Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

She watched as his gaze moved up the wall behind her, though he was looking at nothing in front of him.

“A purpose,” he finally said.

That wasn’t what she’d thought he’d say and she paused mid-chew. “A purpose?”

“I…” He trailed off.

For a few moments, he said nothing and she didn’t want to press him about it.

Whatever pushed him to do what he did for a living must be something life-altering. To put himself in danger so much and to do it for free…

“This job…” she finally said. “You said you’d find a way. But…it’s almost impossible, isn’t it?”

Ka’Cit’s gaze met hers but he didn’t answer.

She could see the response in his gaze though.

The answer was yes.

There was no way they were going to help those other humans.

“If I could change it…if I could go back and do something different… You’re going to miss this chance because you came after me. If—”

“And I’d do it again.” He cut her off. “You asked why I did this…”

Nia nodded.

“I told you I did it for a purpose…”

She nodded again.

“What I meant was…I do it to find some purpose. And…I may have finally found it.” His gaze met hers and a feeling she’d never felt before began growing within her.

The intensity of his gaze was scorching and it felt like her insides were going to melt underneath his stare.

A strange look came over his eyes, one of pain, one of need, and one of torment. He made as if he wanted to come closer to her and then stopped himself.

Nia’s heart skipped a beat.

She couldn’t move, knowing that she wanted him to come closer, to close the distance between them, and the realization that she wanted it too held her still for a few seconds.

And then she moved.

Ka’Cit’s eyes widened only a fraction before she pressed her lips against his.

The contact was electrifying.

His moan made her shudder as he pulled her against him, opening his lips against hers.

“You don’t have to pretend to be my mate in here,” he grated out.

“Who says I’m pretending?”

He stiffened against her as a groan ripped through him.

This kiss was different from the last one.

This time, there was no hesitation, no holding back.