The Price They Paid: Imprinted Mates Series

if I didn’t want to kiss him. His bottom lip was begging for me to suck it between mine. I leaned in slow, anticipating the moment and hoping that he’d reciprocate, but knowing it was impossible. When my lips grazed his, the connection between us magnified, and I could feel his raw need. Power flared and roared inside me. It was too much, and I could almost feel his lips move against mine.
I pulled away suddenly to see him looking at me. I leaned in again, helpless to the pull to feel him claim me. He took my lips and I melted against him as his tongue parted my lips taking refuge. I felt suspended in time as his lips worked me over. He was hard against the crease of my derriere and I wondered what he’d feel like buried inside me. I couldn’t fathom how good that would feel. It was too much for my mind to wrap itself around.
I submitted to his will and he took control easily, sure of his method of attack. My whines turned into helpless whimpers begging for more. He slowed the kiss into small brushes of his lips upon mine making me tingle all over. I rested my head upon his with my eyes closed.
“Justice …”
“Yes?” I looked into his eyes, and I could see just how tired he was.
“I must …”
“I know … I know … you need to rest.”
“Yes …”
I nodded, understanding, but damn if it didn’t frustrate the hell out of me. “Rest well, Seuss.”
I kissed him one last time before sliding from the bed and working quickly to clean up. I turned the music off and covered Seuss fully, remaining quiet the entire time. I didn’t need him getting sicker. I checked his hair to find it completely dry and his skin still warm. I kissed his forehead and closed the door as I headed to bed.
I knew that he needed his rest, but I couldn’t help but feel a ping of desertion. I held on to the fact that he didn’t want me yet again. I buried myself deep into the bed quietly wishing that the curse of being left alone would lift and that happiness would prevail. Silent tears were consumed by the pillow that I shed them into. My heart tried to hold steady as my doubts and fears threatened to shatter it into a million pieces. Sleep. I welcomed it, but instead I received a long sleepless night.

Justice
I watched the sunrise from my bed. I hadn’t been able to sleep all night after that kiss and the fears that plagued my mind. My hopes were up, though, because Seuss had been awake. I decided not to tell anybody because I didn’t want to set them up for false pretenses. Maybe it was space that I needed from Seuss and that’s why I was caught in my feelings. My job was to cure him and then go home, simple. Not to be caught up in the titillation of HIM. There was a knock at my bedroom door, and I didn’t move to get up. I was comfortable and fully covered.
“Come in.”
Maddox walked in with his hand covering his eyes. “I needed to get to Seuss and you didn’t unlock the door.”
“Oh!” I chuckled. “I’m sorry. I’m decent so you can uncover your eyes. Feel free to head on over.”
Maddox looked at me and smiled. My first reaction was to laugh at how coy he was trying to be though I could tell that he was nervous.
“Have you been in to see him this morning?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’ve been watching the sun.”
Maddox went into the other room and stopped short. “Well, shit! Maybe I should have you trim my beard too, Justice. You look damn good, brother.”
The compliment warmed me, and I listened as Maddox went about doing things. He emptied the water and changed the sheets in the room.
“He’s a lot warmer too, Just.”
Was that a nickname?
“Good!” I shouted to him.
“Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. It seems that the Alpha likes being pampered by his mate.”
I snuggled further into my blankets to hide my blushing cheeks.
“There is a pack meeting here in the East Wing today at noon. You don’t have to come, but it would be greatly appreciated if you could.”
“Is there anything that I need to do for it?”
I still hadn’t gotten any clothes of my own and that needed to happen before the meeting. It would look god awful to attend my first pack meeting in the Alphas clothes. Or would it? Somehow, the thought of being covered in his scent and wearing his clothes didn’t sound horrible. It sounded … right. I still wanted to look the part of his mate so laying around in his shirts would have to wait.
“Everybody usually brings a tray of some sort since there are so many people. I’ll have the girls sent over so that they can set up the chairs.”
“I’ll be there.” I glanced over at the clock. I had about four hours to find something to wear and then find a way to make the Alpha house look good.
I jumped up and headed to the bathroom to shower. Showtime.
I purchased quite a few decorative pieces, clothes and personal items before I headed to the grocery store to buy the food on my list. I got back in enough time to make everything happen. I made pinwheels, roasted bbq wings, deviled eggs and salami rolls. Maddox came back early from his errands to get dressed and stole an egg. He ran out of the room before I fussed at him. I snickered and went back to sprinkling paprika. He walked back into the room licking his fingers and shaking his head.
“Damn girl, you can cook.”
“They’re just eggs, Maddox.” I laughed at how easily food gratified him.
“Damn good eggs.” He stole another, and I smacked his arm.
“Out!” I pointed toward the door and waited for him