7. Jude

Hours with the hum of the SUV driving us home allow the adrenaline to fade. Half my pack slept the last hour, but I couldn't. The late night is nearly early morning by the time we're back. I'm so fucking tired, but the thought of my mate waiting for me gives me the energy I need. I walk quietly down the hall to my bedroom, cringing every time the damn wooden floor squeaks beneath my heavy weight. I try angling my boots and walking a bit slower. If they're asleep, I don't want to disturb them.

I turn the knob gently and slowly, pushing on the door with a slight weight to prevent too much sound. I haven't snuck around like this in years. I hold back a chuckle as I remember my brothers and I sneaking around the house at night to steal candy from the kitchen. Warmth fills my chest at the thought of my own pups doing the same, at the memory of family, and at knowing that the worst is truly behind us. An asymmetric grin pulls at my lips. I already have one pup; I can't wait to have more with Lena.

By the time I've broken into my own bedroom, I can't hear a damn thing in the room and it's pitch black with the curtains closed, but I can make out a small form bunched under the cream comforter on the bed. My mate. The sight makes my heart swell and my wolf brushes against my chest desperate to feel her. I've dreamed of coming home to my mate for as long as I can remember. Dreamed of climbing into bed behind her and pulling her small body into my chest. I can imagine the pleased sigh escaping her lips in her sleep. A soft rumble grows in my chest at the thought.

It feels as if I've already loved her for a lifetime.

My wolf is eager to climb into bed beside her, especially after the day we've had. I strip out of my filthy clothes as I silently stalk toward the bed. I know I need to shower first, but I just want to see her. After throwing on a pair of gray sweatpants, I slowly pull the covers back and frown as my blood turns cold and my fists bunch the comforter in my hand. Finally, I rip the damn thing away. It's empty. She's not in my room. For a moment, panic washes through me.

I scent the air and follow her sweet citrus smell to the door and down the hall. Not giving a damn about the smacking sound of my feet on the floor, I hunt her down. I'm led to the other side of the estate, and I let out a long, agitated sigh as I quietly open the door to her niece and nephew's room. Panic vanishes, but a mix of other emotions quickly take its place.

What the hell is she doing in here? My brow furrows in confusion and then harder in anger. She's my mate and she belongs in my bed. Tension rises up my shoulders and I do my best to keep my breathing even and stay firm in my place. I don't want to startle her, but I don't know what to do with all of the emotion that riddles its way through me. The loss of what could have been, if only I'd met her long ago before any of this shit happened.

I silently scold myself and cuss under my breath. I need to rectify that right fucking now. She's my mate whether she feels the pull to me or not. And I need to fucking act like it.

The door squeaks behind me as it opens just slightly and I hold my breath, hoping I haven't disturbed the children. My eyes adjust to the darkened night and any anger dissipates.

Some of the tension leaves my body as I see her curled behind her niece, her arm wrapped around the young pup. To the right of her is a bassinet, holding our sleeping pup. Everyone's sleeping soundly. I can't help the warmth that flows through me, even if I'm upset that she didn't stay in my bedroom. I can't blame her for wanting to be with her family.

But I'm her family now. My wolf howls in agony. The feeling of loss and rejection is undeniable.

My throat dries and I struggle with what to do. Finally, after a moment of my heart racing and far too many old wounds reopening, I do what feels right.

I walk quietly across the room and gently peel the covers from around her body. I lift her arm from around her niece and tuck the blanket under the little girl. I slide my hands under my mate's soft, warm body and gently lift her. At the movement, her eyelids pop open and stare back at me in fear. It fucking kills me. It's a dagger to my already wounded heart. It takes everything in me to ignore the look and lean down to give her a small kiss on the tip of her nose as I carry her away from the room. Her body shifts in my arms as she reaches back for her son.

"He'll be fine." I whisper the words and shift her weight onto one arm and cup her ass in my hand while I brace her back with my arm. Carefully, I gently close the door and glance down at my little mate. The feel of her plump ass in my hand and her warm body against my chest has my dick hardening with need. But the expression on her face makes me second guess my lust for her. Her eyes stare blankly across the hall, shining with fear. I can feel her heart beating frantically and my wolf hates everything about this.

Her shoulders hunch with her arms crossed, shielding herself from me. She's wearing a nightgown that must belong to either Lizzie or Grace The thin cloth does nothing to offer her warmth. My pace quickens to get her to bed, to the privacy of our room, so we can talk and I can explain. So I can just have a chance to repair what's been done. She must feel my eyes on her. Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she tilts her head down and slightly leans into me. Her entire body is tense and I fucking hate it.

This isn't the way it's supposed to be. Can't she feel this pull? This need? My entire being feels as if it's shattering. I don't know how I'm even standing with the pain that runs through me.

A knot grows and twists in my chest as I carry her to the bedroom. Our bedroom. We need to have a talk. I need to make it very clear that she's my mate. I'm slow to place her on the bed, a part of me fearing what she'll say when I tell her she's my mate, and that I was made to love her and she was made to love me. Because it's far too obvious, she doesn't love me in the least.

I watch as she slowly lifts her knees to her chest, still looking away from me. For the first time I realize she has absolutely no feelings toward me but fear. I can tell she's on the verge of tears and she doesn't know what to do and it fucking kills me. My chest rises as I take a heavy breath. My hands tremble, I've never felt this way. Not since I was a pup when everything happened back then…

I grind my teeth thinking of that fucking bastard Shadow and the fact that his bite has taken that away from me.

She really can't feel a pull to me. Not at all.

The bitter absolution makes my chest collapse. I close my eyes and try to gather my thoughts. I have my mate. I told her she belongs to me. She should know what that means. She should know what she means to me. The bed groans as I sit on the edge of it and wrap an arm around her waist to bring her closer to me.

"I expected you to be here when I came home." Her large hazel eyes finally meet mine as my low voice breaks the silence. "I wanted to hold you." Her eyes stay on mine as she nods slightly.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again." I stare at her, wishing I'd spoken differently. I'm not admonishing her. I soften my voice even more.

"It's all right, baby. I have you now." I lean down to kiss her lips and she pulls away slightly before tilting her chin up so I can take her lips with mine. I nip her bottom lip and cup her chin in my large hand. Warmth wraps its way around me. Can she feel this? My heart stutters praying that she can.

As I pull away, I rub my thumb across her bottom lip. Her lips are so soft and plump. I lick my own wanting more, but I'm worried she isn't ready. Her eyes are still closed and her body leans toward me. Please, please, feel this. The spark that ignites inside of me is everything. Her breath comes in shallow pants, making her breasts rise slightly in the white cotton nightgown. My eyes travel down her body and I stroke my hardening dick.

"You should know better than to leave my bed." I growl into her ear as I push my body against hers down onto the mattress. My lips push against hers and lick her seam for her to open for me. A rumble of approval erupts from my chest as she obeys me and gives me entry. Fuck yes. My skin heats as my hands roam her body. My fingers tickle down the dip above her hips before grabbing her ass and pushing her farther up the bed. Her nipples are hard and poking through the fabric of her nightdress. The sight of her breasts bouncing with the movement makes me leak precum.

I crawl to her, stalking my little mate. Her eyes are still closed, and I will her to open them, but she doesn't. I let out a low, warning growl and her hazel eyes instantly find mine. I crawl between her legs, caging her body in with mine as I hover above her small frame. I plant my forearms on either side of her head and bump my hips against hers, letting my dick settle in between her legs. I can feel her heat against me and it feels like fucking heaven.

She should be fully healed by now. Thank fuck my mate's a shifter. I don't want to wait. I want her right now. I have to ask though, I'll be damned if I ever hurt her, "Are you all right?"

She doesn't waste any time shaking her head. Her lips form a small frown and her breath hitches. "I'm still sore." Her voice is hesitant and uncertain. It's more than obvious that she's lying.

My eyes narrow as I search her face for the reason she would lie to me. I shake my head at that thought. No, she wouldn't lie. Maybe she's still healing. That could be. I pull back and sit on my heels with my dick standing up right.

"I understand baby, turn over for me." I can still give her pleasure. I feel a small smile grow on my face. I'll need to be gentle, but she'll feel good. She'll feel more of this pull then. She must feel something.

She turns her body over onto her forearm and knees, lowering her upper half so that her chest is pressed into the mattress with her head facing away from me and her ass in the air. Her submission makes my dick throb with the desire to claim her, and I have to stifle my groan.

Fuck. My wolf howls with the need to feel hers. To be with hers. To be with our soul mates. My forever is so close, it taunts me.

I watch as her body trembles and a soft sob escapes her. The sight and sound make my heart still in my chest. What the fuck? My hands grow numb as my mate cowers from me.

I freeze. My entire being freezes. A beat passes and then another. She's not all right in more than just one way. My mate. My poor mate.

"Why are you crying?" I try to keep my voice even, but the concern is evident.

"I'm sorry I disappointed you." What the fuck just happened? I replay everything in my head, but I have no damn clue why she's in tears.

Slowly, I gently place my hand on her hip as I move to lie down on the bed, my chest against her side, before rolling her body into mine. She buries her head into my chest so I can't see her. "You didn't disappoint me, baby." I pull away and move my hand to her cheek, wiping the tears from her reddened face. I lower my forehead to hers and nuzzle my nose against hers. With my eyes closed, I kiss the tip of her nose. "Stop crying, you didn't disappoint me. What made you think that?"

"Because you told me to get into position." She stares at my chest as she softly speaks the words.

"Into position?" What the hell is she talking about? Her lips part, but she hesitates to speak. "Tell me what you mean."

"For punishment." Her hot breath tickles my chest as her words hit me with a force that makes my blood pound with rage. Sickness rises through me. An eternity in hell will not be enough for Shadow.

"Getting on your knees for punishment?" I barely hold on to my composure at this point. My bottom lip trembles as my body goes numb. I need to hear her say it. I want her to tell me so I know for sure. My blood is rushing in my ears and my muscles coil at the tension in my body.

"Yes, sir."

"Don't call me sir." I bite the hard words out and immediately regret them as she flinches. With steadying breath, I ask her what I must so I understand. "Did he have you call him sir?" She noticeably swallows as she stares straight into my chest and nods before whispering a small "yes."

"I'm not him. I'm not Shadow. I'm your true mate." My heated, firm words have her eyes flying to meet mine. Her lips part, but she slams them shut before lowering her eyes to my chest once again and nodding. It's a nod of obedience, not acceptance.

The words have left me. The absolute truth… and she doesn't believe me. Any hope I had is gone and I question what I've done just now. I thought she felt it.

My hand wraps gently around her throat before traveling to her chin to lift her eyes to meet mine. I stare into her eyes, pleading for her to feel it. To feel an ounce of what I feel toward her. If she could feel this way, this love and devotion, the past pains would wane. I know they would. I can ease so much pain and take it from her. It's all I want. To give her a beautiful life.

"You are my mate. I feel the pull to you." I swallow thickly as she says nothing. I don't even know if she believes me. "Do you feel anything for me?" Her eyes soften as she searches my silver gaze. Tears brim in her eyes as she shakes her head no. My nostrils flare in anger, not at her, not at all, only because she has no pull to me whatsoever. I was a fool to think fate would have mercy on me after what I was put through as a pup.

"He had no rights to you. You. Are. Mine." I growl out the words, barely containing my need to claim her right now. The full moon is still days away, but my need to sink my teeth into her skin, over that unrighteous mark, overwhelms all my other senses.

Her lower lip wobbles and I can tell she wants to say something, but she's holding back. "Tell me." It's a command, one that resonates from deep inside of me, from a place I've never felt before, and she dutifully obeys. It makes me feel like a piece of shit. She's obeying because that's what she's been trained to do. What he trained her to do.

"He had a pull to me as well."

"Bullshit!" I jump out of the bed and run my hands through my hair as I watch her shrink into the mattress away from me. Fuck! Heat races through me as my head spins. I need to get a grip. I run my hands down my face and lower myself to my knees in front of her. God help me. Someone fucking help me. I'm only making this worse. I need to fucking calm down so I stop frightening her.

"I'm sorry," I whisper as quickly as I can. "I'm not angry at you." Lifting my head, I find her eyes piercing into mine. I sigh heavily and stare at my mate trying to reflect my compassion and praying for her to understand. "I shouldn't have yelled. I hate that I yelled. I'm sorry." She nods, watching me as if she doesn't know what to make of me.

Attempting to silence the rage, I sit back on the edge of the bed. She doesn't move away from me, and I take my time, gently placing my hand on her leg, rubbing small circles on the tender skin on her thigh. She still hasn't moved, and I can't help but to think she's learned that behavior. To simply not move when faced with aggression. It sickens me.

"I want you here. I want you to tell me everything." I pat my thigh and she nods in understanding. I help her, pulling her into my lap and nuzzling my head into the crook of her neck, planting a soft small kiss there.

I breathe slowly, just holding her and letting the feeling of my mate in my lap calm me. I pull her back against my chest and sit her ass against my dick. My erection hasn't gone down for a single moment. It can't with the full moon so close and my mate so near. My rage has only fueled my need. But I'm not going to give in to it. Not like this. "Please forgive my outburst."

"I forgive you." Her words come out instantly and again I get the feeling that it's a learned behavior. It makes my heart crumple in my chest. I press my lips together to avoid questioning her. I need time to figure out how the hell I'm going to help my sweet little mate and convince her that my pull to her exists and it's real. Not like the fucking lie that Shadow fed to her.

"Can we talk another time?" she asks, at first staring ahead, but in my silence, she peers up at me. "I'm tired and I have a lot to think about."

My heart beats hard against my chest and she glances down, as if she felt it or heard it. A glimmer of hope torments me, wanting me to believe she can feel the pull.

I swallow the lump in my throat and tell her "of course" even though every second that passes draws a deeper gouge into my agony.

"I'm going to take a shower." I whisper the words into her neck and gently set her on the bed next to me. Her lips part, but again slam shut. I close my eyes in anguish. She won't even talk to me. She feels the need to censor herself and I don't like it. "What?" I open my eyes and give her a small, forced smile. "Tell me whatever it is."

Her eyes dart to the floor and then back to mine. "Can I set up the baby monitor? Is that okay?" Her voice is so small and full of defeat. As though I'd deny her that request. I shake my head at my stupidity. Of course I should have thought of that.

"Did you get one today?"

"Grace and Lizzie brought me more things for the baby." She keeps her head down as she speaks and I fucking hate it. I'm ashamed that her submission turned me on in the least.

"Have you decided what you're going to call him?" I try to lighten the conversation, but my voice is uneven as I push the words out.

"No." Her fingers play with the hem of her nightgown with nervousness. I only nod my head and look past her at the door to the bathroom. I need some fucking distance to wrap my head around all this shit.

"Do you need anything else?"

I fucking hope the answer is yes so I can give her whatever it is that she needs, but she shakes her head and barely speaks, "No, s?—"

My jaw ticks as she stops herself from saying "sir."

She twists her fingers in her hand as she realizes her mistake. I decide to ignore it and not bring any more attention to it. "Do you need any help?" I bristle with anger and tension toward myself and I'm doing a shitty job at hiding either of them from my scared mate.

She shakes her head but at least meets my eyes. "Okay then. Go ahead and set up whatever you need." I walk around the bed to the bathroom, but I don't fucking breathe until I close the door. I want to pound my fist into the wall, but that'll only scare her even more. Fuck! I turn the shower on but keep the temperature low. I need to cool down. I stand with both hands against the wall as the water hits the back of my head and my back, dripping down my face and falling off my lips onto the floor. What the fuck am I going to do?

I've told her she's my mate and she doesn't believe me. Tears of anger and despair prick my eyes. She frightened of me and afraid to do anything because she thinks she'll disappoint me. Fuck! My hand balls into a fist and I'm desperate to let out every emotion that brings me to my knees. It's a death you're forced to live through when a mate denies you.

I wish I could take out all of this anger onto that piece-of-shit shifter. His lifeless body flashes before my eyes. I ball my hand into a fist and slam it against the wall as a snarl leaves my chest. The tiles crack at the impact, leaving blood and shattered pieces of marble to fall to the floor. She can probably hear it, but the release is exactly what I need. I keep myself from doing it again and again like I really fucking want to. I lean my head back, close my eyes, and let the water splash on my face as I feel my hand heal.

When I open my eyes I spot several bottles of girly shit. Slowly, the emotions calm.

Grace or Lizzie must've got her something to wash up with. I flip the top cap open and see it's been used. She accepts help from them.

She trusts them. She's bonded with them. Hell, she heard Lizzie…even if it was out of desperation. There is hope; she just needs to get comfortable here. And with me. I sniff the bottle and quickly put it back. I prefer her natural smell better, but if she wants to use this shit that's fine with me.

I convince myself that she'll feel a pull to me at some point. Hopefully once I claim her, my essence should outweigh his. After all, I'm her rightful mate. Although, I honestly have no idea how it works. I've never known a wolf to claim an already claimed mate. My heart stills and my blood runs cold. I better still be able to claim her.

Fear makes my breath come up short as I leave the stall and fist the towel in my hand. She's mine to claim. It'll destroy me if my bite is useless to her. I dry off in a rush as a panic sets in. The need to hold my mate is all consuming. My wolf whines in my chest until I open the door and see her lying under the covers on her side staring at the monitor on the nightstand. She watches me as I cross the room and walk with hard, determined strides to be by her side. I don't waste any time to lie behind her and kiss her exposed neck. It's the side that's untouched. The side that will bear my mark.

I look at the monitor and a genuine, although sad, smile plays at my lips. There's a tiny screen showing the sleeping pup in the cradle and a bar of green light at the top. Soft white noise bellows from the little machine. He's so small on the screen. Wrapped up tight in the thin, little blanket. He has more hair on an infant than I've ever seen and it's all black and thick. He may have his father's features, but he's so serene and fragile looking that I fail to see Shadow in his sweet little face at all.

I pull her closer to me, but with distance for her sake, and whisper into her ear, "You did good, baby." A beat passes and she says nothing, but her body molds against mine as a happy sigh leaves her lips and her fingertips gently touch the screen. She's far more relaxed and happier now that she can see her son. I give her jaw a small kiss and pull back the covers. I still think she'll feel our bond if only she'd let me in. And I'm determined to start tonight.

"Will you trust me for just a moment?" I ask her in a whisper. I'm quick to add, "I won't ever hurt you."

The cords in her neck tighten as she swallows and then agrees, "Yes, I'll trust you."

My heart pounds with uncertainty.

"Lie back and part your legs for me." I whisper the words and nip her earlobe before moving from behind her to give her room to do as I say. Her smile fades at my command, and I almost regret speaking. But she needs this. She needs to learn that I will give her pleasure without taking anything from her. That I will be selfless and love her even if she doesn't love me. And I'm going to give her that reason right now.

"If you want me to stop, say so," I tell her, and she nods in understanding but doesn't say the word.

She lies back on the bed, her hands rest at the hem of her gown that's risen on her parted thighs, looks to the ceiling, takes a deep breath, then looks back at me, and waits for my next command. She's so innocent and vulnerable. I'm going to make this good for her. It's all about her tonight. The thought of my lips on her pussy makes my dick swell and beg for attention, but I'm only focused on making her feel good. I want her to let go completely.

Even if for only a moment. Perhaps that's all she needs to feel this between us. The pull that is near crippling for me.

I lean forward and push the fabric up her stomach. I kiss along her belly and marvel at the silver marks barely visible on her body. I nuzzle into her belly and kiss her stretch marks. One at a time, loving how they'll stay with her. They're evidence of her strength. She writhes under me and I move lower. Kissing and nipping her soft skin.

Soft moans escape and she nearly moves her hand to my hair. That's my good girl.

I push my thumbs through the thin fabric that separates her heat from me and rip it off her, tossing it carelessly to the side of the bed. Her lips part in shock and I watch her pussy clench and glisten with arousal. Yes baby, let me please you. I lick my lips and gently lift my fingers to her heat, finding her wet. That takes me by surprise, and I fucking love it. I almost push my fingers into her tight pussy but think better of it. She said she was sore…even if she lied, I'm not going to enter her. I'll make her come on my tongue and nothing else.

I'll give, and I'll take nothing. I'll show her my worth and my desire. Maybe she'll grow to love me, even if she never feels what I feel for her. I will take anything—a morsel of affection from her could bring me to my knees.

Her breathing quickens as I lean down and take a long, languid swipe of her pussy and groan. Fuck, she tastes so damn good. A tang that makes my mouth water. My fingers dig into her hips, holding her down and open so I can get more of her on my tongue. I dip into her heat and curl my tongue to massage the front wall of her pussy. The sound of her gasping and grabbing the sheets as she writhes at my touch makes me grin into her pussy. I give her another lick before moving to her throbbing clit.

As I suckle her clit gently, listening to her soft moans, a thought strikes me. Did he ever lick her this way and give her pleasure that she should have only gotten from my touch? The image of that asshole giving her pleasure heats my blood and fuels my need to taste her arousal. I growl against her heat and ravage her pussy like a starving man. Angry at the knowledge that he ever had a taste of my mate makes me suck her harder without any mercy. My tongue flicks and massages against her clit as she screams out her orgasm and shatters beneath me. I groan with pleasure as her body trembles in my hands. Her hips attempt to buck against me, but I grip her tighter and force her ass back onto the bed.

She's going to fucking take it.

I lick up her arousal before diving into her heat with my rigid, thick tongue. I want more. Her tiny fists move to cover her mouth and muffle her screams of pleasure. Her heels dig deeper into the mattress as her body tries to move away from the intense waves of pleasure. I breathe into her heat and lick her clit as my fingers dip slightly into her tight pussy. With one arm reaching up her torso, I hold her there and cup her breast at the same time. Kneading and plucking her hardened peak. Her back arches with another moan and I love every second of her pleasure. She's soaking wet and I want so badly to enter her, even if it's only with my fingers. "You too sore for my fingers baby?" I have no fucking clue how my voice comes out smooth and confident. Teasingly almost. My breathing is uneven and labored, and I'm on the verge of begging to be inside her. But my words show no hint of my desperation.

She shakes her head, her eyes tightly closed, and moans, "Please." A grin pulls at my lips.

I can't help myself. "Please what baby?" I stare at her beautiful, flushed face and bunch the fabric farther up her body, exposing the hard peaks of her nipples. I cup her full breast before pinching her nipple between my fingers once again. She jumps at the contact, but I push her hip down with my other hand.

She moans low and sensual as her eyes slowly find mine. She looks hazy with lust as she bites her lip and blushes. "I want your fingers, please."

Fuck. Those words on her lips tempt me to fuck her. My erection bobs with need between us, leaking more precum at her softly spoken plea. I close my eyes and groan, thanking the gods for blessing me with my mate before leaning down and sucking her clit while I push two thick fingers into her dripping pussy. I moan against her clit at the feel of her tight walls pulsing against my fingers. I pull back to watch her as her back arches off the bed. She's so fucking beautiful. My thumb pushes against her clit as my fingers stroke her front wall. Her gasps of pleasure coming from her plump lips fill my chest with pride.

I bend while keeping my eyes on her and suckle her clit, pumping my fingers relentlessly into her wet core. Her moans get louder and louder as she approaches her release. Her fingers pull at my hair and scratch my scalp as she pushes my face into her greedy pussy. Her need for me makes me want to smile, but I keep finger fucking her and sucking her clit faster and harder, giving her exactly what she wants. It doesn't take long for her body to bow and for her hands to leave my head and cover her mouth as she screams in utter ecstasy.

I pull back, letting her clit pop as I lose suction on her. Her body jolts at the sensation and I stare down at her quivering body with a heated gaze. Her taste covers my mouth as I lick my lips, enjoying the sight of her and the knowledge that I made her come. I made her feel alive. Her hazel eyes travel down her body and meet my stare. A shock goes through me as her eyes brighten with lust and more. An intense pull pulses between us. Our breathing slows in unison as we stare into each other's eyes. She has to be feeling this. I need her to feel the pull that I feel to her.

Please tell me you feel it baby.

Just as I make a move to crawl up her body and give her true pleasure, the fucking baby monitor goes off with the sound of our little one crying. Red coloring fills the sound bars on the screen as the wails continue. The lustful trance between us is shattered as her eyes dart to the monitor and she pulls her legs together and into her stomach. She turns over and props herself up, ready to run to her crying infant. She stills and her breath stalls as she glances at me and then down to the floor. A look of guilt passes over her face, and I don't understand why.

Not until she opens her mouth. "I'm sorry. May I leave to get him?" Her eyes don't leave the floor as she whispers her request. My hands go numb as a cold wave washes over my body. The electricity between us dims to nothing as she shifts uncomfortably. "I'm sorry." She speaks softly with true remorse. She swallows as her eyes dart to mine after a moment of silence.

My heart is fucking shattered at her submissive posture. "There's nothing to be sorry for." My hand finds hers on the bed and squeezes. "You don't need permission." I lean across the bed and kiss her lips with a tenderness I haven't shown her yet. I need her to feel my love. To feel this. She leans into the kiss and lifts her small hand to my jaw. It hovers with a moment of hesitation before she actually touches me. My wolf rumbles with approval and brushes against my chest, wanting to feel more of her touch. But I have to pull back and let her tend to the baby who lets out another piercing wail.