He withdrew slowly, thrust forward fast, and kept that steady pace until her breathing grew choppy. He knew she was about to come again when her muscles surrounding his shaft squeezed him almost painfully tight. Her h*ps ground against him faster, urging him to join her.

He reached down and flattened his hand on her lower belly and pressed his thumb pad over her clit. She cried out his name as he rubbed her there, too, knowing the added stimulation would make her cl**ax harder. Her fingernails dug in to his forearm where she clutched at him.

“True,” she pleaded. “Oh shit. God. I’m going to…”

He knew exactly how she felt and what she meant. He wanted to explode, fill her with his seed, and experience heaven. Jeanie was that to him. His heaven on Earth was contained within the small female body he rode as he slammed his h*ps against the cradle of her thighs, sharing his passion with everything he had.

She stopped breathing, holding it in her lungs, and her eyes closed as she threw back her head. He watched her face as she came, felt her from the inside, and totally lost himself in her as his own pleasure took hold. He rode it out until he’d emptied everything he had inside her.

“Mate me,” he panted. “Say yes.” Jeanie didn’t respond. It took him a few seconds to realize that and he growled in frustration. “Jeanie? Say you’ll be my mate.”

“That’s not fair,” she finally got out. Her eyes opened and she frowned. “Don’t ask me that after you blow my mind.”

Chapter Fourteen

True paced back and forth between the kitchen and the bedroom door, more than aware that Jeanie watched his every move. Her refusal to agree to be his mate frustrated and angered him. He couldn’t understand why she kept saying no. He paused, catching her gaze.

“I could make you happy.”

“I know you could. I’m more worried about the reverse.”

Her answer stunned him. “You already make me happy.”

She shielded her body with his shirt, covering her br**sts and lap. “There’s so much more to a happy, long-term relationship, True. We shouldn’t make that kind of commitment yet.”

Query had warned him that she would need more time and that humans had to think too much instead of relying on their instincts. He was certain he wanted Jeanie as his mate but she obviously had doubts. Patience was needed but he lacked that ability when it came to her. He resumed pacing. It helped calm his temper.

“You’re going to wear out the carpet,” she warned.

He didn’t know if that was possible but didn’t care.

“You’re upset. Talk to me. Please?”

He halted. “Do you realize the human who read your email or got your message might not be the one who pretended to work for the NSO? Tim and his teams aren’t going to drop this. He wants to send you to prison over something I know you didn’t do. You wouldn’t survive long there, Jeanie. It’s a harsh place. The sex we share is very good and all you have to do is sign papers to become my mate. It will make you an official New Species with the same rights and protections I have.”

Jeanie wished she could say yes but was wiser than True about relationships. He’d known suffering and hardship in ways she couldn’t imagine but he’d had little to no dating experience. Great sex wasn’t the best foundation to base a lifelong commitment on. She loved him but he wasn’t in love with her. Gratitude for saving his life just wasn’t enough, nor was the strong physical attraction they shared. Only time would tell if he could fall in love with her.

“I can’t become your mate just because you want to protect me. I really do appreciate the offer, True. Mating is forever so it’s not a choice to make until we’re both absolutely certain it’s for the right reasons. You’re a wonderful man to offer to do this but I can’t allow you to make that sacrifice.”

He growled, breathing hard. “So you’ll only accept my sharing sex with you? That’s all you want from me?”

“You make it sound dirty.” Her temper flared. “As though it’s just about sex.”

His expression darkened and his lips pulled back to reveal his sharp teeth. He stomped over to her, bent down and yanked her to her feet. The shirt she’d been using as a cover fell to the floor between them, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. He firmly gripped her upper arms but he didn’t hurt her, regardless of the clear rage he expressed.

“The sex between us is the best. Why isn’t it enough to convince you that I’d be the right mate for you? Do you believe Flirt or Jinx would be better at it than I am? Is that the reason you refuse me? Do you want to share sex with them to compare us before you can make a decision? Is that the choice you speak of?”

She forgot about being na**d and that he towered over her, looking menacingly fierce. His accusations were a verbal slap. “I can’t believe you said that.”

“You’re not denying it.”

“I shouldn’t have to. You’re being completely unreasonable. What is wrong with you? How could you even think that?”

He snarled and stepped back, releasing her. “You won’t mate me and it drives me insane.”

“I’m trying to be rational.”

“I can’t be, is that what you’re saying? Do you think my animal side keeps me from being rational? You don’t mind an animal in your bed but not as a mate?”

“Don’t put words in my mouth.” Jeanie’s feelings were stung. “You’re out of line. I don’t think of you as an animal. You’re a man.”