The Mark of Betrayal (by Cooper) novel Chapter 24

Samara

The pack lands are gorgeous. As Roman walked me around, showing me different areas, places where the pups go to play, trails that lead to the lake, the lake itself which has already started to freeze over, and then to an area where we can see the snow-capped mountains, Ayla has become more and more restless. She's whining in my head wanting the chance to run. She’s never run in the north and I have to admit, the feel of the cool, crisp air on my face makes me smile. It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt the northern chill in the air.

“Are you sure you don’t want to let Ayla out to run?” Roman asks, obviously feeling her increasing desire to run through our link.

“Are you planning to give us some privacy?” I ask him.

“Not yet. Trust works both ways, Samantha.”

“Then no. I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m not Alpha William, Samantha. I won’t turn my head while you leave my packs lands hoping you’ll return safely.”

‘We don’t need to leave the pack lands, Samara. But I want to put my feet in that snow. I’ve never felt it.’ Ayla says, careful to block Roman and Pierce out of our conversation.

‘In the winter, you’ll blend right in, Ayla. Dad used to hunt mom in the snow. They both loved it because it gave Dad’s wolf, Felix, a bigger challenge. Simone, my mom’s wolf, would close her eyes and Felix had to find her by scent alone. If the winds were howling, it would take him a while, but he always found her.’

‘Of course he did. Just like Pierce would find me in the snow. He wouldn’t give up until he did,’ she purrs.

I turn and look at Roman, seeing him watching me.

“Change your mind?” he asks.

“What if I give you my word as an Alpha that I won’t run away?”

He blinks, surprised at my compromise.

“I’ll think about it. You were so adamant to leave me yesterday, I’m not quite willing to let you out of my sight yet.”

It makes sense, but Ayla and I look longingly at the forest and I make a promise to her that I’ll find a way to sneak out so she can run.

When we get back to the packhouse, everyone is settling down for the night. Everyone says goodnight as they pass, and I feel Roman’s aggravation increasing.

“What’s wrong with you? They’re just saying goodnight,” I say, frowning up at him.

“To you,” he growls. “It’s like I’m not even here.”

I turn and look behind us.

“Goodnight, Luna,” a couple of warriors say, waving at me.

“Goodnight,” I say, waiting for them to acknowledge Roman. When they don’t, I begin giggling. I try to stop myself, but I can’t.

“It’s not funny,” he grumbles. “It’s been like this since the moment you arrived.”

I giggle again. “It’s kind of funny.”

I look up at him, the smile still on my face.

He sucks in air and his eyes darken quickly.

The smile drops away and I frown. “What?”

“That’s the first time you’ve smiled at me,” he says softly. “I understand why the pack is so enamored with you.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

I nod, still overwhelmed by the kiss and the emotions that he’s letting flow between us.

He smiles, his thumb stroking over my bottom lip. “Maybe you’ll let me kiss you again then?”

I nod again.

He leans forward and presses his lips to mine, but the kiss ends much too quickly. I frown when he pulls away, making him smile.

“I only have so much restraint and kissing you is quickly blasting away what little restraint I have left. Come on, let’s get to bed,” he says, taking my hand and leading me up the stairs.

I suddenly realize that Roman kissed me in the middle of the packhouse. And I let him!

I look around but no one has stopped to stare at us. There are some knowing, happy smiles, but nothing more.

I follow Roman to our room. I’m still distracted by the kiss and how lost I got in the moment, so I’m shocked once again when Roman takes my face in his hands and kisses me much more possessively this time.

I grab hold of his wrists, but it’s more to help me steady myself than it is to push him away. This kiss is more dominant, but still very gentle.

“Fuck you taste good,” he says when he pulls away again. “I will never get tired of kissing you. I could do it for hours. And one day, when you finally give yourself to me, I will. I will take my time. I will explore your body. I will taste you, devour you, until I’ve had my fill.”

His voice is rough and deep, and it sends shivers through my body. I don’t understand exactly what he means, but my body seems perfectly happy to comply with whatever he wants to do to me.

“I’m not there yet,” I say, needing him to know that I don’t want that tonight.

“I know. Neither of us are. I won’t be putting my mark on your neck until I know your real name. This isn’t an act of sex like what you saw in my mind, Samantha. I want all of you. I want your mind, your body, and your soul. I want you to give every part of yourself to me and I will give every part of myself to you. And I’m a possessive Alpha. I felt that you’ve never been kissed before. I love that. I love that only my lips will get to taste yours. Only my hands will get to explore the wonders of your body. Only my mouth will get to taste your sweet arousal. Only my body will get to feel the pleasure that comes from being inside you. But we need to build that trust. We need to get to the place where I know you won’t leave me, and you know that I’ll never hurt you and I’ll always be here for you.”

Dammit! I swear a part of my traitorous heart just fell in love with this man.