It's been a few days since that strange encounter in the hallway. I didn't bring it up to Maddox since then and he hasn't offered up any information as to what that was all about, so I pushed it to the back of my brain like some strange fever dream. I've met most of the pack now and I feel a lot more comfortable in my new home, and even more comfortable with my new mate.

The sky is dark and gloomy and I can feel the beginnings of a storm cracking through the air- perfect time for the Star Wars marathon Maddox promised me.

Lennon and Thomas decided to join us, too, which disappoints me a little- I wanted some alone time with Maddox- but I'm happy to spend time with my best friend and her new mate. I cozy up under a stack of blankets while Maddox lights the fireplace and Lennon and Thomas get comfortable on the other side of the sectional.

There's a wide array of snacks laid out on the coffee table in front of us, which Lennon and I have shamelessly started pigging out on even though we haven't started the movie yet. A thrill runs through me when Maddox sits right next to me so that our sides are pressed against each other.

I lift the blankets, offering to share it with him and he accepts with a quiet "thanks," pressing us even closer together.

The familiar main theme blares through the surround sound and Lennon and I are instantly captivated, even though we've both seen the movies at least a hundred times. Maddox rests his hand on my thigh, his thumb mindlessly tracing patterns across the skin there.

My eyes snap from the screen to his face. I can only make out the outline of it in the light from the tv, but I can tell his attention is focused on the screen, seemingly oblivious to the way my body is responding to his touch.

I scoot in closer to him, wrapping my arms around his bicep and leaning my head against his shoulder as I snuggle into his warmth. The hand on my thigh continues, leaving a trail of goosebumps and burning desire as they go.

My enthusiasm for the movie quickly disappears as I find myself enjoying watching Maddox's expression way more. I can tell he's into the movie. Not once has he dozed off or looked away.

Lennon and Thomas excuse themselves shortly into the second movie and practically run up the stairs, giggling and whispering to each other. I roll my eyes and notice Maddox is shaking his head, an amused grin on his face.

"That guy has been late to every one of his shifts since he met Lennon," he murmurs, breaking the silence between us.

"They'll get bored eventually and become productive members of society again," I shrug in response.

"I'm not so sure about that. The mate pull is... something too strong for most of us to ignore. We might have to keep Lennon locked up while Thomas is on duty," he laughs, turning his attention back to the tv.

"You seem to ignore the pull just fine."

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them. Maddox tugs at my chin softly, turning my face so that we're eye to eye. His brows are furrowed, the amused grin long gone.

"I didn't mean it like that!" I squeak. "It's just, Lennon and Thomas haven't been able to keep their clothes on since they met and we haven't even kissed since the festival."

My cheeks turn bright red as I ramble and I realize I've really just put my foot in my mouth.

"I thought you wanted to take things slow?" He asks, unsure.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. When I open them again, his expression is guarded.

"I do. Well, I did. And I've been enjoying the time we've been spending together, but I'm ready to take things to the next level. I want us to start acting more like mates."

I try to pull my chin out of his grip- looking at him was too embarrassing- but he maintains his hold on me, his expression unreadable.

"You want more?" He whispers huskily.

I nod, unable to speak.

"How much more?"

He leans closer, our noses just barely brushing against each other, and there's a new heated intensity in his gaze. It gives me a boost of confidence seeing that look on his face.

He wants more, too.

"As much as you're willing to give me," I admit boldly.

He places his lips on mine, gently at first, but the fire between us spreads quickly, and before I know it I'm straddling him on the couch, our tongues clashing together fervently. His hands snake under my shirt, gripping at any skin they can find, but he doesn't try to take my bra off.

I arch my back, pressing my breasts into him, aching for him to touch them. When he still doesn't get the hint, I slide his hands up until they're cupping me. He pulls back ever so slightly, his breathing ragged.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" He pants.

"Mhmm," I sigh, pulling his mouth back to mine.

I start to grind against him and his hands make their way down to the swell of my hips, pulling me closer and controlling my pace.

We pull apart briefly so he can pull my shirt off and he unhooks my bra- after a few fumbles- and they both fall to the floor. Maddox flips me onto my back, leaving a trail of lazy, open-mouthed kisses down my body.

He takes his time sucking and teasing each breast before continuing his path down my abdomen. He stops just at the waistband of my leggings before circling back up again. I try to contain my moans, but a few manage to escape, so I put my hand over my mouth and bite down on it.

He slips a hand into my leggings and starts to rub me over my underwear. I let out another moan, not even caring if anyone hears me anymore. The pressure feels so good, better than I could have ever imagined. If I had known it could be like this, I would have let Lennon talk me into being more excited about finding my mate a long time ago.

His hand finally finds its way under my panties and he slips a finger inside of me while his thumb continues to caress my clit. His other hand and his mouth are still teasing my boobs and my senses are overwhelmed as the pressure between my thighs begins to build.

I try to close my legs tighter to alleviate it, but he pushes them back apart with his arm. He smirks up at me as he twirls his tongue expertly over my nipple. My hands find their way into his hair and I tug, pulling his head back up so our mouths find each other again.

He responds by putting another finger inside of me, causing me to explode.

I whimper into his mouth as I come undone beneath him, my vision blurry, my breathing shallow. Maddox collapses next to me, pulling the blankets up over us so my chest is covered, and wraps his arm around me.

"Holy shit," I exhale almost incoherently, unable to keep my eyes open.

He chuckles softly into my hair and plants a kiss on my shoulder.

"You okay?" He murmurs.

"Remind me to return the favor," I mumble before drifting to sleep.