Chapter Seven

J aryn knocked on the door of Nicole's cabin. He looked down at the clock on his comm-unit. Tonight was the night of the Harvest Moon celebration. He'd asked Nicole to accompany him to the pack gathering. They were due at the lodge in a half hour. He'd found Nicole almost two months ago, and tonight was the night he intended to announce their mating to the pack, formally. Nerves made him jittery. He really wanted Nicole to like her future family. He knew she'd be gracious, but a woman's heart was a mysterious thing. What if, deep down, she resented Jaryn's position as Alpha? What if she couldn't handle having to share him with the pack?

Jaryn fiddled with his comm-unit, currently mimicking the cuff of his shirt. He saw that there was a message awaiting from Shaun. As he was about to activate the screen, the door in front of him opened. Nicole stood in the gap with a smile on her face that sent Jaryn's heartbeat skyrocketing. Her eyes sparked with happiness at finding him standing on her doorstep.

Jaryn moved forward the two steps that separated them and pulled her into his arms. Nicole's head rested against his chest, and he inhaled her fresh scent as his hand wove through the long strands of her hair. The full-bodied aroma of honey and jasmine wrapped around him, and Jaryn's mouth watered with the need to devour the most precious female on earth. The one meant just for him. A priceless gift he'd treasure until that day when their earthly shells ceased to exist, and their souls would travel together on the next stage of their journey.

God, he wanted to kiss her. Wanted to absorb her taste, wanted to wallow in everything about her. But it had to be Nicole's decision. He knew that. Knew that her right to choose was invaluable, especially after her experience with Adam. His wolf howled inside him, craving its mate. Soon I promise. Soon she'll be ours—we just have to be patient.

"You feel really nice," Nicole whispered.

Jaryn tightened his arms around her. He realized they stood in the open door, visible to any nosy small-town eyes. He lifted her up and took several steps forward till he could shove the door closed with his foot. Nicole's legs wrapped around his waist and Jaryn groaned. Her little body wrapped around him was more than he could handle. With that move, his control reached a breaking point.

Jaryn strode over to the bed and lowered Nicole onto the antique blanket. His body covered hers and his nose buried itself in the tender skin of her neck. His tongue licked at the skin where her shoulder and neck met. Her flavor burst across his taste buds and Jaryn's wolf howled in need to fully claim its mate. His mouth instinctively opened wide over tender flesh to clamp down in a mate hold. His jaws closed fractionally, not breaking the silky skin, but enough to hold Nicole under his control. Her soft breasts rubbed against Jaryn's upper body as her chest expanded with each breath. Jaryn rocked his hips against her.

"Oh my God, what's happening to me?" Nicole whispered.

Jaryn placed kisses along the graceful column of Nicole's neck. "What do you feel?"

"I'm all hot and achy. My head is spinning and my blood feels like lava. I want… oh God… something tells me that only you can put out the flames, Jaryn."

He rested his forehead against hers. Their noses rubbed together, and Jaryn licked at Nicole's sealed lips. "That's the mating heat. Our bond is strengthening."

Nicole's lips opened right as Jaryn's tongue came out for another taste. The tip flicked between her plush lips, and they both moaned. He'd tilted his head to seal their mouths together when there was a loud banging at Nicole's door.

"Son of a—What?" he yelled.

"Sorry, Alpha, but your pack is waiting."

The voice of his Beta on the other side of the door had Jaryn mentally cursing the man to all manner of unpleasant depths of hell. He looked down when Nicole began to softly laugh.

"And what has you so giggly?"

"I feel like I was just busted by my older brother for making out with my boyfriend while our parents are still at work."

Jaryn rolled, and Nicole spread out on top of him. "You haven't mentioned an older brother before."

Nicole spread her legs, so she straddled Jaryn's hips as she rested on his chest. "He lives in San Francisco. Cameron flew the coop after high school and never looked back. We only see each other maybe once a year."

"But you love him."

"Of course. He's my brother. Part of me is actually a little jealous. While I wanted to escape, I only made it as far as Madison—a mere three hours from home. He went clear across the country. All throughout college, I kept getting sucked into the vortex of family responsibility and he could live his life however he wanted. Never had to deal with feeling obligated to show up for holidays, or being called home for the weekend."

"Have you contacted him since you got here? Does he know you're still alive? What about your parents?"

Nicole shook her head. "I… What if I do and find out that they simply went on with their lives? I mean, I know when people die their loved ones live on, but what if… they're happy?"

"Do you think your family loves you?"

"Yes. At least, they always told me so."

"Then how can learning you're still a part of this world be anything but a blessing to them? Call them, Nicole. We'll do it through a secured line so Adam can't trace the link."

He weaved his hand through her hair and pulled her head down towards his. Their lips were only a fraction apart from each other. It was time. Time to finally taste his mate. Nicole's head tilted. Her breath panted across his lips. Her green eyes darkened and for a moment Jaryn swore he saw an actual glow in their depths.

"Jaryn!" Shaun yelled through the door.

"We're coming!" he yelled. He rocked his hips up against the juncture of Nicole's legs. "Of that you can be sure… later."

Nicole ground down on Jaryn's cock, and he captured her hips in his hands. The scent of her arousal filled the air. Jaryn inhaled deeply, and his entire body tightened in response. Their mingling pheromones made Jaryn all but desperate to claim his mate. "Have mercy, woman," he begged.

A sweet smiled graced Nicole's face and there was a definite sparkle in her eyes, but one of a satisfied woman—not the otherworldly glow from a moment ago. God, it was amazing to look into her face and know that she belonged to him. That her heart beat for his, that their souls would link for all time. Jaryn reveled, knowing that never again would he be alone. He'd always have a home with Nicole, in her arms.

"Come on, baby, the pack's waiting. We'll continue this later tonight."

Nicole climbed off him and Jaryn couldn't stop his eyes from devouring her sweet little round ass encased in hip-hugging jeans. When she bent over to slip on her boots, Jaryn nearly tackled her to the floor. His wolf clawed with eagerness inside him.

I know—we've never been very good with patience .

Jaryn swung over to the side of Nicole's bed and stood with reluctance. He adjusted his aching cock, then took Nicole's hand. Raising it to his lips, he took a little lick at the pad of her palm, then clasped their hands together. He opened the door to Shaun's annoyed face.

"It's about time."

"It's not as though they're going to leave before we get there."

"It's also not polite to keep them waiting in anticipation."

"Anyone who has a mate will understand. Something I can't wait to torment you with when you find yours."

Shaun slapped Jaryn on the back of his shoulder as he and Nicole moved past him. "From your mouth to the heavens' ears."

The three of them climbed into Jaryn's Jeep. Nicole sat beside him, and as soon as they were settled and secured, he reclaimed her hand once again. They made their way onto pack lands and he pointed out the turnoff for his parents' house, as well as his own. They moved on and Jaryn smiled as Nicole's head kept craning around to see more of the scenery. He'd taken her onto the land owned by the Phantom River pack several times since she'd been in town, but it was a source of pride that his mate appeared to appreciate the natural beauty of her new home.

They pulled up to the lodge, a multitude of vehicles outside the structure. The barn-like structure had lofty ceilings and an open interior. It had stood on the land for nearly a hundred years. When Jaryn's dad had been Alpha, they'd used the building mostly for storage, but when Jaryn became Alpha he, along with Shaun's help, had converted the building to act as a meeting place for the pack. Recently Jaryn had updated the full kitchen with modern appliances that members of the pack used to prepare and serve food at the meetings and other pack events. Threaded throughout the interior were small white lights that gave the large space a soft glow. Initially, the lights were meant to be used only for the grand opening, but everyone loved the atmosphere they created so much that the pack decided to keep them up year round.

The windmills scattered around the land generated power for the structure. Jaryn's own home used a combination of wind and solar power to operate, as did many of the pack members' homes.

He pulled in next to his dad's brand new four wheel drive beast. Jaryn's mom called it a testament to his dad's mid-life crisis. Jaryn just called it cool. He took Nicole's hand and led her to the entrance. He scented her anxiety and pulled her to a stop before opening the door.

"Go on in, Shaun. Give us a second."

Shaun went inside and Jaryn pulled Nicole into his arms. "Everyone will love you. Relax and be yourself."

Nicole's arms circled Jaryn's waist, and she nuzzled against his chest. It seemed to be her favorite spot, and Jaryn couldn't find a single fault with that.

"Will I be able to do that after we're mated?"

"Do what, baby?"

"Detect your emotions?"

"I bet if you look deeply enough, you can sense them now. You don't need special powers to know how your mate feels. Try it."

Nicole lifted her head and took a step back. She stared at Jaryn, and he stood under her scrutiny. Her nose scrunched up and her eyes squinted in thought. It was the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

"You're happy."

He nodded. "Go on."

"You… you're eager for me to meet your family." Nicole's head tilted to the side as she studied Jaryn. "But you're a little nervous, too. You want me to like them?"

"And what is it that tells you all that? You keep asserting that there's no shifter blood in you, so you shouldn't have a wolfie sense."

"Well, you're smiling for one, hence the happiness. You eyes keep shifting to the door to see the people inside, hence the eagerness. And your pulse is throbbing at the base of your neck, which could be from excitement, but I know that if it were me introducing you to all my family, I'd be nervous about everything going well. So maybe chalk that one up to transference."

"See? There's nothing to it. There will be a few biological changes in your system after we mate. I'm sure you've heard of them from one source or another over the years. You'll take my DNA through the enzymes from both my saliva and semen, and it will alter yours. You'll still be you, but… I guess the most appropriate word is enhanced."

"Will I be able to shift like you?"

"No. Only someone with the actual shifter gene can change shape. We'll talk more about that later. For now, let's have some fun."

Nicole nodded and smiled.

Jaryn pulled open the door and led Nicole inside. As soon as they stepped into the open interior, the clapping of almost one hundred and thirty shifters and town members close to the pack filled the space with a roar. There was a handful that'd shifted and now howled. Their song filled the rafters, and Nicole jumped. Jaryn steadied her with his palm on the base of her back.

He placed a little kiss on the back of her ear. "It's okay, baby. They're just welcoming you home."

"They startled me, is all. It was beautiful, but I hadn't actually expected to see any of them like that."

"You mean in their wolf forms?"

Nicole nodded.

"It's not typical of pack meetings, unless we're all going out for a run. But they wanted to make the occasion special for you. Come on. I'll introduce you to everyone."

Jaryn took Nicole's hand and led her deeper into the barn-like structure. Members of the Phantom River pack surrounded them, and Jaryn smiled as Nicole turned in circles, trying to see everyone.

Jaryn held up his hand, and the room went silent. "I know many of you have met this young woman since she came to town, but it is my honor tonight on the night of our harvest moon celebration to introduce to you Nicole Holland, my mate."

More applause and howls rang out, and dozens of well-wishers quickly surrounded him and Nicole. When the excitement simmered down, he took Nicole on a tour of the lodge. There were several cozy pockets of sitting areas scattered around, made up of furniture donated to the pack when members updated their homes. Large rugs scattered around softened the wide-planked wood floors. When pack business took place they set the space up like a conference room, but this was a social gathering so all of Jaryn's friends and family were drinking and dancing and having a good time. Pups darted in and out of the crowd, playing and searching out their parents. The smell of rich homemade food floated out from the kitchen, and Nicole's curvy little body filled his arms. There was nothing better in his mind.

Nicole accepted a drink from Jody, one of the female pack members. Over the course of the night, she'd learned much about the man who was her mate. Small towns were splendid for getting to know someone's intimate secrets. She heard all about the pranks Jaryn had pulled in his youth, as well as his academic achievements from a couple of his former teachers. Nicole had talked to them for some time about the possibility of joining the faculty at the high school.

She'd met Jaryn's parents, who thankfully had welcomed her with open arms, and his little brother, Charlie, who was a laugh riot in Nicole's opinion. He was a bright young man, and it was clear the younger Chaunterel had no intention of shriveling under the bright aura of his older brother.

Her eyes instinctively sought Jaryn, as she had been doing with regularity since they'd separated a little while ago. Most of the time, Jaryn spent the party plastered to her side, his arm secure around her waist or their hands locked together, but unfortunately a little while ago, one of the pack members had needed his counsel and Jaryn had stepped away.

When their gazes locked, the glow of his silver eyes caught Nicole. How such a cool color could emit such heat was a mystery. As they continued to stare, his lids got heavy and his chiseled face softened somehow. His wide shoulders seemed to fill the surrounding space. His look of lust and need caused every rational thought to flee from her brain.

"Wow. I don't know how you're actually able to stand still over here. If my mate looked at me that way, we'd be half naked already."

Nicole broke away from Jaryn's spell to see Jody smiling over at her. "Yes, well. Um…"

"Honey, I suggest you leave politeness at the door. The mating heat between the two of you is so obvious, it's making everyone a little frisky tonight."

Nicole looked around in shock. Sure enough, tucked into quiet corners, there were several couples doing some heavy petting on the couches. In the open area, mates embraced each other tightly, dancing and talking between kisses to their partners' necks. A couple of teenagers were watching over the pups in the annex. It was still odd to think of children as pups , but Nicole assumed she'd get used to it.

"Does the mating heat of one couple of normally have this kind of effect?" she asked.

Jody smiled. "It's not your mating heat that's sending everyone into a tizzy. It's sensing the chemistry between the two of you. Haven't you ever watched another couple make out at a party and become aroused yourself?"

Nicole felt heat infuse her cheeks. She'd always had a bit of a voyeuristic streak in her, and it seemed that her new family wasn't any different.

Jody chuckled. "Now give me that glass, go get your mate, and get the hell out of here."

Nicole looked over to find Jaryn had silently moved across the room, and now stood next to them. She blindly held out her glass, and with her other hand took Jaryn's. They slowly made their way to the door. In the distance, Nicole vaguely heard more than one wolf-whistle, but she was so caught up in Jaryn's presence that the teasing innuendo barely registered.

Jaryn led her outside. Under the clear night sky, they walked the pack lands. The air was scented by Mother Nature and in the distance, a single howl sang. Leaves crunched under their feet, and when Jaryn brought them to a standstill, Nicole eagerly stepped up against his body.

Their eyes met, and Jaryn's eyes mirrored the glow of the moon. His dark hair disappeared into the blackness above. Nicole lifted her hand and threaded it through the strands on the back of Jaryn's head. The soft ends wove through her fingers. This was it.

There was no going back. Jaryn had said their first kiss would begin the formation of their mating bond, but Nicole believed it had already happened. Jaryn was constantly on her mind. The sound of his voice made her smile and her body quiver. Was the mating bond responsible for the ache in Nicole's chest every time she pondered her life without Jaryn in it?

She tilted her head up. Her lips parted. Her eyes drifted closed as she pulled Jaryn's head down to meet hers. Jaryn's mouth molded to and caressed hers, then with one hot, delicious stroke his tongue sank inside. She moaned as the sensual slide of his tongue rubbed against hers. He locked his arms around her waist and pulled her deeper into his embrace. Her hands slipped over his shoulders to encircle his neck, latching on to his strength.

Nicole sank into the kiss, meeting Jaryn's tongue. A powerful flavor filled her senses and Nicole arched against Jaryn, desperate for more. The muscles of his body rippled and tightened as they clung to one another. The longer the kiss continued, the higher Nicole flew and the hungrier she became. Jaryn's erection pressed into her belly, and she wished in that moment to have him buried deep and feel his seed shoot high inside her womb.

Jaryn tore his mouth from hers, then buried his lips against her neck. Nicole felt his canines lengthen and score the skin at the base of her neck. Fire spread throughout her body and she tilted her head to the side to give Jaryn more room. His hot breath sizzled her skin, but the teeth did not sink into her flesh. What was he waiting for? She needed him!

He cupped her ass and lifted her more tightly against him. Nicole climbed his large body to wrap her legs around his waist. One of Jaryn's arms came around her back and held her to him, while the other kneaded the mound of her ass. Their mouths fused together once again and something inside Nicole sang with pleasure as Jaryn's flavor filled her. A small voice inside her head screamed out, Finally !

Finally what, Nicole did not know, but she had to agree with the sentiment. At that moment, she thought she could spend the rest of her lifetime happily kissing Jaryn, but her body craved more. It craved a deeper touch. She needed Jaryn inside her, and she needed him now. This time it was she who tore her mouth away.

"Take me home, claim me. Please."

Jaryn held her in his arms as he ate up the distance between them and his Jeep. Before they got to the vehicle, though, Shaun appeared, blocking their way. Jaryn growled and tightened his hold on Nicole.

"Beta and best friend or not, I'm not about to let you stop me from claiming my mate again. Now move."

Shaun dipped his head in submission to his Alpha. "I have a car ready for you. You're in no condition to drive. I'll have Cooper bring your Jeep home later tonight."

Jaryn nodded, then set her into the backseat of the awaiting vehicle. He quickly climbed in and took Nicole back in his arms. She sank into his warmth. She knew the vehicle was moving, but all of Nicole's focus was on Jaryn. His touch, his kiss, the feel of his powerful body against her. It must result from the mating heat, because Nicole had never been one for public displays before. But at that moment her hormones had control of her actions, and there was no stopping her need for Jaryn.

"I'm going to eat you alive when we get home. After tonight there's no going back, Nicole. You're mine. My mate. Forever."

"Yes, forever. Mine, too, Jaryn."

"Always."

The vehicle came to a stop, and she separated from Jaryn only long enough for him to get out before he lifted her back up into his arms. He crossed the distance between the driveway and his front door in ground-eating strides. The recognition software unlocked the door quickly and in moments, Jaryn had her ensconced in his master bedroom. Their bedroom now. Nicole's lips slid along Jaryn's neck. She licked at his skin as he'd done to her.

"Hmm. You taste so good. Is it a wolf thing?"

Jaryn set Nicole down, but kept her in the circle of his arms. "No, it's a mate thing. My taste to you, and your taste to me, is like the universe's biggest aphrodisiac. That's part of what I've been trying to explain to you. You are everything to me, Nicole. Finding you is the greatest blessing in my life."

Jaryn undid the button on Nicole's jeans. His hand slid inside her panties. Long fingers stimulated her clit and Nicole gasped as her hips jerked forwards, demanding more. Her body convulsed as she clung to Jaryn's shoulders. His mouth slammed down on hers, and his tongue thrust inside. Jaryn's other hand speared through her long hair and held her prisoner as their mating heat surged to new levels.

Nicole's hands jerked Jaryn's shirt out of the waistband of his jeans. Her fingertips contacted the heated skin of his torso. Beneath her fingers, muscles twitched. She felt for the button of his jeans and ripped it open. She wanted to jerk his zipper down and finally expose the cock that had pressed against her for the better part of the last hour, but didn't want to cause any bodily harm to her mate.

"You do yours, and I'll do mine," she said, panting.

"Deal."

Nicole stepped back and took the hem of her shirt in hand. She quickly lifted the garment over her head. As the cloth covered her face, he cupped her breasts with his large hands and wet heat engulfed one of her nipples through the lace of her bra.

"Oh God," she moaned.

The pull of Jaryn's lips on the stiff peak echoed in Nicole's womb, and the other nipple stood out, begging for similar attention. Jaryn's teeth lightly scored the stimulated flesh as he pulled away from one breast and moved to the other side. Nicole twisted and arched into his touch, her hands clutching the cloth of her shirt stuck halfway over the top of her head. Jaryn's hand came around her back and unsnapped her bra. Nicole found enough brain power to remember her mission and got the impeding garment off.

"Jaryn, you're supposed to be… ahh… getting rid of… Don't stop!" Nicole fell back on the bed. Without ever releasing the suction around her nipple, Jaryn followed her down. His hand slipped beneath her panties again, and two long fingers spread the lips of her pussy apart. A third surged inside her convulsing channel. "Naked! Now!" she demanded.

Jaryn chuckled and pushed himself off the bed. He stood staring down at Nicole—his silver eyes glowing with the mating heat surging between them. Nicole watched as he lifted his fingers to his mouth and sucked them inside. Oh my God, that's the hottest thing I've ever seen.

"Delicious."

She shoved her jeans and underwear over her hips and shimmied till the denim pooled around her ankles. Damn boots! Nicole's hand cupped her breast, and she squeezed her hard nipple, moaning in need. Jaryn ripped his shirt open, and buttons pinged all over the room.

The muscles in his chest bulged as he hastily removed the top. He slid the zipper of his jeans down with a deliberateness that had Nicole nearly panting in anticipation. With one shove, both Jaryn's jeans and his underwear fell to the floor, and he stood naked before Nicole, his masculine beauty the stuff of legends to her mind. The curves of Jaryn's muscular shoulders filled her vision. Nicole spread her thighs to improve her view, which revealed his torso. She followed the line, bisecting the muscles of his abs to the hard cock awaiting her. It was magnificent. Tall and wonderfully thick—she knew it would fill her to perfection. It was as stunning as she remembered from their night spent under the blue moon. She licked her lips as the desire to lick and taste him everywhere overcame her.

Jaryn bent over and removed Nicole's boots and jeans. Her now-freed legs opened fully in welcome. Jaryn cupped his hands under her arms, then tossed her further up the bed where she landed on the cushion of his pillows. "Your scent reminds me of honey and jasmine. Your skin is pale like the purest cream. I want to devour all the flavors of your body. Lick and suck at every ripe and fragrant inch. Nibble on all the places that are blushing red."

He joined her on the mattress and crawled between her legs. In one quick move, he pushed her legs up against her chest and buried his face in the desperate flesh between her thighs. Her neck arched back, and she fisted the blankets as a high cry echoed from her throat. Jaryn's tongue lashed at her dripping folds, circling her opening, then spearing deep into her core. He fucked her with his tongue and Nicole heard his muffled growls as he literally devoured her taste. The vibrations of his sounds pulsating against her clit drove Nicole's relentless need into the stratosphere. Her body writhed in need, her hips surged up to meet Jaryn's fierce mouth.

When Jaryn pulled back, she let out a cry of protest—debasing herself in her plea for his possession.

Jaryn lifted Nicole's legs over his shoulders. "Shh, it's okay, baby."

As Jaryn's cock slid inside her, she couldn't help but whimper, feeling every inch of him filling her completely. He pressed forwards, further and further, claiming her soul as he merged their bodies together. His face contorted in pleasure. His cheekbones stood out as he clenched his jaw. He was forcing himself to go slow for her sake and, in that moment, Nicole fell a little harder for the wolf above her.

When his cock was buried as deeply as possible inside her, his hips rested against her ass. Jaryn's nostrils flared as he inhaled the scents swirling in the space around their bed. Nicole's body gushed in need, and as if it was the signal Jaryn had waited for, he slowly retreated from the snug confines of her body. Fearful that he'd leave her body entirely, Nicole tightened the muscles of her core. Jaryn cursed.

"Easy baby, I'm not going anywhere. Not for long. You feel so good. Your sweet little cunt is expanding around my cock. Your juices are dripping from your body, and your scent? My God, Nicole, it's taking everything I have not to fuck you into oblivion right now."

"Do it, Jaryn. Fuck me! Claim your mate the way your wolf craves."

"Oh shit," he moaned. "Here we go, baby, hold on."

He slammed to the hilt in one thrust. Their cries echoed in the bedroom. Jaryn's hips surged forward over and over. Holy Christ, no one had ever taken her like this before. Jaryn's powerful body consumed her consciousness. His hands held on to her hips, his fingers tightening with each thrust.

"Say it again, Nicole," he demanded.

"Fuck me, Jaryn," she panted as another slam of his body filled her.

"The other. Say it. Say it now. Give yourself to me."

"Take me, my wolf. Take your mate."

"Mine! My mate!" Jaryn bellowed as he pulled out, then slammed back into her.

Any restraint they'd held disappeared. Nicole clung to Jaryn as his hips jack-hammered into her with the ferocity of the beast within him. Suddenly he pulled out and flipped her over. Nicole landed on all fours. Her chest lowered to the bed and her ass lifted, begging for her wolf's cock as any good bitch in heat would.

Jaryn grasped her hips and thrust back inside her body. Each drive of his long cock into her channel sent Nicole's head reeling. He used the power of his muscular body to fuck her. Nicole arched into each thrust as Jaryn's momentum increased. Her pussy convulsed, and her nipples ached. Jaryn slipped a hand beneath her and strummed her throbbing clit. Nicole threw her head back and screamed as her mind splintered in an explosion of pleasure. Her body undulated, muscles uncoordinated as reality slipped away and Nicole let the wave of ecstasy wash over her.

Jaryn fucked her even harder, if that was possible. It felt as though his cock actually got bigger, thicker, and as Nicole fell over the last crest of her orgasm, a long howl rent the air. There was a brief searing pain as Jaryn's teeth pierced her skin. The base of his cock broadened and knotted inside her. Her eyes flew open in shock as the head of Jaryn's shaft pulsated against her cervix. Fire raced through Nicole's bloodstream, and another climax consumed her. Jaryn's seed erupted from his cock, and Nichole swore she felt each pulse surge into her womb. Unbelievably, Nicole felt something shift deep inside her. Something dormant sent out a cry of triumph.

Our mate, our wolf. Finally, the time has come.

Jaryn's cock let out another jet of semen, and Nicole's insides quivered as it gulped up the offering. He'd told her that during their initial mating phase, he would come several times during one orgasm. It was part of the bonding process. Jaryn's teeth pulled out of her flesh and he gently lapped at the bite. His hips gently rocked as another blast of cum escaped from his cock, still knotted deep inside her. Nicole moaned as a slow wave lifted her up, then let her tumble down the other side. Her mate had said nothing about the multiple mini-orgasms she would experience with each blast.

Jaryn shifted, so they lay lengthwise on the bed, his body spooning hers. Nicole tilted her head back and their mouths connected in a slow kiss as the compulsion to fuck drifted away and they absorbed the love now coursing through their hearts, minds, and souls.

Tears of joy tracked down Nicole's cheeks. It was as if their union set free a secret locked deep inside. Sunshine filled every living cell of her body as she looked at the man behind her. Is this what it feels like to truly be in love? She clutched one of Jaryn's hands to her chest. Her eyes looked across the room and she looked into the reflective surface of Jaryn's closet door. His iridescent gaze met hers and a blinding smile spread across his face.

"You are my mate. Our souls are bonded together from this moment and into eternity. You are my love, the keeper of my heart. Our lives are now one. I am yours, as you are mine. I give myself to you forever."

Jaryn held Nicole as his shaft remained locked within her. He placed little licks over his claiming mark. Eventually, Jaryn's body released its hold on hers. He lifted the covers, then tucked them underneath. Nicole's mind slowed as exhaustion overcame her. She rolled over and snuggled up next to her mate, whose arms automatically came around her. She threw a leg over one of Jaryn's muscled limbs and wrapped an arm around his waist. Who knew what the morning would bring? For now, Nicole planned to sleep in the arms of her mate and worry about the repercussions of their actions come dawn.

"Good. Sleep now, my love. I'll guard you in the darkness of night."