Mated to the Wilde Bear

At his words, Laurel's body stiffened with surprised tension and then relaxed, and he knew she was fully awake now. He wondered if she'd object to his label for her, but she surprised him by slithering down his body instead.

She disappeared underneath the covers, trailing warm kisses down his abs and belly until her mouth dipped lower still. When her lips closed over the head of his swollen cock, he held his breath against the snarl that wanted release. He'd have to pace himself carefully, or a snarl wasn't the only thing that he'd release too fast.

Somewhere down the hall, a phone rang. He recognized his cell's ring tone. He glanced at the bedside clock. It was late at night. Too late for work. What the hell?

Underneath the covers, Laurel paused, and he could feel the friction where her mouth, hot and ready, hovered just over the head of his dick. She didn't move or speak as she waited for his reaction, and he cursed inwardly at the timing. There was only one reason his phone would be ringing so late. An emergency call. Someone on the mountain needed his help.

God damn it all.

All of his fears came crashing over him. He had to choose all over again. Laurel and a swift release, or saving a life. He groaned. He already knew it wasn't a choice. "Laurel, I have to go."

Laurel made her way out from underneath the comforter. Determination etched on her face in shadowy lines. "A rescue call?" she asked.

He nodded. "That's the duty line. This late, it's got to mean a rescue call."

Somewhere in the house, a bedroom door clicked open. Another of the crew was already up.

Laurel threw the covers back and went to her closet, yanking clothes out. Quiet, methodical. She threw her pants on and turned, her brows rising What are you still doing

here? She gestured to the door. "Go

get dressed. We have to go."

He rose, his chest swelling with love and pride for his woman. She got it without him having to say a word. "I'm sorry," he began.

"Xavier Wilde, you will not apologize.

Now go answer that call. If it's an emergency, we'll both suit up and drive out and save somebody. Because that's our job. And even though you can love me more than your job, you will always save lives when they need saving. No matter what. Do you hear me? Now, go!"

"Hot damn," Xavier breathed, completely awed by her ferocity and passion.

He rose and headed for the door, but he stalled and turned back to her. "Laurel, I want to tell you—"

"Later," she said, practically shoving

him into the hall. "Go." She pointed a slender finger at the door, staring down at him with fiery eyes, and Xavier knew then he'd never loved anymore more than he loved Laurel Adams right now. His Mrs. Alpha. And as soon as he finished saving a life, he'd be sure to tell her.