3. The Den

Three

The Den

MARIE

I'm shivering, my teeth clattering, the darn contract still tightly gripped in my hand. And thrashing my legs, trying to free myself from Maverick's hold. But the asshole doesn't let go.

"Put me down!"

"Shut your fucking mouth."

His low growl is paired with a resonating slap on my ass, and I go still.

I sputter, "Did you… did you just fucking spank me, Maverick Ursinus?" I question between gritted teeth.

"Damn right, I did. And I'll do it again if you don't shut it."

My lips part in shock, and my body goes limp. What in the actual fuck? Not only is he handling me like some rag-doll - which I have to admit is fucking hot, because hello, big girl - but the sting of his large palm on my ass has spread a delicious warmth through my body. You're sick, Marie Flores!

"Mr. Ursinus, I swear to God, if you don't put me down-"

Completely ignoring me, Mav walks us to the center of the room, my body dangling over his shoulder, while I keep wiggling to try to get on my feet. He dumps me on a large leather couch like a sack of potatoes and turns away without a word. I sit there, blinking in a stupor. My boss, the alpha I've been panting after for half-a-year, just threw me over his shoulder and fucking spanked me. What the fuck?

Mav comes back to me, carrying a heavy blanket and unceremoniously drops it in my lap. Then he goes to the gigantic fireplace facing the couch, busying himself to start it. Still without a word, he walks out of the room, leaving me stunned. I look around, taking in the heavy woods and rich carpets of the elegantly decorated cabin. Of course, a billionaire's den is no rustic mountain hut.

My mind is reeling, trying to process what just happened. Maverick's never been the warm and cuddly type, but this level of roughness is new. Not that I'm complaining. Fuck, the feel of his hard body against mine, the way he so effortlessly manhandled me, has my inner omega preening. Begging for more of our alpha's touch.

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of lust. I'm here for business. To get the contract signed. Not to get felt up by my boss, no matter how badly I want it. I need to keep things professional.

When he returns a few minutes later, Maverick's holding a steaming mug that he thrusts at me. I instinctively take it and wrap my frigid fingers around the warm stoneware. Without meeting my eyes, Maverick arranges the blanket around my shoulders. Then he takes the mug from my trembling hand, placing it on a nearby coffee table. Settles on the couch next to me, picks me up, and plops me in his lap.

I repeat, what the hell?!

I raise a bewildered gaze to his face and almost swoon. Because Maverick Ursinus about to turn is a fucking sight for sore eyes. His thick black hair is overlong and messy. His carved features shadowed by a wild beard. The body I normally know to be impressive is fucking massive. Defined, bulking muscles, a layer of hair that looks soft, covering him all over. The heat he exudes is furnace-like. And his fucking eyes. His eyes glow with a blaze that has nothing to do with the flames crackling in the hearth. I think I'm in trouble…

My heart pounds as his woodsy, masculine scent envelops me. This close, it's overwhelming. Intoxicating. I draw in a shuddery breath, trying to steady myself. But there's no calming my racing pulse, not with Maverick's hands bracketing my hips, his chest rumbling beneath my palms.

He leans in, his beard rasping against my cheek as he buries his nose in my hair and inhales deeply. A shiver that has nothing to do with the cold rolls through me. What is happening? Why is he holding me like this, touching me so familiarly? Not that I'm objecting, but…

"What are you doing?" I breathe, fighting the urge to melt into him.

Maverick pulls back slightly, his amber eyes burning into mine. "Taking care of what's mine."

* * *

MAVERICK

I stare Marie straight in the eye and growl, low and menacing, "What the fuck were you thinking?"

I take a soft lock of her hair between my thick thumb and forefinger, stroking the golden strand.

"I love your hair," I say absentmindedly. The gesture and my words are so simple, so natural. But also so intimate.

"It's just a color," Marie breathes out.

I nod, letting the feel of her seep into me. Her full, round ass resting on my lap, the softness of her curves against my hard body. Her scent that's her usual blend of wildflowers and intoxicating feminine musk. I soak in her dazed, coffee-colored eyes. The full, parted lips I know I'm finally gonna be able to taste.

"You fucking messed up, sweetheart. Walked straight into the wild bear's den."

She lets out a small whimper and my dick jumps against her plump bottom, making her doe eyes widen.

Marie pushes against my chest, trying to get up. Trying to escape me again. But that ship has sailed. I firm my grip on her wide hips, holding her in place. Leaning in, I bury my face into her hair and inhale her intoxicating scent, running my nose over the soft skin of her neck.

"You fucked up, putting yourself in danger like that."

I pull the stack of papers she's still holding from her ice-cold fingers and toss it aside.

"Think I give a shit about this?"

I press my mouth to her pulse and lick her there, finally tasting my woman. Savoring the explosion of flavors that assault me. She's fucking perfect. ‘Ours,' my bear roars, and this time I bow to his word.

"Nah, baby. I care about you being safe and sound."

Marie's small hands desperately clutch at my large shoulders. She's breathless, her full tits rising and falling under the heavy layers of her clothes.

"Mr. Ursinus," she whimpers.

"Right, fucking here, baby." I kiss and nibble at her jaw, making her moan and swirl her ass against my hard cock. "Not going anywhere. And not ever letting you go."

I take her mouth, swiping my tongue over her full lips, licking and drinking in the taste of her. And by the time I've kissed her senseless, both my bear and I have accepted that we've found our mate. Marie Flores has been ours all along. Whatever fucked-up reason I had to keep her at arm's length was nonsense. Tonight I'm claiming my omega.

She's trembling in my arms, her sweet mouth moving tentatively against mine. I gentle the kiss, reining in my hunger. Don't want to frighten my girl. Want to savor every second of finally having her where she belongs.

"I've got you," I rasp against her lips. "You're safe with me. Always."

Marie blinks up at me, her eyes hazy with desire and confusion. "I don't understand. You've never… I thought…"

"I know. I'm a fucking idiot." I stroke a knuckle down her soft cheek. "Fought this for too long. Lied to myself that you couldn't be mine."

I tip her chin up, making sure she sees the truth in my gaze.

"But you are. You're mine, Marie. My omega. My mate. I'm done denying what I've known from the moment I scented you."

She sucks in a sharp breath, her eyes widening. "Maverick…"

"Let me take care of you, baby. Let me show you how good it can be between us."

I feel her hesitation, the war between her head and her heart. I get it. I've been a bastard to her, pushing her away even as I yearned to draw her close.

"We'll go slow," I promise. "Nothing you're not ready for. Just let me hold you, keep you warm. Can you do that for me, sweetheart? Let me take care of my omega?"

A slow shudder rolls through her and then she's nodding, curling into me, her cold nose pressed to my throat. I rumble low in my chest, pleased. My bear settles, content now that our female is in our embrace, safe and protected.

I tuck the blanket more securely around her and simply breathe her in. My Marie. My treasure.

The road ahead won't be easy. We have a lot to talk about, a lot to sort through. But I'm not wasting another minute pushing her away. She's mine to cherish, mine to love.

And that's exactly what I intend to do.