Page 101 of Wanted

It takes a long while for the traces of both of our orgasms to fade into the background. Chance holds me for what feels like eternity, but at the same time, not nearly long enough.

He slowly releases me just enough to let my legs fall to the ground beneath us. For a beat, I wasn’t certain there was a ground underneath our feet. I still have the sensation as if I’m soaring inches above the ground.

It’s the shakiness of my legs, however, that tell me I am on earth. It’s me, not the ground that’s unsteady.

I attempt to take a step and almost tumble into Chance. But as always, his strong arms are there to hold me up.

“What—what just happened?” I ask.

His fierce gaze meets mine as he replies, “We’re mated.”

“What does that mean?” I whisper.

A beautiful smile tips his lips. “We’re bound to one another for eternity. Mother Moon made it so.” He glances toward the cave’s entrance.

From our vantage point, we can make out only a part of the glowing supermoon. Its position appears as if she’s beckoning us forward.

I’m yours and that means you’re mine.I think the words and smile while a thrill runs through me at the realization.

Yet, when I look back at Chance, his entire body’s stiff.

There’s a stunned expression on his face as he looks down at me. He appears frozen in time. Aside from the steady rise and fall of his chest, one could easily mistake him for a statue.

Chance?I call. “What’s wrong?”

He slowly blinks.

I heard you.He answers without moving his mouth.

CHAPTER 28

Chance

It’s the bond. The mate bond.

“Y-you heard me?” Emery asks, her mouth moving.

I shake my head. “Ask me again, but in your mind.”

Her forehead wrinkles in confusion.

“Do it,” I encourage.

You heard me.

This time her mouth remains still, but I hear it. Her question. Her curiosity. Her voice. For the first time, I hear my mate’s voice.

It’s more beautiful than I could’ve ever imagined.

Please.I beg through the mate bond that’s just been solidified between us.Keep talking. Like this. Just like this.

I can hear you too. In my head.Is this the mate bond?

Mother Moon, her voice is so beautiful. No, not beautiful. Enchanting. It’s melodic and warm, but notes of strength run through it. There’s a slight breathiness to it as well. I assume it’s caused by the arousal and need that exists whenever we’re in proximity to one another.

My eyelids close.

Keep talking. I beg. I need to continue listening to her.