out of his hold.

I only succeeded in rubbing my throbbing core against his thigh and couldn’t help the tiny gasp that slipped out.

Jaxon stilled as his nostrils flared and he pulled back to look at my face. “You’re in need.”

I’d try to deny it, but my scent was a dead giveaway. “I guess I am,” I laughed, trying to play it off like my body wasn’t physically burning for more of his touch. “That’s why I want to stay at the gathering.”

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say, because his expression darkened as his wolf rose to the surface again.

“Listen, I won’t get hurt. I’ll be careful,” I pleaded, sounding like a broken record. “You don’t have to worry about me all the time.”

His lips crashed into mine, stealing the rest of the words I’d told him a thousand times, and I…

I forgot what I was saying.

Gods, Jaxon could kiss.

He tasted like everything I’d ever wanted. His kiss was a punishing reminder of what I’d never have. Our tongues and teeth danced, as if knowing which way to move all along, and I drowned in a hundred memories, a million moments of wishing I could’ve kissed him just like this.

My heart was breaking at the intensity. I wanted to push him away. Tell him to stop. But my body burned in a way only he could soothe.

I needed this. Needed him like air. Like breath. I had to do something to ease this building ache before it consumed me.

“Please,” I moaned into his mouth, rubbing myself against his thigh still holding me in place.

Jaxon roared, tearing his lips away and resting his forehead against mine as he panted.

I used the moment of weakness to see if I could free my hands from his grasp.

“No.” He caught them again, softening the word when he saw the look in my eyes. “No. If we do this, you can’t touch me.”

I wanted to argue, but I could only wiggle. And then wantonly rock against him, chasing that sensation.

“Gods, help me.” He shut his eyes.

I’d never seen him so flustered before. My wolf was salivating. I leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to the side of his neck. Tasting the salt on his skin. My teeth ached. I gave him a tender little nip to soothe that strange need.

Jaxon pulled away and raised my hands over my head. “Hold her.” Magic crackled around us as the trees moved to do his bidding.

I trembled, feeling his power pulse around me, when the vines and branches wrapped around my wrists.

I refused to complain. One word would end this, and I didn’t think I could take that chance. The bark and roughened points of the vines dug into my skin as I tested their hold, but I wasn’t afraid.

This was Jaxon. A new, intoxicating side of him I’d never seen before, but I knew he’d take care of me. I wasn’t above begging for it in this moment.

“Please,” I whispered again. “Touch me.”

“I will,” he spoke through clenched teeth. “I just need a minute.” He inhaled slowly, before ripping my shirt open and gazing at my unbound breasts.

“Perfect.” He growled as he lowered his lips to one. “Fucking, perfect.” Jaxon trailed kisses across my chest. I arched to give him better access. My nipples tightened as the sensations alternated between his hot breath and the cool night air.

I could feel myself tightening with just this, but the hollow ache in my core grew deeper. “I need…” I panted. “Jaxon. I need…”

I didn’t quite know what I needed.

“I know.” His deep voice was a soothing caress before he kissed his way down my stomach and hips. Deft fingers unbuttoned my pants. My legs were already trembling as my arms began to shake.

I looked down, watching as Jaxon kneeled before me, slowly dragging my pants and panties off my hips. He feasted on me with his eyes. My whole body vibrated and I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t get enough air into my lungs as I waited, exposed to him.