Free Loved by the Lion: BBW Paranormal Lion Shifter BWWM Romance by Zoe Chant

party."
    "Next week, then," promised Emi.
    A now-human Cole slipped his hand over her back, and she leaned into his touch, appreciating the comfort. The last week had sealed them together in a way she couldn't quite identify, but knew was solid and permanent. It wasn't just the attraction and sexual chemistry, though there was plenty of that, but the way they had worked together, planning and preparing and finally executing, that made her feel like she had found a true partner . He had supported her, defended her, and respected her. She couldn't dream of having a better mate, she knew.
    Now all she had to do was tell him that.
    When everyone was gone, and only Kira and Cole were left, she turned to him. "Do you think he's really gone?"
    "For now." His expression was grim, but it softened when he looked at her. "Are you okay?"
    Was she okay? She had become a lion shifter, found a mate, been stalked, and confronted her stalker – all in the span of about a week. Despite that, she smiled. "Yeah, I'm good. I'm really good. How about we go home?"
    He drove her back to her apartment like a gentleman, even pausing at the door.
    "Are you staying?" she asked with hesitation. "I'm exhausted, but I'd really like for you to stay."
    He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, cupping her cheek. "Of course I'll stay with you."
    He even tucked her into bed, kissing her on the forehead before getting in behind her and spooning her. For the first time that night she felt perfectly safe, ensconced in his strong arms with his warm weight at her back.
     
     

Epilogue
     
    Kira
     
    Even though she was still technically on vacation, rising early in the morning was a long-standing habit. By the time Cole's snoring had stopped, she had already made a pot of coffee and the bacon was sizzling.
    "Morning, beautiful," said Cole's voice, rough, from the doorway. His hair was still fluffy from sleeping on it; as warmth bloomed in her chest, Kira knew she wanted to wake up to that stupid hair every day for the rest of her life.
    "Morning, handsome," she returned. And he was. The sight of Cole in a t-shirt and boxers with morning scruff was something worth her full attention, bacon be damned. She had been about to hand him a cup of coffee, but what the hell. She set it down and crossed the kitchen, putting her hands on his chest and leaning in to give him a good morning kiss.
    The good morning kiss rapidly turned into something else. At first it was just a brush of the lips, but then her mouth opened under his and he flicked his tongue at her lower lip. A fire ignited in her.
    She could feel his rock-hard muscles under the soft, flimsy t-shirt. She explored them with her hands, running down his chest and over his back and – she couldn't help herself – dipping her fingers into the trail of dark hair that started under his navel.
    He groaned into her ear, then sucked her earlobe between his lips. The rough texture of his tongue gave her thrills, and her lioness leaped with the opportunity to be with her mate again. But she pushed him away gently before things went any further.
    "We have to talk," she said softly.
    He got a concerned, wary look; she knew he was worried about their relationship.
    "Cole, this past week has been . . . incredible. And incredibly fun. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much." She paused. "Violent stalker excepted."
    A little smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
    She took a deep breath. "But I can't be on vacation forever. And I know you're waiting for me to decide whether I can be your mate. The mate you deserve."
    He opened his mouth to object, but she cut him off.
    "It's not fair of me to keep treating you like a fling if you're waiting for something more." Kira took a deep breath, and her lioness urged her through the next frightening, exhilarating statement. "So I wanted to tell you . . . I'm ready to be your mate. Your lioness."
    Cole's expression shifted – from surprise to relief to joy. She could