Finally, Deni ended up with Jace again. He tugged her close, his eyes going pale green with barely contained mating frenzy.
“Remember how this started?” he asked.
“You getting your ass kicked?” Deni answered, laughing.
“Me saving your ass,” Jace said. “And then having it.”
“Don’t you wish.”
“I do.” Jace leaned close. “I wanted you again and again, Deni. I went through a lot to keep you by my side, didn’t I?”
Deni nodded. “I’m glad you did.”
Jace kissed her again, his smiles gone. “It’s dark out here tonight. No one would miss us.”
She gave him a teasing smile. “Maybe we should be more civilized about it, now that we’re mated.”
“Screw that.” Jace’s hold tightened, his hand warming the small of her back. “I like being wild with you, Den. My heart.”
“Mmm.” Deni kissed him, then wrenched herself out of his arms. “Let’s be wild, then.” She took the garland from her head and threw it, spinning, away from her. Shifter women shouted laughter and scrambled after it.
“Catch me if you can, Feline,” Deni said to Jace, and she swung away, dashing into the night.
She heard a growl of frustrated wildcat, then another one of determination. Deni ran, but she knew she’d never outdistance a leopard who’d do anything to bring down his prey. She did try, though, so Jace would have a challenge.
But when his strong arms came around her in the darkness beyond the bonfires, Jace’s kisses frantically falling on her flesh, Deni knew she’d never been so happy to be caught.