Page 104 of Sight of Fate

Everything I’ve thought or felt for him is laid bare as my soul tangles with his, leaving a bit of me with him. How much I love the safe haven of his arms and the protective stance he takes for everyone, not just me. The slow smile that melts me every time. His insistence on making sure I’ve got everything I need. His body in those sleeveless tanks and workout shorts. The way he seems to understand me without unnecessary words.

His own thoughts and feelings are full of his need to protect and take care of me, but it’s his awe at finding his mate that makes me tear up, and his decision to wait until I was ready. This selfless man who never asked the Fates for what he wanted most. I blush at the thoughts he’s kept locked down, knowing I was innocent. His soul wraps around mine in a tight grip.

Deep blue eyes shining with emotion, he drives his body into mine, slow and deep, like he wants to draw this moment out as long as possible. And the slow burn is winding me tighter and tighter. Little tremors pulse inside as he inches us toward the edge.

“I’m never going to let someone hurt you again, and I’m never letting you go. You’re mine.” His voice is gruff but resolute.

I cup his strong face in my hands. “And you’re mine, my incredibly handsome mate.”

With my words, his release hits, and the unexpected surge tips me over the edge again too.

“Macklin.” I cry out and pulse around him, my body milking every drop. But instead of a single peak, the first leads into another and another in a relentless series of waves, and I hold tightly to him, locked in his gaze as I ride it out.

Ah, love, I’ve got you.

Finally, the tremors ease, and my legs fall to the bed. “Mmm, I’m definitely an advocate of the slow burn.” I lightly skim my hands down his sweat-slicked back, loving the weight of him. Using the tips of my fingers, I map the hard lines of his muscular body, marveling at his dedication to working out and the unbelievable fact that he’s mine. My body stirs.

He shifts, pulling out slightly, but my breathless moan has him sliding back in with a smile. “Hmm, once is definitely not going to be enough.”

Chapter Forty-Two

CHARLI

Macklin is up before the sun, but instead of his usual workout, he’s on the phone calling all the Vales to explain what’s happening and to request a list of all their missing supernaturals. Teague and team are supposed to hit the North Carolina facility this morning, but we haven’t heard anything yet, and he’s too far away to hear me.

Needing a distraction and knowing the launch of the new software is right around the corner, I decide to get up and go into work. I wince at the slight burn and lingering soreness between my legs.

I knew we should have stopped sooner.

Not a chance.

Turning on the steamer in the shower, I glide my hands over my body, noting the little marks, and smile, knowing they both deliberately branded me with their lips. My fingers find my shoulders and upper back, wondering how they’re going to react to the patchwork left on my body. Eventually, they’re going to see it, but the thought of baring myself to them makes my skin clammy and my heart race.

Killing me, love. Do you need me?

I’m good. Don’t mind me.

Rinsing off, I shove the thoughts to the back of my mind and get out. After finishing my almost non-existent makeup and styling my hair, I pad into the closet I share with Teague.

I chuckle when I realize my old clothes are still missing. They were here when I moved in that day, but I haven’t seen them since. And honestly, I love how the new clothes make me feel. Confident. Sexy.

A corduroy shirtdress with buttons from neck to hem catches my eye. In a camel color, it’s stylish and yet understated in a way that makes me feel comfortable wearing it to the office. I slip it on, button all but the last two, and tie the waist. Turning from side to side in the mirror, I admire the slight curves created with my nipped-in waist. I grab the tall boots that are quickly becoming my favorite and pull them on.

Macklin’s on the phone when I enter the living room, and his eyes light up when he sees me. “I need to call you back in five minutes.” He hangs up and intercepts me on the way to the kitchen for a long, drawn-out kiss that has me turned on in a second.

“You don’t have to go into work,” he says in a husky voice. “Teague would understand.”

“I want to go in,” I insist. “Sitting here all day, waiting to hear something, will drive me nuts.” My phone rings, and Teague’s name pops up. “Hey. Macklin’s here with me. I’m going to put you on speaker.”

The wind is blowing hard wherever he is, and the sound makes it hard to hear him. “Found four. Mom and eight-year-old daughter, both witches. Neither knows how they got there. One minute, they were sipping tea in Oak Vale, and the next, they woke up in the facility. They were two of the supes Ronan was searching for but the husband, a technowitch, wasn’t with them. Plus, we found two shifters from Vale Ridge, jumped coming out of a restaurant in Charlotte. Fast-acting sedative. Sending all of them to Greystone with Andros. We need to question them before they can go home.”

Macklin growls. “The two witches were taken from inside Oak Vale? That changes things.”

“Someone’s helping the enemy from the inside,” Teague surmises. We hear shouts in the background, but with the wind, we can’t hear what they’re saying. “Ronan procured us another jet. We’re headed to the next facility.”

They decided before they left to limit the information given over the phone until they figure out who and what they’re up against. From what Andros found, the HRC is well-funded, which means they’ve probably got the latest technology.

Macklin runs a hand down his face. “I’m going to call an emergency meeting with all the heads right after this call. Stay in touch.”