His eyes moved back to her. “I’ll be back. Get into our bed and make sure you’re naked.” He made a growling noise in the back of his throat. “I’ll try and be gentle this time.”

“Maybe I can ride you?” She had to talk him into it the first time. Something about shifters needing to be in control, at all times.

His eyes lit up. “Oh god… that would be awesome. Will you wear your cowboy hat and boots?” His expression was pinched.

She laughed. That was something else she’d had to talk him into, bedroom props. It only took one time and he was hooked on all counts. “Um…” she reached up and kissed him on the side of his mouth. “More like a sports bra. The girls are getting too big. It’s all the burgers, pizza…”

He kissed her to shut her up. “You love eating those things.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I love your curves, fucking love them.” He leaned down and sucked on a nipple. “I’ll take you any way I can get you. A few pounds heavier or lighter, it makes no difference.” It warmed her heart… all of her organs, that he meant it.

One of the dogs whined.

“Shit! Stop distracting me.” He looked down at Siggie who had jumped up on his leg. “It’s your mommy’s fault, guys. Blame her.” Her heart squeezed as he said it. Mommy. Maybe her scent would change tomorrow.

“Hey.” She pretended to be mad. “It’s your daddy’s fault, guys. All him.” Another clench. Her mate would make such a good father.

Torrent cupped her cheek. “No sports bra. I’ll hold them. I have two hands and a mouth.”

Candy laughed, forgetting about her heat, or lack thereof.

Chapter 25

Three days later…

Candy lay in Torrent’s arms. She felt the rise and fall of his chest with each deep breath. It was early yet. She looked toward the big, bay window, the sky was turning. Dark becoming light. Night turning to day. A new start, new beginnings and possibilities.

The sun was still hiding below the horizon, but not for long. The sky slowly bleeding with shades of pink and yellow. The black starting to hint at blue. One or two stars were still visible.

“Hey,” Torrent’s voice was still thick with sleep. He kissed the top of her head. “You’re awake early.”

She shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep anymore. Look at that sunrise. It’s almost a waste to sleep.”

“Yeah. It’s amazing.” His head was higher on the pillow behind hers. He pulled her more firmly against him, her back to his chest. His cock nestled more firmly against her ass. Torrent inhaled deeply, his hips giving a tiny, circling thrust. She didn’t think he even knew he had done it.

He buried his head into the back of her neck. “Mmmmm, you scent of heaven.”