Austin's POV
I stare at my mate, blinking in disbelief. Her eyes sparkle with mischief and anticipation, though I catch a flicker of nervousness beneath the surface.
"You want me to mark you?" I need to hear her say it again, to confirm what she just requested.
"I plan to mark you as well, if you're willing to..."
Her words are cut short as my mouth crashes against hers, consuming her completely while her back hits the wall. My hands tear through her clothing with desperate hunger.
Her claws rake across my shirt, shredding the fabric as she matches my intensity with equal fervor.
With our clothes reduced to ribbons on the floor, I lift her by her thighs and carry her toward my bed. Her legs lock around my waist as I pull back the covers and crawl onto the mattress, settling myself between her parted thighs.
"Are you certain about this, Lara? Once my mark claims you, there's no going back. You'll belong to me forever," I say, searching her face for any hint of doubt.
