“What kind of instincts?”

There was so much she didn’t understand about him. He spotted no fear though as he studied her face. His Jadee wasn’t like any human he’d ever met. “You know, making our bond stronger by getting you pregnant. Wanting to make you mine in every way possible.”

Her eyebrows lifted.

“The urge will pass soon. I hope it’s normal. I don’t think you’re ovulating yet. I can’t smell or taste it on you. I’m going a little crazy inside but I know it’s hormones. I’m amped up on them right now.”

She massaged him. “Okay. So you’re saying it’s like a really bad case of PMS, only the Werewolf version that involves knocking me up instead of being bitchy and bloated?”

He chuckled. “That’s a unique way to put it but yes.”

“What can I do to help?”

Vivid, erotic images of all the things he’d like to do with her streamed through his mind. “Let me take you back to bed for a good week.”

She pressed tighter against his body. “Sold.”

He understood now they had started to bond together the night they’d met. He’d liked her already, and had wished he could keep her in his life. He’d suffered regret after she had driven away. She’d remained in his thoughts, even haunting his dreams. He’d been too damn happy to see her again, despite his shock at the time, and now he realized why. Some bonds snapped into place quickly for his kind. He already loved Jadee.

He just hoped she could love him as deeply as he did her. Her human side might resist the fast, intense bond. They didn’t listen to their instincts, instead tending to ignore them in favor of rationalization. He backed away from her.

“Let me wash off the blood.”

Her smile faded. “You’re not regretting what we did, are you?”

“No.” He cupped her face and leaned down to put them closer together. “I won’t let you, either. Lycan PMS, remember?” He used her own words to make her understand he was on an emotional roller coaster. “Never regret. Don’t question my commitment to you and making our mating work, Jadee. I’m going to be sane within a few hours.” He hoped.

“You just look angry.”

“Vampires want you dead. I don’t know how this clan is going to react to you being human. I’ve got to keep you safe, yet all I can think about is fucking you for days. That’s the anger you’re seeing. It’s not directed at you. I’m pissed that I can’t just lock us inside our home and spend every second showing you how much you mean to me.”

“Okay.”

“Nobody is going to hurt you, and I’m so glad you’re my mate.”

Her smile returned. “I’m glad too. Wash up. You mentioned food. I’m actually a good cook. Do you mind if I find your kitchen?”

“What’s mine is yours. This is our home.” At least for the time being. He didn’t mention that again. They might be moving soon. He let her go. “That’s a good idea. Otherwise I’ll fuck you where you stand.”

“You’re horrible at threatening me, if that’s what you were aiming for.”

He laughed. “I want to take you on the bed, slower this time. After we eat.” She was human, not used to spending hours having sex. Her body would ache and she’d pay for it if he didn’t take it easy on her. Of course, he could have her drink more of his blood. It would heal her. “Go. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

She rinsed off once more and then stepped around him, leaving the shower. She dried off fast. He couldn’t take his eyes off her until she left the bathroom, going out of his sight. He grabbed the body wash again and quickly showered.

Jadee wasn’t in his bedroom when he stepped out there. He located his phone and dialed. Lorn wasn’t going to be happy but it didn’t matter. He had a mate.

“What now?” His brother sounded frustrated.

“Can you speak freely?”

“Not yet. You did see signs of a Vampire?” His brother cleared his throat. “Let me go take a look at that map.” Seconds ticked by. Lorn closed a door. “So what kind of trouble is she in? Is it heading our way?”

“A nest of Vampires attacked her. She killed one of them. They followed her home and she came to me to find out where it would be safe for her to go.”

“Damn. She isn’t our problem, Lavos.”

He took a deep breath. “Remember when you told me to fuck her?”

“Yes.”

“I did.”

“Good. Now she’ll be out of your system.”

“Never. She’s my mate. We shared blood.”

Lorn didn’t say a word but Lavos could hear him breathing.

“Did you hear me? Jadee is my mate, Lorn. I got the overwhelming urge to bite and she agreed to let me test her blood. One taste and it was a done deal. We’ve already exchanged blood.”

Lorn remained silent.

“Do you want me out of your territory?” Lavos braced for the answer. “I’ll understand. I know how much trouble this will cause you. I can have us out of here by sunrise. Tell everyone at the lodge that I’m tracking Vampires, and I’ll even wait a few days before approaching another clan to ask them to take us in. I’ll make it seem as though I ran into her outside of our territory. That way, no one from another clan will know she was ever here. I thought Velder might be receptive since both his sons mated mostly human women.”

“Don’t you dare go anywhere,” Lorn barked. “We’ll work this out. You’re my brother and my lead enforcer. This is your clan too.”

“There will be challenges if I stay. They’ll question your leadership.”

“Then you’d better be prepared to fight at my side. You aren’t leaving. You swore to help me keep the clan together and I’m holding you to it. That’s an order from your clan leader and your brother…but I’m also your best friend, Lavos. Congratulations on finding your mate.”

Lavos relaxed. “Thank you.”

“We wanted changes and to bring our clan into more modern times. This just means getting them onboard faster. How is she accepting it?”

“She’s amazing. Jadee just takes things in stride and rolls with it. It probably helps that she was raised by a human who believed in the existence of Vampires and Lycans. Less shocking to her.”