The first streaks of sunrise were just minutes away when Mila opened her eyes. The unfamiliar weight of an arm across her waist kept her from moving, though a stick poking into her hip was urging her to shift positions.

She turned her head to look at the face of the man she had spent the night mating with. She bit her lip as the full memory of the evening came back to her.

Thick eyelashes the shade of burnt honey shielded his brown eyes from her view. A generous bottom lip compensated for the thin slash of his upper lip, formed into a bow as he slept quietly. His nose was straight and long, going well with his lean, masculine face. Unkempt hair a shade darker than his eyelashes fell over his forehead, and she barely restrained the urge to push it back.

Mila knew she had seen him before somewhere on the island, but didn’t know where. His name escaped her, and she knew they had never formally met. He was probably an Omega member of the pack.

And yet I let him claim me.

She should feel guilty for what she had done, but the only emotion she experienced was desire. Her body, though sated from a night of intense sex, still ached for the man lying beside her to please her again. And again. And again.

With a light touch, she moved the strands of hair off his forehead, pleased when his eyelids fluttered open immediately. “Good morning, handsome.”

His eyes widened with shock, and he seemed temporarily disoriented. With a blink, he focused on her face, and his eyes bored into hers.

“Mila Marceau.” Her name was more of a groan than a greeting.

She suppressed a frown at his obvious displeasure. He was probably just now realizing how many tenets of their society they had violated last night. But at that moment, she couldn’t muster the energy to care.

“I see my reputation precedes me.” She traced a finger over his nipple, nestled in the pelt of soft golden hair covering his chest. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name.” She moved her hand lower, and his stomach twitched beneath her fingertips.

“Why would you?” He frowned. “Elijah Edwards.” As he gave his name, his hand trapped hers, keeping it from going to his cock. “You should go, Miss Marceau. If anyone finds you—”

“Don’t you think we’re beyond ‘Miss Marceau’?” Her lips twitched. “I am yours, after all. Call me Mila.”

Elijah shook his head. “This isn’t a joke. Do you know what we’ve done?”

“Yes.” She leaned closer, letting her breath waft across his neck. “And it was even better than I imagined it could be. I won’t ever forget last night.”

He groaned louder. “Tell me that wasn’t your first time.”

She remained silent. He clearly didn’t want to hear her affirmation.

“Fuck!” He moved to a sitting position, distancing himself from her. “So I’ve not only claimed you — the promised mate of the next Alpha — as my own. But I’ve also taken your fucking virginity while doing it? How could I be so irresponsible?”

Mila reached out to touch his thigh. His cock sprung to attention, but he moved her hand away. She could tell he was upset. And he had a right to be. But all she could think about was climbing on top of him and riding him to ecstasy. Lips bowed in a mock pout, she scooted closer, raking her nails down his leg.

Air hissed between his teeth. “What are you playing at?”

With a sigh, Mila sat up. “I’m not playing. I know what we’ve done. Yes, I’m the only daughter of the current Beta. Yes, I’m promised to the next Alpha. And yes, I allowed another pack member to claim me despite all of that.” She shivered as the memory of her claiming came rushing back. “I didn’t just allow it,” she admitted. “I demanded it.” She slung a leg over his and slid onto his lap.

“Miss… Mila. Stop. Please.” His cock twinged as she moved her bare body against it, betraying his true feelings. He set his jaw and wrapped his broad hands around her hip bones to lift her off of him.

“Elijah, wait,” she pleaded. “I’m not taking it lightly, but I can’t be sorry for what we’ve done.” She covered his hands with hers. “My parents may have promised me to the next Alpha, but no one ever asked what I want. Before last night, I wasn’t even sure I even knew what I wanted.” She tilted her head, taking him in. “But now I do. I want you. I want to belong to you.”

Elijah ran a hand through his hair, further disheveling the locks that framed his face and fell just past the base of his skull. “Mila, last night was perfect. For me, at least.” He sighed, a wistful expression taking over his strong face. “But I think you’ll regret it when you’ve had more time to think. You’ve wasted yourself on an Omega.”

“Wasted?” She rolled her eyes. “Please.”

“Don’t roll your eyes.” You know how pack politics work. A Beta giving herself to an Omega is bad enough. But the Alpha’s promised mate? It’s practically suicide. For both of us.”

“Our pack might not live in the present, but I do. I’m just as much woman as I am wolf. And I have the right to mate with whoever I choose. What right does my father have to promise me to someone without my permission?” Her eyes welled up with angry tears as she spoke.

Elijah furrowed his brow and reached up to wipe a fallen tear from her cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He dipped his head, a typical display of deference to a higher-ranking pack member.

Mila touched his chin, forcing his head up. “Don’t bow to me. It’s demeaning, especially after last night.”

His eyes sparkled with independence, and he leaned forward, drawing her closer. “Showing you respect isn’t demeaning.” His lips brushed hers, sparking a renewed desire in her belly.

She edged her hips upward so the base of his cock was nestled between her thighs and raised a suggestive brow at him.

He sucked in a rapid breath and let out a moan. He glanced up at the sky, noting the sun was quickly rising. “You should go. Your parents will be wondering where you are.”

She sighed. “I know.” She brushed her thumb across his lower lip. “I don’t want to say goodbye, but I need to be home before my parents notice I’m gone.”

He nodded, looking into her eyes as he took her hand in his and kissed the pad of her thumb. “I don’t want you to be sorry about last night. I know should be, but I’m not. I had no right to touch you, but I can’t be sorry I did.” He enveloped her in his strong arms, drawing her naked flesh against his in a long embrace as he breathed in her scent. “You’re mine now,” he said. “You gave yourself to me, and that’s an honor I don’t take lightly.” He bowed his head to kiss the spot where he had bitten her. Marked her. Claimed her.

“Thank you.” Mila’s mouth curved, and she met Elijah’s lips for a slow, sensual kiss. His cock throbbed against her center as their tongues probed and swirled, causing her to grow wetter with every passing second. But she knew there wasn’t enough time. There would never be enough time in the world for all of the things she wanted Elijah to do with her, to her. For now, this kiss would have to be enough. She pulled back, steadfast in her resolve. She would defy her parents. She would defy her pack. She would move heaven and earth to have him inside her again — not just for right now, but for the rest of their lives. “I’m yours, Elijah. Whatever it takes, I will find my way back to you.”

He set his jaw and gave a slow nod. “I don’t know how we’re going to make this work. But I’d rather die trying than give you up now.” He held her face in his hands. “I promise you, Mila. I will come for you.”