Chapter 24 #2
"I don't think we're going to get much sleep tonight." His words ghosted across her swollen lips, each heated syllable making her pulse race and her thighs clench with need.
She gently licked his bottom lip, tasting the subtle sweetness of his skin. In response, he crashed back down onto her, their bodies entwined as another sensual wave of passion swept over them, igniting every nerve and setting their senses ablaze.
Hunter was awoken later by a voice in his mind.
He groaned and buried his head into Freja’s hair.
He’d just gotten a mind link from Sam, saying that he needed to come and deal with a rogue who had entered their territory.
He had only just fallen asleep a couple of hours ago, since he and his mate had been awake and preoccupied, exploring each other throughout the night.
He leaned up on his elbows and Freja’s eyes fluttered open, a small frown on her face in protest as he moved away from her.
A deep chuckle reverberated from his chest as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“Keep resting. I have to deal with some pack issues. I’ll be back to check on you when I’m done.
” He brushed her hair away from her face, watching her as she closed her eyes and a content smile spread over her lips.
He smiled at her softly as he fought off the exhaustion.
He stood up from the bed and quickly got dressed.
On his way out, he stopped by the door and looked back at his mate.
He stared at her for a moment before he quietly left the room, leaving her to rest.
Hunter headed down the stairs. Chasen and Jin were waiting for him, along with Sam.
“Sorry for having to bother you, Hunter.” Sam felt bad having to interrupt Hunter’s morning with his new mate. He could feel the strong link with Freja now and knew that they must have completed the mating bond. Hunter nodded to him in understanding.
“Where’s Freja?” Jin asked, glancing upward.
“She’s resting.” Hunter briefly looked up and then back to her. “She didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, so she needs to rest now.” A small grin rested on his face before it turned more serious. “Alright, let’s see this rogue.”
It had been an exhausting morning. First, he had to deal with the rogue, who he let off with a warning.
Then, he had to deal with training matters and how to fall into rank quickly.
Next a tree had fallen over one of their main roads, and Hunter and Chasen had to pull it out of the way so that regular travel didn’t get backed up.
He could feel the strain on his body from the lack of sleep.
He finally made it back to the house just a bit before noon.
Renee was inside with her mother, Merida, and Kristen, making sandwiches for the trainees.
“Has Freja come down?” Hunter asked as he rubbed his forehead.
“No, she hasn’t. I didn’t even realize she was still here,” Renee said, looking up briefly. She noticed a small smile creep over Hunter’s face as he looked toward the second floor.
“I need a proper introduction soon,” Kristen said, turning her head slightly to Hunter and continuing. “Maybe next time don’t keep your new mate up all night.” Kristen gave him a knowing wink before she turned back to what she was doing.
Hunter smiled, then slowly made his way back up the stairs.
He was in need of a good, hot shower, and honestly, a small nap would be amazing.
He crept back into the room to see Freja adorably curled up in bed.
Her lips were slightly parted, one arm lifted above her head.
Her side was slightly uncovered, revealing her naked bottom and exposed breast. His eyes darkened slightly as he stared at the bountiful meal lying helplessly asleep.
He was gross after the morning he’d had, though.
With a longing glance at her, he quietly made his way into the shower. Maybe a cold shower would be better?
He walked out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist and looked back at his beautiful mate, who was still resting quietly.
He walked toward the bed, discarded the towel, and dipped under the covers.
He reached out and pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
A soft purr escaped her lips and she opened her eyes with a smile.
“What time is it?”
“It’s afternoon.” Hunter gave her a tired smile as he looked at the small frown spreading over her mouth.
“And you’re just now getting back? You must be exhausted.” She laid her head on his chest and draped her arm over him.
“Mm-hmm, just a bit. We still need to go out shopping for you.”
“That can wait. You need to get some sleep.” Freja pulled herself up more, closer to him.
His eyes trailed down to her pink buds brushing against his chest. A low groan escaped his throat. “I don’t think I can take a nap. I want something else.” His eyes trailed over her and he licked his lips.
“Nuh uh. I want you to take a nap.” Freja reached up and played with his hair. “At least an hour or so. Then we can talk about what’s next.” Her tone was sultry as she twirled a lock of his hair between her fingers.
Hunter chuckled and wrapped her tightly into him. “Promise you’ll stay beside me?”
She smiled and cooed to him soothingly, “I won’t leave your side.”
He closed his eyes and relaxed under her soothing touch, her gentle, swirling motions through his hair allowing his body to ease. And beside his mate, he drifted back to sleep, exhaustion finally taking over.