Read Ever After for Free Online Page B

say.”
    “I know exactly how you feel.”
    “So we take things slow? We learn each other while we learn ourselves? I don’t think either of us is ready to jump ahead and listen to fate, but I don’t want to lose something important either.”
    Relief filled her. “Oh, thank the gods,” she laughed. “I still want to find out who I am and I know you’re the same, but if we can find out together? I’m totally okay with that.”
    “I know you’re a wolf and strong, but I also want you to know that I’ll protect you. Okay? I know women nowadays are vocal about their independence but my demon needs to let you know that I’ll be your warrior.”
    She blushed at that thought. “Okay, but you need to help me learn to kick ass too.”
    Fawkes threw his head back and laughed. “Deal. I’m going to kiss you now. Okay?”
    She nodded, suddenly shy.
    He ran his hands up her arms, over her shoulders, then cupped her face. Her breaths came in pants as she waited. His dark eyes lit with red then he lowered his lips.
    She closed her eyes at the first touch of his lips against hers. His touch was gentle, soft, as if he were afraid to spook her. Then his tongue darted out to lick the seam of her lips. She opened for him immediately, letting his tongue brush along hers. She gasped at his taste—a subtle musk that was all Fawkes combined with the sweet tea he’d had with lunch.
    He rubbed his thumbs along her cheeks as he deepened the kiss, his tongue delving deeper as he gained confidence.
    She moaned into him, her body going flush against his as he pulled away slightly to kiss the corners of her mouth before going back to a deeper kiss.
    Her mind went blank as she let Fawkes take control. Her wolf knew he’d never go too far, never push her where she didn’t want to go. That was what made her a submissive. Her wolf trusted the dominant who held her with such reverence, the woman part of her let go and let it happen.
    She wouldn’t do this for anyone else.
    Hadn’t done it for anyone else.
    This was her true half, the man and demon she’d learn more about.
    Finally he pulled away, their breaths panting in synch. Leslie swallowed hard and he did the same. He smiled at her and she knew everything would be all right. It didn’t make any sense as to why, but she’d trust fate on this one.
    She had to.
    “You’re fucking kidding me,” Colin spat from their sides.
    Fawkes pulled her behind him and growled—a different growl from a wolf, but a growl nonetheless.
    “Hiding behind this little demon, you bitch?”
    Fawkes moved forward and Leslie gripped his arm, pulling him back. “No, don’t. It’s not worth it,” she whispered.
    Fawkes looked down at her, keeping one eye on Colin. “I’ll tear him limb from limb. He’s the one who’s been hurting you, hasn’t he?”
    She didn’t want Fawkes to fight. She was tired of fighting, tired of feeling scared of the stronger wolves. She just wanted to take him away and get to know him, not deal with what could happen.
    “You think you can just come into our Pack and take our females?” Colin asked, his eyes going wolf.
    Fawkes searched her face then sighed. It broke her heart that she was forcing him to do something against his nature, but she couldn’t stand fighting, not after what she’d been through.
    “You need to watch your step, Colin,” Fawkes said, his voice laced with anger. “I’m not fighting you now because my mate wishes it, but stand aside.”
    Mate?
    Oh no, he shouldn’t have said that. Not yet.
    Her wolf preened at the title, but she knew Colin wouldn’t like it.
    She wasn’t disappointed.
    “You think you can mate with one of ours, demon ?”
    “She’s mine,” Fawkes growled. “I’m not going to fight you. I’m not going to let you treat her like anything less than the proud wolf she is.”
    Colin looked over Leslie’s head and she scented Liam and Alec coming up from behind them.
    “Is there a problem here, boys?” Liam asked as he