Page 23 of Animal Instincts
Just knowing that he might have been the one to hurt that prick had her this jittery mess. It wasn’t that she didn’t think the man deserved it, but that Damien had been the one to deliver that beat-down.
He had told her that he was going to take care of whoever hurt her, that he’d find out one way or another who the guy was that harmed her.
She hadn’t thought much about it, because she hadn’t known the man’s name. But now she stared at Damien as he stood in the doorway of his cabin.
The fierceness and determination that covered his handsome, rugged face showed her he would never stop until he had delivered on that promise.
She wanted to just ask him even though she knew without a doubt he’d been the one to go after the asshole. And althoughshe’d never been one for confrontation, she also wanted to make some things clear with Damien.
“We need to talk,” she said and walked into his home. His cabin was gorgeous, although small, but it was intimate and she knew for what Damien wanted—solitude and isolation—it fit the job.
“I can smell that you’re upset,” he said without a hint of worry or anger in his voice. He shut the door, and she turned and faced him. “What’s wrong?” He crossed his big arms over his chest, and for a second all she could do was stare at the way his shirt tightened around his biceps and chest, outlining his muscles.
He was quite the male specimen, but she couldn’t allow her libido or emotions get the better of her right now.
“Did you go after that guy that attacked me back at the party last week?” She wasn’t angry in the sense she was going to bitch at him, or scold him for beating up a guy that was so much younger and weaker than he was.
The truth was a part of her liked the fact someone had wanted to avenge her because she’d been hurt. She felt this warmth at the idea that he had wanted to find out who had touched her, and teach them a lesson on the repercussions of touching what was his.
She’d never been in a situation like this, in a relationship that was all-consuming.
“Yes,” he said with no emotion in his voice at all. He moved away from the door and walked over to the kitchen to grab two glasses from the cupboard, and a bottle of whiskey. After he poured both shot glasses, he held one out to her.
“No, thanks.” She watched as he tossed both shots back, while staring at her the entire time.
“If you want me to feel sorry about beating that punk’s ass I won’t, Danika.” He placed his hands on the counter, and thisrough note in his voice told her that he felt no remorse over his actions. “And I’d do it again with anyone that thought they could put their hands on you.”
She shook her head, set her purse on the couch, and breathed out. “Listen, Damien, this is all so new to me. I’m still trying to get my head wrapped around the idea that I’m your mate, and that this is a lifelong journey we are going to be on together.”
He didn’t move, didn’t speak, but his amber colored gaze held hers as if he had his arms wrapped tightly around her, causing her to be immobile.
“I understand that shifters are more animal than human, and that you want to protect me. I’ve never had anyone, besides my father, want to make sure I’m safe like you do?—”
“I don’t think you truly understand how much I am more animal than human, Danika.” He moved around the counter and walked up to her. She had to crane her neck back slightly just to see into his face. He was upset, but she could tell, could feel, that it wasn’t directed at her. “I know you’re angry with me for being physical and hurting that asshole, but he put his hands on you, and thought he could take something from you that wasn’t offered.” That last part came out of him on a growl.
“I don’t want anyone getting hurt because you want to exact vengeance for me, Damien.” She lifted her hand and placed it on his chest. The steady beat of his heart was right below her palm. “I don’t want violence because of violence, Damien, and I’m sure you have seen enough of that in your life.” She spoke softer this time. “I want to be here with you, to work this relationship out and experience it all with you.”
He stared in her eyes, lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, and she felt this zing go through her entire body. “I don’t want you upset with me, Danika, and I understand what you’re saying. I want
you to be happy.”
Rising on her toes she pressed her lips to his, knowing that
although he said he understood, that his animal genetics might make it very difficult for him to refrain from using his strength. He lifted his other arm and wrapped it around her waist, pulling her close to him.
The feel of his erection prodding her belly had a flash of wetness leaving her pussy. God, even when she meant to come over here just to talk this out with him all she could think about right now was taking their clothes off and letting him control her body.
“I’d do anything for you, Danika,” he said against her lips. “I’d do anything for you, and if you want me to try and refrain from going after someone that hurt you,” he pulled back slightly and stared into her eyes for several seconds. “I’ll try, baby, but you have to know that you’re my mate, and when it concerns your safety my animal is the one that is taking control.”
He went back to kissing her, harder this time, and slid his hand that cupped her cheek to the back of her head. He held her face close to his as he fucked her with his lips and tongue.
“Damien?” Her eyes fluttered closed when he moved his mouth to her neck, and his warm breath teased the skin right below her ear.
“Yeah, baby?” His voice was low, husky, and she swore she smelled his lion pheromones.
“I...” She breathed out on a moan when he ran his slightly elongated canines on her throat.
“You’re mine,” he growled, and she heard the lion in his voice right then. The feel of his tongue on her throat had a small mewl leaving her. “I won’t ever take anything you’re not willing to give.”