Shadow Walker Read Online Free PDF Page B

than what you are willing to give. I’ll wait. You don't need to make a decision today, tomorrow, or any time in the foreseeable future. I just want you to know that I am, and will be here, for you, when and if you need me. No pressure. No commitment required.” He smiled, stroking the back of her hand.
    A tear slid down her cheek. “How can you do this to yourself? This is the last thing you want.”
    “But I can't force you either. So I'll settle for the next best thing. I'll wait.”
    Amber shook her head. “How do you know, Dean? How do you know it’s me you are to be with? There's no mating mark. Why waste your life on me?”
    “Why were Casey and Braedyn willing to waste their time on one another before their marks appeared? Why do half of those who get together without their mated mark stay together? Maybe the fates don't always know what they’re doing. I don't care about anything other than knowing you’re happy and that I can be a part of it, Amber.”
    “What about children?” She raised her brows and shook her head. “Your father wants nothing more in this world than to have grandchildren.”
    “And he can. Casey and Braedyn are a mated couple. They can have children.”
    She shook her head and squeezed his hand. “Dean, please don't give up looking because we've had a great couple of days.”
    “No…” He frowned and shook his head. “It’s more than that, and you know it.”
    “Please. You can't do this to yourself, to your family.”
    “My family? The day my sister joined this pack, you became a big part of her life. That made you a part of my family, too.” He stood up, walked around the small table, and pulled her to her feet. “My father completely adores you. My sister loves you. Why can't I?”
    “Dean…don't…”
    He drew her into his arms. “C’mon, just once more. Your heat is over. Your emotions aren't all over the place like they’ve been.”
    Laughing, tears spilled down her cheeks. “I beg to differ.” She sniffled. “I think I'm worse now than I’ve ever been.”
    Dean kissed her, holding her to him. She knew she should pull away, but couldn't. After a moment, she clung to him, returning his kiss. Her hands slid up and cradled his scruffy face. Her knees grew weak, and he scooped her into his arms, carrying her back toward the bedroom.
    He laid her on the bed and untied her robe. She caught his hands in hers before he could pull the robe open.
    “Just give me one last chance, Amber. Another chance to prove how I feel before we have to move on to our lives and our jobs. Please…”
    Amber pulled him close, running her tongue across his lips. His hands parted her robe and roamed over her. Her eyes closed, she moaned at his touch. Dean nibbled his way down her neck. The tiny prickles of his scruffy beard heightened her senses.
    Everything was different. Amber bit her bottom lip as her pleasure crested once more. Sex when not in heat was totally different . Her own movements, the feelings, the emotions. Amber didn't know just how different it could be, until now.
    Then it dawned on her. They hadn't just had sex. They had made love.
    She choked back a sob of pleasure as Dean's lips locked onto hers. Her back arched, Dean pulled her close, his groans mixed with hers. Amber wiped the tears caused by pleasure from her eyes and lay back on the bed, trying to catch her breath.
    His head rested on her shoulder, curling his body around hers. Her hands moved of their own accord, stroking his neck and shoulders, holding him to her. After a few moments, he raised his head, a small smile lifting the edge of his mouth.
    “I think I can handle a little bit more life after that.”
    She smiled, stroking his rough cheek. “So it really is different.”
    His brows furrowed. “What is?”
    “Sex when you’re not in heat.” Sniffing, she wiped her eyes again.
    He propped up on an elbow, looking confused. “This was your first time when you weren’t in heat?”
    She nodded,