Chapter 21

21

Tami

T he cruise ship passes, and I turn my face away from the flashing lights and the tourists' yells. The ship is enormous, with three levels, and it appears to be at full capacity. The captain honks the horn, and Kane waves as I pull back. He gently runs his fingers through my curls, soothing me.

“I get why you don't like the attention,” he says softly. “I hate it too.”

Once the ship passes, I pull my head from his chest. He continues to stroke my hair as I look back out at the water. His body feels warm against mine. I notice an island next to Mackinac Island and wonder what it's used for.

“The other island, what's it for?” I ask.

“King Amir lives there. He's the first vampire and ruler of all supernaturals,” he answers.

“The first vampire?” I repeat, turning back to him.

He smiles and nods. “House of Zorah has a strong bond with King Amir. We served him in the Great War and during many of his travels before the curse. My family are great carpenters and architects. My brothers Levi, Micah, and Gabriel are building the new palace. I'll take you there one day to meet our King.”

He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead, then lifts me from his lap and stands, looking over the waters, completely naked.

“I brought you here because this is where I used to come and pray to Fate for you. Asking, begging her to bring you to me,” he says, looking back at me. “Years went by, and I’d switch up patrolling with my brothers until Levi and Micah found their mates. It was hard for me, watching them find happiness while I had none. I told Kade I’d take on patrolling full-time. I wanted you so badly, Tami. Just to fulfill my duty to you.”

I start to stand, but Kane walks over to me, kneeling to help me up.

“I’m so happy, Tami. I finally have you. But eventually, I’m going to have to share you. And I’m struggling with that,” he admits.

I squeeze his hand and look out at the waters. This place is so beautiful and serene. I could stay here all day.

“It’s getting dark. Let me shift back into my wolf so I can take you home,” he tells me.

“Can we come back here again?” I ask.

Kane steals a tender, loving kiss from me before he steps back. “Yes, baby. I'll bring you back here again.”

He shifts into his wolf form, massive and imposing with sharp emerald, green eyes, thick black fur, big paws with sharp claws, and monstrous teeth.

His wolf walks over to me and gently brushes his snout against my cheek. I smile and embrace him, cupping his face with both hands and planting a gentle kiss on his snout. The wolf whimpers, then sticks out his long tongue, swiping it against my cheek. I giggle and smile at him with pride.

“I love you too, Kane’s wolf,” I say with a bright smile, running my hands through his fur.

His wolf stiffens and backs away, but I notice its tail wagging. I can see it in his eyes. Kane’s wolf is happy. I put a finger to my lips as if it's supposed to be a secret.

“Don’t tell Kane,” I tease.

His wolf sits down and stares at the water quietly for a moment. I wonder if he's praying to Fate again. I keep quiet and watch until he turns back to me, then lowers his body for me to climb on.

“Can I give you a name? I hate calling you Kane’s wolf,” I ask. He huffs in response. He doesn’t want to be named. I shrug and climb onto his back, gripping a handful of his fur.

Once he’s sure I’m secure, he stands and takes slow steps away from the border, carrying me back into the forest. He jumps the hill and breaks into a run.

The thrill of the run ignites something in me. The way his wolf moves through the snowy forest with ease but is also careful so that I don’t fall or lose my balance.

It’s like something out of a dream. In minutes, we arrive back at the cabin. He immediately slows and lowers himself when he reaches the porch steps. I climb off him with a groan, but I don’t want to let him go. His wolf starts to stand, but I hold up my hand, stopping him.

“Wait,” I say, and he pauses immediately, sitting down. I go over to the porch steps and sit down, staring at him.

“Let me just stay with you for a while. I like Kane and all, but you are my favorite part of him,” I say with a smile. We stay put until I start to shiver from the cold air.

That makes Kane’s wolf stand up and back away. Night has fallen, and I look up at the beautiful dim sky, wondering how I got so lucky. I close my eyes and silently thank Fate.

Kane’s wolf shifts back into human form. I smile when I feel his fingers brush against my cheek and open my eyes.

“Hey,” I murmur. He scoops me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as he climbs the porch steps and carries me back into the cabin.

Kane is quiet as he sets me down and helps me out of my boots and coat. He walks me to the sofa to sit me down, then goes to the fireplace and lights a fire.

“I’m going to put on some clothes, then come back down and cook you dinner. Stay here and relax,” he says, then leans down, his face inches from mine.

“My wolf…” he murmurs, his nose brushing against mine, “I can hear you through my wolf.” He presses his lips against mine tenderly. I gasp and swallow when he pulls back. His eyes linger on me for a moment, then he smiles and walks off.

I stand nervously from the sofa and start to pull off my leggings and shirt, leaving me in my nightdress. I grab a blanket and make myself comfortable on the sofa.

This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. But I’m not used to keeping anything.

After seeing the beautiful view of the lakes from Wintermoon, I want to see more. I’m ready to go into the village and meet Kane’s pack. And I’d like to help out around the village if I can. I’m sure my skills as a CNA will be useful here. I think back to the moments at the border and cringe. Kane said he could hear me through his wolf.

That means he heard me when I said I loved him. I hear his heavy footsteps in the bedroom, traveling into the hallway, then down the stairs. I don’t look over the sofa to see him .

The steps go quiet, and I lift my head to look around, surprised that he’s not at the stairs or in the kitchen. Where did he go? I gasp when I turn my head, only to find his face inches from mine again. My head jerks back and he smiles, moving closer to me.

“How did you?” I ask, still processing how he was so quiet.

“I could tell you were listening for me. When I hunt, I can quiet my movements so that my prey doesn’t notice I’m stalking them.” He gently kisses my forehead. “What would you like to eat for dinner?”

“Were you just hunting me?” I ask him. He chuckles and brushes his fingers over my claim mark. I close my eyes from his touch, my body going limp. How does he do that?

“Tell me what to feed you, baby,” he says. I feel dazed and confused, but eager to answer him.

“I don’t know, chicken or tuna,” I tell him. He smiles and stands upright, pulling his hand away from me.

“I’ve already made you chicken,” he says, pondering. “I’ll go with tuna.” Then he walks away, his heavy footsteps returning to normal. I sink into the sofa, still feeling strange from his touch. I’m getting comfortable here, with Kane. I’m not used to having something to hold onto.

I pray that I get to keep him forever.