Chapter 25

25

Tami

A push? What push? I watch as Kane and Levi stand naked and shift into their wolf forms.

Levi’s wolf form is almost the same as Kane’s but larger. He’s massive, with a thick coat of black fur and glowing silver eyes. He takes slow steps toward Kane’s wolf. Kane’s wolf growls, muscles tense, clearly fighting against Levi’s dominance.

Levi’s wolf gets closer, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. Kane’s wolf lowers his head slightly, as if submitting, but he’s struggling with it. I know Kane’s wolf is wild and untamed, but he’s submitted to me before. I don't like this one bit. I try to step forward to stop them, but Kade gently pushes me back.

“Tami, stop. I’m not letting you put yourself in danger,” Kade says, causing me to groan. I huff and push her hands away.

Kane’s wolf continues to struggle. He growls and barks at Levi’s wolf, who steps closer, his size forcing Kane’s wolf to lower his head further. Just when I think it’s over and Kane’s wolf has submitted, he lunges at Levi, and a wolf fight breaks out.

The two wolves clash in front of the cabin, their snarls tearing through the cold night. Snow flies in all directions as their massive bodies collide. Levi’s wolf, larger and more powerful, uses his weight to pin Kane’s wolf down, but Kane’s wolf wriggles free, snapping his jaws at Levi’s throat.

Kane’s wolf circles, his eyes locked on Levi’s, searching for an opening. Levi’s wolf growls deeply and lunges again, forcing Kane’s wolf to dodge and counter. They move in a flurry of fur and fangs, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Kane’s wolf manages to grip Levi’s shoulder, shaking his head violently. Levi’s wolf howls in pain but quickly retaliates, swiping a massive paw across Kane’s face. Blood splatters against the snow, stark red against white.

Kane’s wolf falters, momentarily disoriented. Levi’s wolf seizes the opportunity, barreling into Kane’s side and knocking him off his feet. Kane’s wolf scrambles to rise, but Levi’s wolf is relentless, pressing his advantage and pinning Kane’s wolf down by the throat.

Kane’s wolf thrashes, trying to break free, but Levi's grip doesn’t budge. Slowly, the fight drains out of Kane’s wolf. His growls turn to whimpers, his body going limp in submission. Levi’s wolf holds him there for a moment longer, ensuring his dominance is clear.

Finally, Levi’s wolf releases Kane’s throat and steps back, his silver eyes still intense. Kane’s wolf lies in the snow, breathing heavily, his head lowered in defeat.

I stand there, heart pounding, feeling a mix of fear and helplessness. The fight is over, and Kane’s wolf has lost.

Kade looks at me with a smile. “See, that wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Levi and Kane shift back into human form, their bodies covered in blood. I run down the stairs and into Kane’s arms. He holds me, then bows before Levi.

“I understand now, Alpha. We’ll return to the village in the morning.” Levi looks at Kade with a growl as he slips into his pants, then takes off running into the forest.

“It’s okay, Tami,” Kane assures me, though it doesn't feel okay with him covered in blood.

“Kade, why are you here?” Kane asks as he grabs his clothes from the snowy ground. He heads back toward the cabin. Why is he acting like this was nothing?

“I’ll wait here,” Kade says. “I need to talk to you about something.” Kane growls at her, but she laughs and stays outside while he leads me inside, slamming the door behind us.

Kane tosses his clothes to the floor and gently cups my face. “I’m sorry you had to see that, baby. But wolves... I need to take a shower.” He turns away, heading upstairs. I follow him, tears streaming down my face. I could have lost him. It looked like Levi was about to take him from me. When we reach the bedroom, Kane stops me at the doorway.

“Go relax, baby. I’ll be down in a minute. I just need to wash the blood off.” He turns away, but I follow, pulling off my clothes and still crying. Kane groans and starts the shower.

“Tami...”

“Shut up! I thought I was going to lose you! You’re acting like it was some playful tussle. You’re covered in blood!” I scream, sobbing uncontrollably.

I strip naked and step into the shower, folding my arms over my chest. Kane sighs and climbs in with me. He stands under the shower head, the hot water running over his body.

I stare in awe as I watch his wounds heal before my eyes, the water washing the blood away. I place my hand on his chest, my fingers brushing over one of the cuts as it closes up immediately.

“See, I’m okay, baby. It was just a disagreement between brothers.” He cups my face and leans down, kissing me gently.

It doesn’t make me feel any better. It may have been just a minor disagreement for him, but to me, it was a potential loss. The ache in my chest is unbearable.

I don’t know how to be a mother, let alone to a shifter baby. I need him now more than ever. I feel an urge to bite down on his neck. I step back, and his eyes narrow, wondering what I’m doing. I can’t control my urges or understand why this is happening.

“Tami,” he breathes out, reaching for me. I shake my head, trying to back away, not understanding what’s happening.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I say. He moves closer, and the urge to claim him grows even stronger.

“Baby,” he says, gripping my arm.

I try to pull away, not wanting to bite him, but I can’t fight the urge. I leap into his arms, wrapping my legs around him, and bite down hard on his neck. Blood pools in my mouth as he falls back against the shower wall, struggling to stand. I moan, taking as much of his blood as I can. He steadies himself and gently rubs my back instead of pushing me away.

“That’s right, baby, take what you need. I’m yours. I’m yours.” He murmurs. He’s encouraging me to drink more, and I do, gnawing at his flesh, taking as much blood as I want.

“We’re one now, baby. Keep drinking. Claim me.” He pushes, then takes his shaft and positions it at my entrance, slowly guiding himself inside me. He grips my hips, guiding me up and down on him as I continue to drink. I whimper from the sensation.

“Kane,” I moan, biting down on him again. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure through me.

He shudders, tightening his hold on me. I pull back slightly, looking into his eyes, dark with need.

“Yes, baby, I’m yours,” he groans, his voice rough. His fingers dig into my hips, guiding me faster, deeper.

I feel him nearing his peak. His release comes with a deep growl, and I welcome it, feeling his warmth fill me. I take a few more gulps of his blood until I’m satisfied.

Then, I carefully lick the wound, my saliva sealing it and leaving a permanent scar. A sense of victory washes over me—I’ve claimed him. I own him now. I pull back, a hand over my mouth as I realize what just happened. I start to panic, and he slides out of me, holding me close.

“It’s okay, baby. What you did was natural.” He gently sets me down and pulls me under the shower head, washing me from head to toe.

“I feel dizzy,” I tell him. He smiles and continues washing me, keeping a hand at my waist to steady me. His smile is big, and I find myself getting lost in his green eyes once again.

Once finished, he turns off the shower, picks me up, and carries me out, grabbing a towel. He dries me off and dresses me in a nightdress and pajama pants. I look up at him nervously, biting my lip.

“You’re not sleeping with me?” I ask, pouting. I need him now more than ever. He smiles and picks me up, carrying me to the bed.

“I need to take care of some things before we leave for the village in the morning,” he says, setting me down gently and pulling the blanket over me, tucking me in. He strokes my cheek, and I let out a heavy yawn.

“Go to sleep, baby. I’m not going anywhere.” He brushes his fingers over my claim mark. I sigh and yawn again, rolling to my side, my hand on my belly. Kane continues stroking my cheek until I finally fall asleep.