“I thought you’d sleep longer.” His voice was a deep rumble in her ear. How’re you feeling?” Eli was lying tucked up behind her with one arm around her.

  Rather than give him the standard, “I’m fine,” she took stock of herself. “I’m tired, which doesn’t make any sense considering how much I’ve slept.” It was baffling to be this weak after all the rest she’d had.

  Lips nuzzled against her neck. “You’ve been on the run, stressed, not to mention seriously injured.” The muscles in his arm flexed, briefly tightening around her before relaxing again. “You need to give yourself time. With rest, fresh air, and good food, you’ll be back to yourself in no time.”

  “I’m not sure who that even is anymore.” She bit her bottom lip, surprised she’d blurted out her greatest fear. Eli had done so much for her. It wasn’t fair to burden him with her insecurities. He was confident, secure in who he was and his place in the world. It was difficult to imagine him ever feeling insecure. “I’ll figure it out.” Not like she had a choice.

  He rolled her over until she was on her back staring up at him. “You’re whoever you decide to be.” He smoothed several strands of hair off her forehead, his black eyes as serious as she’d ever seen them. “You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met, and my mama was pretty damn tough.”

  The compliment warmed her all the way to the tips of her toes. “What were they like, your parents?” She admitted she was curious. There’d been no time to ask until now, what with all the life-and-death situations tossed at them. Because of the circumstances they’d found themselves in, her past—for better or worse, and it was mostly worse—was an open book while his was largely unknown.

  “Jebediah Sin was one tough son of a bitch, and I’m not saying that because I’m his son. Cyrus takes after him the most, likely because he had the longest time with him before he died. He believed in hard work and loyalty and brought us up that way.”

  She shivered at the idea of there being a wolf even harder than Cyrus. “And your mama?” It was difficult to imagine any woman wanting to take on such a man.

  “He met Sadie Archer when he was in his early twenties.” Propped up on one arm beside Kinley, a smile played over his lips. “He always said it was like getting hit upside the head with a two-by-four.” His smile faded. “There were pack issues. Daddy never said what happened, but he bore a hatred for his former pack ‘til the day he died. They bought land and settled here on the mountain.”

  “Your mama was okay with being so isolated?” It wasn’t unusual for packs to live in remote places, but they had an entire community. His parents had settled here with just the two of them.

  Eli chuckled. “She thrived. Claimed it was the first time she’d had freedom in her entire life. The old man built this house for her. They were a team, working side-by-side. Damn near killed him when she died giving birth to Silas.” His voice roughened as he continued. “He was never the same after.”

  It was rare for a wolf to die during childbirth, but it did happen. It had happened to her mama. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I was eight, but I missed her so damn much. She brought the joy and fun to our lives. Without her...” He shook his head and drew in a deep breath. “Cyrus took charge of the new baby, and between him, Josiah, and me, we managed to keep him alive and take care of the others.”

  “So young.” She wanted to rail at his daddy for not stepping up, but her own had been flawed. So were they all.

  “Yeah, anyway, Daddy lasted until the day Cyrus turned eighteen. I think he’d simply been waiting for him to reach adulthood. When he didn’t show up for the birthday dinner Noah had made, we went looking. We found him at the lookout. It was his and Mama’s favorite place. We thought he’d fallen asleep. Then we realized he was gone. There was no sign of injury, no reason for his death, other than a broken heart.”

  She sniffed back tears. “I’m so damn sorry.” It was easy to imagine all seven of them brokenhearted, angry, and lost.

  He shrugged, but shadows of old pain were reflected in his eyes. “He hung on until Cyrus was old enough to take care of us without any legal hassle. I’ll always be grateful for that much.”

  “No wonder Cyrus is the way he is,” she murmured. To have so much responsibility thrust on him so young. A weaker wolf would have crumbled under the pressure. It gave her a whole new respect for him.

  “He practically raised us all. For the younger ones, he’s more their parent than brother, the only one they really knew. Shit.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “I didn’t mean to get into something this deep first thing in the morning.”

  “I asked because I wanted to know. The past makes us who we are.” And there wasn’t much to recommend in her history.

  He shook his head. “It’s the starting point. It helps shape us, but ultimately, we decide who we want to be.” She knew he was remembering her earlier statement of not knowing who she was anymore, confirming it when he added, “Who do you want to be, Kinley?”

  “That’s something I need to figure out.” Until she did, she had little to bring to any relationship. She’d already brought enough pain to his life without adding to it. When she started to turn her head away, he cupped her cheek, stopping her.

  “Do you think you could figure it out here?”

  Her heart began to pound, but she tamped down her excitement. She licked her dry lips. “I can’t take advantage of you any more than I already have.”

  “It’s not taking advantage if I want you to stay. If you look at it logically, I’m being selfish by asking you to stay rather than encouraging you to stretch your wings and fly. Any pack would be happy to have a strong female.”

  “Do you want me to stay?” A few weeks ago, she’d never have been brave enough to ask. Almost dying and losing her pack had irrevocably changed her.

  “Meeting you wasn’t quite like a two-by-four to the head but it was damn near close.”

  “Like when your daddy saw your mama for the first time.” She tried not to read too much into it, but it wasn’t easy. Inside, her wolf rubbed against her, sensing her confusion and offering comfort.

  “I’m not asking you to commit to mating. I understand it’s too soon after losing your daddy and your pack. You need time to figure out your life before making that big a decision. I can wait.” He traced his thumb over her bottom lip. “You’re worth the wait.”

  His words melted any remaining resistance. No one had ever put her first before. Her heart ached for him. Everything she’d ever wanted was within her grasp. But there were other complications to consider. It wouldn’t be fair for her to grab her chance at happiness without considering what he stood to lose.

  “What about your brothers?” She held up her hand before he could reply. “Cyrus will rightfully have objections, considering what you’ve all been through since I landed in your life. There’s no telling how the others will react if my staying here becomes permanent.” They were welcoming when it was temporary. Eli was suggesting something entirely different.

  “They’ll be jealous as hell of my good fortune.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” she whispered. “I don’t want to cause strife in your family. I don’t want you to lose them.” Especially not after hearing the sad tale of his childhood. The brothers needed one another. Their bond was too tight to risk fracturing.

  “If they don’t want you to stay, or you’re not comfortable living here, we can leave or build a place somewhere else on the mountain. There’s always a way around a problem if something is worth it. And, sweetheart, you’re definitely worth it.”

  He truly meant it. Her doubts crumbled under the weight of his certainty. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into his arms, knocking him backward on the bed. Then she kissed him. He slid his hand around to the back of her head and held her a willing captive as he deepened the embrace.

  He suddenly pulled back. “That’s a yes?”

  Slightly breathless, she nodded. “There are so many things I don’t know, like how I’m going to support myself, but the one thing I’m certain about is my feelings for you. Maybe it’s crazy after knowing each other such a short time, but it feels right.” She took his hand and pressed it against her heart. Her wolf jumped happily inside her, confirming she’d made the right decision.

  “And how do you feel about me?”

  He was such a force of nature—a larger-than-life, strong, confident, dominant male—that the hint of vulnerability caught her by surprise. He was one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but he was still a man, a wolf, and he needed the words.

  Taking a steadying breath, she took a giant leap of faith. “I think I’m falling in love with you.” Before he could respond, she pressed her hand over his mouth. “Don’t say anything back. Not until you’re one hundred percent sure.” It would break her heart if he gave her the words back and then changed his mind later. “I’m not using you as a safe harbor in the storm. I want to be with you. Whether that’s here or somewhere else, I don’t care. I don’t expect you to support me. I can pull my own weight.” It was important to her for him to fully understand and accept that. “I don’t want there to be any doubts. Not for you or your brothers.”

  When he nipped at the flesh at the base of her fingers, she pulled her hand away. “You done?”

  “For now.”

  “Good.” Dragging her back down, he kissed her as though his life depended on it.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Relief flooded Eli, along with a sense of purpose. It was up to him to ensure she never came to regret or question her decision. Being with Kinley had given him a better understanding of his daddy. She’d quickly become the center of his life. He couldn’t foresee that ever changing.

  She loved him. Or rather, she thought she was falling in love with him. He could work with that. Cyrus would lecture him about it being too soon, that the intensity of the situation was affecting his judgement. And he wouldn’t be wrong. The situation had been a reminder of how fast life could change. He’d almost lost Kinley, would never forget the sight of her lifeless body on the ground. They’d been given a second chance, and he wasn’t about to waste it.

  There’d been times of intense knowing in his life. Call it instinct or something more, but whatever it was, he trusted it. On both days his parents had died, he’d woke with a knot in the pit of his stomach and an awareness that something terrible was going to happen. That same intuition had saved his life many times over the years. Now his gut shouted that he’d regret it to his dying day if he let Kinley walk away without trying to win her.

  I want to build a life with her. When his wolf howled in agreement, it only added to his determination.

  His dick twitched when she stroked his tongue with hers. There was nothing holding either of them back. She was free of her past. He wanted to be part of her future.

  “Are you sure?” He reached beneath the hem of her shirt and stroked up her torso, stopping short of her breast. He’d removed the socks and leggings last night but had left the rest.

  She reared back, yanked her top off. The sports bra followed. “I’m sure.”

  He lunged, taking her down onto her back and covering her with his body. The brush of her nipples against his bare chest had his dick throbbing. Latching onto her lips, he kissed her with an intensity that should have scared them both. She wrapped her arms around his neck and didn’t hold back. He tasted desire and acceptance, a hunger that went beyond the physical, a yearning for connection.

  Unable to get enough of her, he kissed a path down her neck, pausing to nip at the delicate curve of her throat. For a brief second, he considered marking her. Fortunately, sanity prevailed and he continued his path downward.

  Her breathy sighs, the way her nails skated over his shoulder and down his spine, had his balls aching. Breathing heavily, he cupped her breasts, savoring the sensation of her soft skin beneath his big, rough hands.

  “That feels so good.” She twisted beneath him, arching up to rub her mound against his erection.

  “Need you naked.” He lightly pinched her nipples.

  “Yes, please. Hurry.” She thrashed, trying to pull away the remaining barrier between them.

  He reared back, his chest rising and falling as he sucked air into his lungs. In seconds, he’d stripped away her underwear. “God, you’re beautiful.” She was still too thin, her ribs prominent, but that didn’t detract from her innate beauty.

  “And you’re naked.” She eyed him up and down and licked her lips.

  He’d been too damn tired to worry about donning a pair of boxers last night, and it was too warm and uncomfortable to sleep in jeans. He cocked an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”

  She gave a sexy growl. “Not at all.” Using her strong legs, she wrapped them around his thighs and pulled him back down. “Saves time.”

  “In a hurry, are you?” His laugh turned to a groan when she reached between them and stroked him from base to tip.

  “You have no idea.”

  She was his match in all ways that mattered—brave, smart, and not afraid to go for what she wanted. And right now, she wanted him. That was his miracle. Not only did she want him, she was willing to give their relationship a shot. Somehow, someway, the universe had conspired for them to cross paths. He wasn’t about to squander the gift he’d been given.

  He couldn’t quell her worries about the future, but they’d work it out. The only thing that mattered now was loving Kinley. When he tried to pull away, she tightened her grip on his shaft. He peppered her face with kisses. “You have to let me go.”

  She shook her head. “No.” When she angled her body, the head of his dick brushed against her, and his eyes almost rolled back in his head. “Now.”

  Not willing to argue or deny either of them, he flexed his hips and pushed inward. Her damp heat surrounded him. Sweat beaded on his body. Her inner muscles fluttered and tightened as he surged deeper. “So damn good.” And it was. This went far beyond sex. It was a joining of body and soul, at least for him. She’d told him not to say anything until he was sure. The words he’d never thought he’d say to any woman spilled from his lips. “I love you.”

  Something clicked inside him, like the missing piece of a puzzle slipping into place at long last. He could live without her, but it would be a cold, barren life of duty, of going from job to job, finding small moments of satisfaction and contentment with his family. Being with Kinley offered the possibility of so much more. She was light, joy, laughter, someone to share the most intimate moments with.

  His wolf howled inside him. He thought he heard the echo of a female howl.

  She froze beneath him and he barely dared to breathe. “What did you say?”

  “I love you.” It was easier to say this time. Her nails dug into his sides. A panicked, almost frightened light flashed in her blue eyes. Shit, he’d done exactly what she’d asked him not to. But screw it, he wasn’t taking it back. “You said not to say the words until I was sure. I’m sure.”

  She burst into tears and threw her arms around his neck. Still inside her, he rolled onto his back, taking her with him so she lay on his chest. “I didn’t say it to upset you.” He ran his big hands up and down her back. Of all the reactions he could have gotten, he hadn’t expected tears. He pressed his lips against the top of her head. “Is it so bad?”

  “I love you,” she blurted. “I only said I thought I was falling in love with you because I was afraid.”

  His arms tightened around her. Inside him, his wolf rejoiced. “What are you afraid of?”

  She shrugged and sniffed. “Of you waking up one morning and deciding what we have isn’t worth it. That if your brothers don’t accept me, the loss of your family will turn to blame and bitterness. Of something happening to you.”

  He sighed and hugged her closer. “Things will always go wrong. We both have firsthand experience.” That gained a small laugh from her. “I wish I could tell you it will all be smooth sailing, but we both know I’d be lying. I’ve seen far too much death and destruction. Being with you has ignited a spark of life I’d thought gone forever. That’s worth fighting for. You’re worth fighting for.”

  She raised her head. “I’m a coward compared to you.” She swiped at her cheeks.

  “No, you’re a woman who’s lost everything she had, a woman who’s been hurt in every way possible but is still standing. I’m in awe of you.”

  Her smile came a little easier. “You’re good for my ego.” The smile faded and she gave a decisive nod. “If you’re willing to take the chance, then so am I.”

  The kiss was tender, a way of sealing their pact, signaling their acceptance of the love growing between them. There were no guarantees that life would be easy, but there never were. Together, they could share the good times and the burdens.

  His dick flexed, urging him to get back to the business at hand. Kinley moaned and began to laugh. “I can’t believe you’re still hard.” She wiggled around, making the situation worse.

  “It’s all you.” He’d never get enough of her. The scent of her arousal filled his lungs, the feel of her beneath his hands made him crave more. To lighten the mood, he playfully nipped at her. Kinley brought out a lighter side of him he’d thought lost forever. “You shouldn’t tease the big bad wolf unless you’re willing to accept the consequences.”

  She fluttered her eyelashes.” Promises. Promises.”

  “I’ll never break a promise.” He arched his hips up while pulling her down hard on his erection, his control hanging by a thread.

  “I trust you.”

  Those words meant as much to him as her confession of love. “Mine,” he whispered, driven by a primal need to claim her. Rolling until she was on her back, he pulled one of her legs up over his hip and began to thrust hard and fast.