Page 19 of Marcus

“Good.”

“Right. Good.”

We stare at each other for a few moments.

“You said you knew from experience. What did you mean?”

“I took a mate when I was younger. She was half human and half bear, the daughter of a man from my home clan. She died trying to bring my cub into the world. I lost them both.”

Aspen’s hand covers my heart. “I’m so sorry, Marcus. That’s terrible. I understand you not wanting to be hurt like that again.”

Yes, there had been pain. I’d been fond of Heather. But I’d just picked her because the pairing was deemed good by my oldest brother, Magnus. I’d never been in love with her. I had loved that cub though. He never even had his first breath. I squeeze my eyes shut, slamming my heart down on the memory. I learned my lesson. Humans aren’t strong enough. And Heather had even been half bear and hadn’t been built to carry my young.

Mate.

Wide hips. Soft belly. Strong.

My cock leaks so much, and then a wave of pain shudders through my abdomen. I wince and close my eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I guess it’s the heat. I’ve never experienced one before. Hopefully they’ll release us from this lockdown soon. Distance might help.”

“But what if it doesn’t? You could get an infection from that wound if you don’t start either healing on your own or get some antibiotics started. There’s no guarantee that once the heat begins, anything other than satisfying the urge will ease your pain.”

I shake my head. Then another shot of pain lances through me. “Fuck that hurts,” I say through my teeth.

“Your eyes are glowing red,” she says. “How exactly does the mating work? I mean is it just regular sex? Well, as regular as it could be with a man who has an abnormally large penis?”

“It’s not abnormal. It’s proportionate to my body size.”

“Well, you’re kinda abnormally large.”

“Whatever. A full mating requires a claiming bite during climax.”

“So, what happens if there’s a climax, but no bite? I mean you can still do that, right?”

“Yes, I can still do that.”

“Let’s try it. Maybe it’ll appease your bear until your injury heals.”

“Try what, exactly?” I ask.

“Getting you off.”

“There are cameras in here, Aspen.”

“Aren’t you head of security? Can’t you delete them?”

“Yes, I guess.”

“Then it’s settled,” she says. Her hand reaches over and unties the lab coats in front so my kilt falls open. Then her hand is wrapping around my dick.

“Oh fuck!” I tilt my head back against the cabinet. “Fuck, Aspen.”

She reaches over and fists me with both hands. “I’d offer to put my mouth on your penis, but I don’t think it would fit. You have so much pre-ejaculate.”

“I love the way you talk. You’ll have to tell me about the fish curses sometime.”