Mated to the Wilde Bear novel Chapter 12

“You’ve always hidden yourself,” Xavier said. He sounded awed by it but underneath the words, power rumbled.

Laurel ducked her head. “Until now,” she admitted.

“You don’t ever have to hide yourself from me,” he said, and the authority of his alpha rang through the words. Laurel’s animal curled around the protectiveness in him, cuddling closer.

The way he spoke of letting her animal be seen… she’d dreamed of this but never had it with anyone. She found herself smiling softly.

“What is that look for?” he asked.

“Say it again,” she said, inching closer to him.

His arm tightened around her. “You don’t ever have to hide from me,” he said and pulled her close.

She sank against him, her nipples brushing his chiseled chest. She sighed, reveling in the delicious tingle that ran through her. How long had it been since she’d let herself be like this with a man? Years, certainly.

“I know we got off to a rough start, you and me,” Xavier said, his voice gravelly and breathy against her temple.

“I was cold to you. It’s my version of professionalism, a way to remind men I’m equal. I’m sorry I was rude.”

“I’d like to start over,” he said.

She ran a hand up his arm, trailing her fingertips over his massive bicep. He shuddered, and she thrilled at the reaction she’d pulled from him so easily. “Me too,” she said.