Chapter 41

Jamie gave me a ride home after the pack ceremony. Davin promised to be by in a couple of hours, which I needed after crying for nearly an hour along with the wolves.

Oliver met me and Nimbus at the door of the apartment complex. His sun dog, who he called Aurora, was at his side. She’d made it very clear she had accepted him as her person and Oliver was happy to have her. Nimbus and Aurora sniffed. She gave him a reserved look and he planted his paw on her snout.

“My dearest, are you okay?” Oliver pulled me into a hug.

“Yeah. The pack had me out to remember their fallen.”

“Ah.” He tightened his grip on me.

“They also decided Davin should accept my bond, and I should accept his. So, Davin is taking me out for dinner tonight.”

Oliver kissed my forehead. “Excellent. I’ll tell the others. Do you need anything?”

“No. Just a little recovery time.”

“Do you want company, or to be alone?”

That was a good question. “Company, for now at least.”

Aurora grumbled at Nimbus, who simply flopped over onto his belly and swatted her in the face again.

“Nimbus, be polite.”

He grumbled happily, ignoring me.

Oliver released me from the tight hug and walked with me up the stairs and to my apartment.

”We need to find you a house,” Oliver said as we went inside.

“A house?”

“Yes. There is not room for all of us to gather here, and Bridger’s home is too far away to be convenient.”

“I can’t afford a house.” Suddenly I realized I had missed at least one rent payment and perhaps my other bills as well. Shit.

“I would not worry overly much about money,” Oliver replied. “All of us together have plenty. Perhaps once things settle, you will finally get a chance to work on that book you mentioned ages ago, and then you will have some income from that, as well. There is no need for you to stress.”

“I think I missed some bills.” I sighed.

“All of the utilities are owned locally. No one is worried, Hannah. Let us take care of you, as you have taken care of us in this conflict. We’ll work out a balance as time goes.”

I took a breath and nodded. “Okay. I won’t worry about it right now. We can all talk about a house together if we want. Having some place where we can all gather probably is a good idea.”

“Let me make you tea.” Oliver went to my kitchen where he had apparently upgraded my tea selection.

I let him take care of me while I went to my closet and tried to figure out what to wear. I settled on an outfit that I hadn’t had a chance to wear yet. Nothing fancy, because I hadn’t yet gotten around to buying anything fancy, but comfortable enough and it looked nice. I laid it out on the bed, then went back to the kitchen to drink tea with Oliver. Nimbus and Aurora occupied themselves, wrestling in the living room.

***

Davin texted to let me know he was on his way up, which I appreciated. Oliver had stayed with me until about a half an hour ago, and I’d appreciated the company. By the time Davin knocked softly on my door, I’d regained most of my equilibrium and shaken off the sorrow of the ceremony we”d had for the fallen earlier.

“Hey. I hope this is okay.” I gestured at my clothing. “I don’t have anything nice, yet.”

“You’re perfect,” he replied. Davin had dressed slightly nicer than me, but not so much that I felt underdressed. “I have two thoughts for dinner. I could take you out again, or, it turns out,”—he winked—“I’m a pretty decent cook. I have a couple of steaks that are just right for this occasion. Totally your call.”

I hadn’t actually been to Davin’s house yet. “Let’s go to your place.” In theory we were going to end up there anyway. Unless we had to do this under the full moon in the middle of the forest or something. In which case, hopefully we’d have a cabin nearby.

Seeing Davin smiling nervously at me, hope shining in his eyes, drove home that this was really happening. Butterflies of anticipation emerged from their slumber in my stomach and fluttered around.

I returned his nervous smile with my own and held out my hand. Davin pulled me against his chest and wrapped me in a hug.

“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for us, Hannah.” His breath tickled my ear. “I’m grateful for Katsuro, Oliver, and Bridger that they have helped you find a home here and have kept you safe. And I’m grateful for Nimbus that he was willing to put me in my place, and for everything else he’s done. If nothing else, I’m glad you are in our lives. I very much hope you still want to share bonds.”

“I do,”I tightened my arms around him.

After a long hug, Davin loosened his arms. “So, about that steak?”

Nimbus rooed.

“Yes, I have one for you, too.” Davin ruffled the cloud dog’s ears, then offered me his arm. I let him take it and we headed for his place.

***

“He didn’t!” I laughed and took a sip of red wine. Dinner, a perfectly cooked steak and a delicious salad, was only a memory of dirty plates we’d already put in the dishwasher. I sat, perched on the couch so I could look at Davin, who sat next to me, also drinking wine and telling stories.

“I swear. Oliver wore the hat for a month straight, holes and all. Little Jimmy was so proud he made one for me, too. I still have it. Eventually he got interested in other things and stopped knitting for a few years, but recently he took it up again.” Davin shrugged. “He got some flak for it from a few of the less flexible pack members, but as long as he holds up his duties, what do I care? Besides, knitting is a valuable skill. I had a word with a few of them and they quit bugging him about it.”

I finished the last of my wine. The bottle was empty, so I set it on the coffee table. Nimbus had passed out after his steak dinner and was flopped over on his back, legs in the air.

Silence settled around us, full of anticipation, but also uncertainty.

Davin shifted before carefully setting his glass down next to mine. “You don’t have to do this, you know. You should be safe now, and everyone knows you belong to Beechworth. Katsuro’s mark is more than enough to protect you.”

“Davin, I know I don’t have to do this. Neither do you. You don’t have to accept my mark. You don’t have to tie yourself to someone who already has three mates. If you want a partner who will be focused only on you, that’s okay with me.”

He took my hand. “I do want you, Hannah. I’m drawn to you. My wolf adores you. I’m miserable without you. I do have some thoughts on our living situations, but we will have plenty of time to work on that in the future.”

I glanced around Davin’s living room. He had a very nice, but modest for what I had expected of a pack leader, two-level home on the edge of town. It backed up to the forest and had a huge porch and a walk-out basement. The back yard was simple but well maintained and had several vibrant flowerbeds. Davin admitted that a few of his pack members took care of the yard for him. He didn’t have a green thumb. The house itself was well furnished but a touch impersonal. As if he didn’t spend much time here.

“What were your thoughts?”

“We get you set up with a nice house with a vampire-safe basement on the edge of town but close enough that none of us have to travel far to reach it. It should have enough rooms so that we all have our own space if we’re staying over but be small enough that we’re never too far apart.”

“Did you have one in mind?” I smiled at him, thinking he must.

“I have a lot in mind. We’ll have to build the house.”

I raised my eyebrows. That thought was daunting. “Like, us build it ourselves? Or hire someone?”

Davin laughed. “We have a talented construction crew.”

“Okay. I was going to say, I have aspirations to write a book, not build a house.” I shoved my glasses up my nose and took a breath. “I’m certainly okay with that if we can figure out finances. I technically have a job, but I haven’t talked to Clare since the fight and she pays well, but not enough for me to buy anything.”

“I’m not dismissing your concerns, but you have no need to worry about money ever again. Katsuro and I will set you up with a healthy bank account that will be yours no matter what happens to the rest of us. It will be your money to do with as you please. We will all chip in for the house, and you will make it our home.”

“Are you sure? I am not taking you all as mates just so I have access to your money.” Truthfully, until Oliver had brought it up the other day, I hadn’t even considered it.

“We know. And we’re sure.”

Some of the stress I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying eased from my shoulders. I hadn’t exactly been worried about money. I had enough for a year or so still, but I hadn’t considered being able to get a house or any of that. The government would have paid for all of that, except I hadn’t felt right taking the money.

Davin smiled when I turned my attention back to him. “You smell more relaxed.”

“I guess there’s just so much still to sort out. I haven’t really had a chance to settle in, and so much has happened.”

“Well, take all the time you need, Hannah. Even for this.”

I leaned forward, putting my hand on his thigh and gently working my way into his space. “I’ve taken all the time I needed, Davin.”

He accepted my invitation, shifting until he could cup my jaw with his hand. “How do we do this?”

“We kiss, and you accept the energy that will surge between us.” I could already feel it building in my center, along with a different sort of needy energy building in my core as my arousal grew in anticipation. “What do we do for yours?”

“Sex,” he said. “And biting. Which I think you’re already okay with. Some blood exchange. More sex.”

I laughed. “That sounds excellent.”

Davin ran his thumb along my cheek. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

The butterflies that had started up earlier at my apartment had settled with food, but they exploded into a flutter of anticipation in my stomach, and the feeling went straight south and centered between my legs. The needy moan that escaped from my lips wasn’t even embarrassing. Davin touched his lips to mine. I scooted forward so that I could straddle his legs and deepen our kiss.

I parted my lips, and Davin responded, rumbling in pleasure and letting me lead the kiss as my energy rose. Our lips danced as my magic pressed against Davin’s. He allowed it to meld with his and as our kiss intensified, the bond snapped into place.

Lust surged through me. Davin groaned, his fingers digging into my back as he pulled me tightly against him.

“Perhaps we should have started this in the bedroom,” he said when he came up for air.

“It’s not that far.”

“Fair point.” Davin scooped me up in his arms, stood, and carried me into his bedroom. The casual display of his werewolf strength was impressive and made me feel delicate. Not something I was used to.

“Isn’t being a werewolf contagious?” I murmured, remembering that we were about to share blood.

Davin snorted. “No. Hereditary. At least for natural werewolves. Some magically afflicted wolves have historically been known to spread their curse, but for us, it is simply how we are born.”

“I have so much to learn.”

“And a lifetime to do it in, Hannah.”

Davin set me gently on his bed. I’d taken my shoes off hours ago, and he gently massaged my feet. “Okay if I undress you?”

Grinning in anticipation, I nodded. “Yes, please.”

He gently removed my socks, first, before digging strong fingers into the soles of my feet.

I flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “Bliss,” I murmured. “I could die happy, now.”

“Mental note, foot rubs,” Davin replied with a laugh before working his way up my calves until my pant legs stopped the progression.

The bed dipped as he settled next to me and touched my stomach. In response, I sat back up and lifted my arms so he could remove my shirt.

“Some time we will do this differently,” he said. “But right now, I want you naked.”

“I want me naked. And you, too.” I attempted to make my voice seductive. It must have worked because his pupils dilated, and he jerked my shirt off over my head. Not quite gentle, but not rough enough to be displeasing.

I helped him get my pants off, though he did take a moment to appreciate the lacy black bra and panties I’d worn for the occasion. Those landed in the clothing pile quickly, and I pulled down the comforter while Davin stripped.

Watching as his muscles rippled while he moved, I couldn’t help but drool a little. Werewolf physique was stellar, and I couldn’t wait to explore him with my hands. Davin was used to being naked around others, and he dropped his pants as quickly as he had removed mine. He didn’t wear underwear, and while I’d seen him naked briefly before, this time I let myself look. He wasn’t huge, but decently sized and nice and wide. I couldn’t wait for him to fill me, and I scooted back on the bed and ran my hand up my ribs, gently brushing along my breast while I waited.

Davin inhaled deeply. “You smell amazing. So ready. So perfect for me, as if you were made for me. I’ve never smelled anyone better.”

Understanding that it was a werewolf thing, I took it as a compliment, even though it sounded a little weird to my non-werewolf ears. I didn’t have a good response, so I held out my hand.

He crawled onto the bed and took my hand, pressing my fingers to his lips.

“I’m going to make you so wet. I’m going to take you from behind, and just when you’re on the verge of coming, I’m going to sink my teeth into your shoulder.”

His voice was low and gravelly and tightened the muscles in my stomach. I was already dripping, I was sure. He wasn’t going to have to work too hard to get me soaking.

“Take me however you want me.” I arched up, wanting him to hurry.

Davin rolled me and got me up on my knees. “Soon we will have a discussion about your likes and dislikes,” he said. “Unless there’s anything I need to know right now.”

“No. This is all fine.”

“Good.”

His fingers feathered along my hips and ass, caressing my skin. Davin scooted me over and slid me back toward the edge of the bed before sliding my knees apart. The soft touch of his fingers along my inner thighs sent shivers of anticipation through me, and when he softly stroked my folds, I sucked in a breath.

“Mmm, looking forward to dessert,” he rumbled.

When Davin’s tongue parted my folds, I sighed happily as heat and pleasure curled through me. When Davin’s lips found my clit, I pushed greedily against him, and he obliged by sucking harder and sliding a finger inside me.

I cried out as he found my G-spot and stroked it expertly while sucking my clit. Squirming, I shoved back into him, gasping and shouting for more.

When I finally shattered all over his face, my legs and arms gave out, and I crumpled to the bed.

“I’m not done with you yet.” Davin crawled up on the bed with me, holding me while I trembled from my orgasm.

“Good.”

He held me for a while, fingers playing gently over my sweat soaked skin. Once I was ready, he helped me to my knees.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.”

He fitted his cock to my opening and pushed inside me, slowly at first, then more quickly. He was right, I was wet enough that he was able to enter me with no resistance other than my body adjusting to his girth.

Once Davin was fully seated, he paused. I squirmed, wanting more, wanting him moving inside me, wanting to complete our bond.

The werewolf obliged, giving a few experimental strokes before slamming into me.

I cried out his name, clutching the pillow in my fists and letting the sensations ride through my entire body. I could feel his pleasure as if it were my own through the bond I’d created with him. It would just get more intense when we completed his mating bond.

My core tightened, and Davin leaned over me. Just as I felt my orgasm cresting, that delicious tightening before release, the werewolf sank sharp teeth into my shoulder.

I shouted as the bond snapped into place, and my body shattered around him. I felt his orgasm as if it were my own. The sensations flooded through me. Stars flickered through my vision as my head swam with pleasure.

Davin pulled out of me before I was ready. I cried in dismay, not wanting to be separated from him, even by that much.

“You have to bite me back for it to take hold,” Davin ordered, turning me so I faced him.

I didn’t have vampire fangs or even partially shifted werewolf teeth, but I gave it my best as I sank my teeth into Davin’s shoulder. He shuddered against me, and another wave of pleasure curled through my body. The bond tightened as I tasted blood, and another orgasm rocked my core.

We collapsed into each other’s arms and lay there, reveling in the endorphins of our bonding. I intended to keep him up for hours before we got real rest. By the time we were done, we were going to be exhausted, and I was totally here for it.