Page 104 of The Healer

She gave her bear free rein and loped after Rhys’s bear, as he led her along a worn path through the forest. When she bumped against trees, plunged through bushes, her bear chaffed, stumbled to her feet, and continued, wanting to chase Rhys, enjoying the challenge. She burst into a clearing with soft moss and clover lining the forest floor.

He returned to his human form, and waited, with his hands on his hips. “Come now, Lona-love. Change back. Your bear can have another go when we head home.”

Her bear roared, unhappy with the suggestion, but Rhys squared his shoulders. Authority rolled off him, like a heady breeze addictive and compelling. Her bear cowered. New agony stormed through Ilona, as her bones popped into place. She crumpled to the ground and curled into a whimpering ball.

He sprawled beside her and wrapped his arms around her. “The first time is hard on everyone, Lona-love, worse for those who are alone.”

“Will it always hurt this much?”

He kissed her temple. “No, just in the beginning. Your human body will adjust.”

She nuzzled his shoulder, loving the scent pouring off him, like sunbaked rock. Moaning, she pressed her nose to his skin and inhaled. Heat uncoiled in her core, igniting her senses. She groaned, her hips twitching with a need so powerful, she almost orgasmed just by rubbing her thighs together.

“What now?” she cried out, pushing up to meet his gaze.

“The fun begins.” He chuckled and cupped a breast. Fire exploded outward, from her puckering nipple to her belly. “Your first on-heat.”

“Oh.” She gasped, fascinated by the bobbing of his erection. “This is how it feels?” The urge to climb on top of him gripped her. She could spread her thighs and ride his hard length. Shuddering, she raised her gaze to the afternoon sky, searching for control, for calm.

“It’s futile.” His nostrils flared, and his eyes fluttered shut on a growl. “Just…use me, please.”

She stretched her hand then hovered it above his erection resting on his stomach. “Are you sure?”

“Ilona.”

Laughing, she layered herself on top of him, whimpering at his heated skin against hers. Then with deliberation, she impaled herself on his hard length. Lightning exploded across her vision, and she cried out, gyrating her hips as she rode him. He gripped her hips to thrust up, meeting each of her downward strokes.

The need to consume him, to have every inch of him merge with her, to know his every thought, his desires, exploded within her, and she screamed, arching her back as pleasure crashed over her. He flipped her over and pounded into her, chasing his orgasm, then as a tremor claimed his body, he sank his teeth into her shoulder.

Joy skittered along her veins, hardening her nipples until they pinged, and her clit twanged like a too-tight elastic. She cried out, riding yet another wave she hadn’t anticipated.

He slumped over her, his weight pressing her into the soft clover. His slow rumble merged into a full-bellied laugh. “I fucking love you, Lona.”

She smiled, running her hands along his shoulders. “I love you too.”

“I was prepared to wait forever for you.”

She blinked back the tears. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

“Oh, Lona-love, you mean the world and more to me.” He kissed her cheek, the tip of her nose before brushing his mouth across hers. “My forever.”