Free Highlander's Kiss by Joanne Wadsworth Page A

sizzling display of bright lights flared behind the screen then a large bear plodded out, reared up onto his hind legs and roared. Goodness. Tavish’s bear was huge, with black fur the same beautiful shade as his head and his golden eyes alight. He dropped down onto all fours and prowled toward her, his pure white aura with its sizzling red tinge at the edge glowing even brighter.
    Overwhelmed, and with a fierce need to touch him rolling through her, she dropped to her knees and held out one hand. “Come closer, Tavish. Let me pet you.”
    Slowly, he padded around her, rubbed against her sides then came back in front and nudged her hand with his head.
    “Thank you.” She sank her fingers into his silky pelt and scratched between his ears. One deeply satisfied purr rumbled from him, the heavenly sound of his content bringing tears to her eyes. “Your bear is beautiful, Tavish, as beautiful as you are.”
    He bumped his muzzle into her belly.
    “You wish another pat?” Heart lifting, she wrapped her arms around his neck and rubbed her cheek against his furry one. She couldn’t deny her need to be close to him in his bear form, just as she’d needed to be close to him in his human form. She truly hadn’t wished to leave him so he could shift, had been secretly thrilled when he’d asked her to stay.
    She sank down, tucked her legs underneath her and smiled as he too lowered then rolled onto his back and exposed his belly. With his paws up, he offered her a hopeful look. He definitely wished for a tummy rub.
    “I like touching you, almost too much.” She smoothed her hands over his belly, her fingers sliding through his decadently soft fur. With one slow stretch, his purr deepened. “There’s been the odd time I’ve actually stumbled upon Gilleoin out in the woods with Aunt Sorcha. Gilleoin adores lying on the grass in a pool of sunshine while Sorcha sits beside him and rubs his belly.” She spread her hand over his heart, its steady and powerful beat soothing her further. “I need to ask you something, and dinnae get mad when I do.”
    He remained still, so she continued, “If you’re wrong and we arena mated, then I shall never keep you from your true mate.”
    Lights shimmered, in a blaze so bright she toppled back and Tavish loomed over her, all man and hard and hot flesh. “I’ve waited a lifetime for you and would wait forever until you accepted your destiny, but my bear won’t. He wants you and I’m not sure how much longer I can continue to hold him back. There will be no more talk of ‘what if I’m wrong.’ You are my true mate, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove that to you. Allow me to court you.”
    “I—I—” She palmed his wide chest, shocked he’d changed so swiftly in front of her. The smattering of dark hair on his chest thinned as it traversed between his defined abs and led downward in a teasing trail. Gulping, she couldn’t keep her gaze from moving lower. Dark curls covered the apex of his groin and his manhood rose from it, his shaft firm and long and lengthening even more as her gaze roamed over him. His shaft brushed against her belly and her fingers itched to touch him there.
    “Want me, the way I want you. Touch me, Julia.”
    “I…” She shouldn’t, yet she stroked down his sides and over his trim hips. She lifted up, pressed her nose into his neck and drew in more of his intoxicating scent. There was no halting what was between them, this all-consuming need or desire. “I wish for more.”
    “Tell me exactly what you want and I’ll give it to you. I don’t want to push you for more than what you’re willing to give, so you need to speak your mind and be utterly clear with me. This bond is about the two of us, although your needs will always come first.”
    “I’m no’ sure what I need.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and rocked her hips against his, until his hard body carved its powerful heat right into hers. “These feelings are all so new