chapter 17

Jace's POV

As Bella stood before me, I couldn't resist the pull of desire. I pulled her into a passionate kiss, my fingers tracing the curves of her body. The intensity of the moment heightened, and just as swiftly, I withdrew, surprising Bella.

Concern etched her features as she asked, "What's the matter, Jace? Don't you want me anymore?"

I reached into the closet, retrieving a robe to cover her body. "I do I want you more than the air I breathe, but not like this, Bella. This is not the way I pictured our first night to be."

Covering her nakedness with the robe, Bella's confusion surfaced. "I don't understand you, Jace. How did you picture it?"

Seating her on the bed, I explained, "On the day I take over the alpha position – remember, my father promised to hand over the alpha position to me when I find my mate – I was hoping to mark her on that same night, besides you're not in the right state of health, especially after the beating you received from those losers."

Bella took a de