Rowan

I woke up early and flew home, anxious to see how things went last night. I tried not to tap into Bennett's feelings while he was having a private moment with Claire, but it was hard when he was basically broadcasting what he was doing.

I landed in the field by our house and saw Bennett bound out in nothing but a pair of shorts, his hair mussed and a smug grin on his face that makes me smile. He wraps his arms firmly around me and I kiss him deeply, grateful to be back with him.

"I missed you." I tell him and he looks at me a little surprised. I'm not usually so affectionate, but Claire must be softening me. I look behind him for her, but don't see her.

"Where's the little demon?" I ask and he smiles again.

"Inside. She's in a mood. I wanted to warn you." He says and I chuckle.

"What? She didn't have a good time last night?" I ask and Bennett scoffs.

"Of course she did. I made sure of it. I think it's the mark. She's displaying some... wolfish traits." He says and my eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I eye his second mark, the sight makes warmth flood through me and a little jealousy that I haven't been marked by her.

"What do you mean, wolfish traits?" I ask and he groans a little.

"Her temper is a little short. She growled at me for taking the last pancake." He says with a chuckle and I can't help but laugh.

"I bet her growl is fucking adorable." I say and he nods.

"It is. But don't tell her that. She'll bite you. I'm hoping her moods even out when you mark her. I think only being marked by one of us is throwing her off." He says and I hear the patter of her little feet behind us.

"Are you two talking about me as if I'm not here again?" She asks annoyed and Bennett gives me a knowing look.

"Just about how sweet that pussy tastes." I say with a wicked grin. Claire rolls her eyes and crosses her arms, but I don't miss the little grin on her face.

I hurry up the stairs and scoop her up in my arms, spinning her in a circle as she squeals. I tighten my arms around her and can already tell she's a little more solid, less fragile. I put her down and kiss her. She kisses me back eagerly, groaning into my mouth as I pull her close. When I pull away, her eyes are bright and full of joy. I look down at her neck, her mark nearly healed. The red crescent moon looks beautiful against her creamy skin. I can't wait for my mark, a flame, to grace the other side.

"I missed you, little demon." I say honestly and she smiles up at me.

"I missed you too, you obnoxious lizard." She says, her tone dripping with sass. I huff out a laugh and scoop her into my arms, looking back at Bennett so he follows us.

"Would you like to tell me what happened while I was gone?" I ask and Claire's face flames in a precious blush.

"I think you already know." She says, grabbing a piece of bacon and feeding it to me. The move makes my heart grow larger as I feel her burrow a little deeper into my soul. I smile and take a bite, sitting at the table with her on my lap.

"And did you enjoy yourself?" I inquire and she nods.

"I did. Bennett was perfect." She says with an adoring gaze over to Bennett. He watches her with obvious affection and the sight makes me happier than I thought possible.

"Good. I'm glad." I say, kissing her cheek. She smiles at me, throwing her long hair behind her shoulder, fanning her scent towards me. It seems stronger now, more enticing.

"What about you? How was the meeting?" She asks. I scoff and roll my eyes.

"Boring. Stupid. Could have been an email." I say and she tips her head back to laugh.

"Do you have a computer?" She asks and I shrug.

"No. But I'd get one if that meant I didn't have to go to these stupid meetings." I say and she smiles before eyeing me warily.

"What about the other thing? Did you bring up what I suggested?" She asks and I sigh.

"No. Not yet. But-" She cuts me off with a growl, a scowl on her face as she pushes off my lap.

"Of course you didn't. I should have known you wouldn't. You told me you would, Rowan! But I should have known better than to trust you." She starts muttering under her breath and pacing the room. I roar at her to get her attention and her eyes snap to me. They begin to glow a little, surprising me.

"Don't you dare roar at me, Rowan!" She shouts and I stand up and stalk towards her, backing her up against a wall.

"Watch your tone, little demon. I won't hurt you, but there are ways to use pleasure as punishment." I warn lowly. Her eyes flash with curiosity and hunger as she lets out another little growl. I probably would have laughed at how cute it was if she didn't have such an attitude.

"Now are you going to let me finish?" I ask. Her face remains hard, but she nods curtly.

"Good girl." I say, pressing a kiss to forehead and pulling her back into my arms. She sighs a little and melts into me.

"I didn't bring it up because with Bennett's absence, some of the supernaturals were questioning if I have a new human mate. If I brought up the safety of humans that would have basically confirmed their suspicions and put you in danger. I wanted to wait until you are marked and safe before proposing anything. Ok?" I ask and she looks up at me apologetically.

"Ok." She says meekly, and I can tell she feels guilty about her outburst. I scoop her up and go to sit on the couch with her in my lap. Bennett plops down next to me and I lean over to kiss him.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me." Claire says sadly and I can't help but chuckle.

"That sass is nothing new, little demon." I say and she gives me a little grin.

"I know. But It's like I don't have any control over it. I say things without meaning to." She says and I nod.

"That should go away when I mark you. You're uneven right now. You need both of us." I say and she sighs before resting her head on my shoulder. It's so precious I can't help but smile.

"I'm glad you're back." She murmurs quietly and I tighten my grip around her.

"Me too. Me too." I say looking down at her. Her eyes are closed and she looks tired. I look over at Bennett as he watches her.

"She's still a little tired from the marking. It took a lot out of her." He says and her eyes pop open.

"I'm fine." She says indignantly. "I'm not as weak as you two make me out to be." She says firmly and I chuckle.

"Of course you're not weak. Who else could order around a dragon and a werewolf?" I ask cheekily and she scoffs.

"Yeah right." She mutters and I smile, leaning down to kiss her. She tastes sweet and I want more.

"You know, there is something you haven't mentioned from last night." I say and she looks at me curiously.

"What's that?" She asks and I smile at her.

"That you were going to make it up to me. That I missed your first time." I say with a little pout that has her melodic giggles filling the room.

"You're right. How could I possibly make you feel better?" She asks, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Oh, I have a few ideas." I say, lifting her and carrying to our room, Bennett hot on our heels.

I lower her to the bed and hover over her, nuzzling into her neck and pulling her shirt up so my fingertips can trail over the soft skin of her belly. She hums in delight into our kiss, urging me on. My hand finds her breast and I run the pad of my thumb over her nipple. She gasps at the touch and I feel her skin pebble under my hand. I groan as the scent of her arousal fills the air.

"Are you going to mark me, Rowan?" She asks.

"Do you want me to?" I ask and she nods, looking up at me as she bites her bottom lip. The sight has my cock hardening painfully fast.

"You should know, little one. I'm not like Bennett. I'm rougher. You won't get gentle touches and sweet words from me. You'll get fucked." I say and Bennett growls protectively, but Claire's eyes are bright and excited as I feel her body light up under my touch. She meets my eyes, no fear evident only lust and determination.

"Give me what you got, lizard." She says with a teasing smirk that has me ready to combust.