He hesitated but let go of her wrists, flattening his palms on the bed. He pushed up until his body wasn’t touching hers. “Roll over.”

She did, having to untangle their legs first. The second she was flat on her back he came down on her and grabbed her wrists again. They were jerked above her head and his fingers laced through hers to hold them down on the bed.

His beauty struck her as she studied Tiger. His hair was wild and his amazing eyes were so blue that she felt lost in them. He was her fallen angel, whom she loved. “Why do you think I’d run away from you? Please talk to me. The not knowing is worse than anything I’m thinking right now. Trust me on that. Whatever it is, we can work it out.”

He chewed on his bottom lip. It made her attention focus there until he stopped and took a deep breath. He blew it out slowly and her gaze lifted to his. “You’ve been in heat for two days. It’s why I’ve brought you lunch at work. I knew I couldn’t take you to the cafeteria. The males would react and you’d know you were in heat. I had asked Torrent to send a female to deliver your lunch but obviously that didn’t happen since you said he told you the truth.”

“Why didn’t you want me to know? I’m so confused.”

“I wanted to get you pregnant.”

She gaped at him in bewilderment. It took her reeling brain time to try to let what he’d said sink in. “Why?”

He lowered his face until they were sharing breaths. “I thought you’d be more agreeable to being my mate if you were with child. You would realize I purposely allowed it to happen to show you that I was serious about commitment. You’ve had males avoid that. I’m not. I hoped you’d also feel more bonded to me if it happened…and that you’d need me.”

Her heart nearly stopped. “You want me to be your mate?”

“You already are, damn it.” He growled as anger flashed in his eyes. “You’re mine, Zandy. You have been since the moment you woke up on the hood of that Jeep and kissed me. I just didn’t want to admit it at first but you’re my mate and I’m yours.”

Zandy could only gape at him. “Let me get this straight. You’ve been trying to get me pregnant? You didn’t think you should ask me first?”

“I’m sorry. I know it was wrong but you’ve been hurt. I love you. I wanted to do anything to bind you to me as tightly as I am bound to you. You aren’t Species and can’t become addicted to my scent. You could walk away from me without suffering withdrawal. The thought of losing you drives me insane. I couldn’t stand it.”

Zandy wiggled. “Let go of my hands.”

He hesitated but did it. “You deserve to hit me.”

She reached up and cupped his face instead. “All you had to do was ask, Tiger. I would love to be your mate.”

She saw his shock. “Really?”

She nodded. “Yes. I love you too. I don’t need to own a super nose to feel addicted to you. My heart already is.”

His mouth swooped down and covered hers. She moaned into his kiss. Tiger spread her legs with his and nudged her pu**y with his c**k until he entered her. She tore her mouth from his and moaned. Their gazes sought each other.

He purred. “I’m going to kill myself trying to get you pregnant. I want a baby with you. I want everything.”

Zandy blinked back tears. “Then stop talking.” She hooked her legs around his waist. “Less talking, more f**king.”

He laughed. “I really do love you.”

“I love you too, baby. I love how you feel inside me too. Do you really think I can get pregnant this fast?”

“I’m determined,” he rasped.

“Lucky me.”

She was a little frightened of the idea of having a baby. They were moving so fast. The memory of how close she’d come to losing him though shoved all doubts away. Life was short and she wasn’t going to allow fear to stop her from grabbing happiness with both hands.

Epilogue

Nine days later Zandy smiled at Smiley. “Thank you for doing this.”

He warily regarded her. “Tiger is going to kill me. He said you are to never leave Reservation.”

“I know but I really appreciate it.”

He nodded. “I have seven highly trained officers in the area. They are far enough away to give you privacy but close enough to know if anyone poses a danger. Tiger will kill me if something happens to you. The others weren’t given direct orders where you are concerned.”

“You’re a good friend.”

He laughed. “Not to Tiger. But to you, yes.”

Zandy shooed him with her hand. “I know you aren’t happy about leaving me here alone but you need to go.” She glanced at her watch. “Tiger should be reaching my work about now and Richard will give him the note. I’m betting he will get here really fast. Make sure he doesn’t see you on the road.”

“No way. I’m hiding until he has you in his arms and knows you’re safe.”

“You’re sure the officers are far enough away?”

He nodded. “You told me what you planned. Tiger will tear them apart if they come this way and see too much of you. It’s well known how mates are. Trust me. You have privacy, Zandy. Give me a minute and I’ll be so far from here it won’t be funny. Tiger is going to scent that I was here with you and be very angry. I’m going to run fast and far to avoid him.”