Chapter 3

3

THE SHIRT

Octavia

"Shall we?" Wyatt murmurs, a teasing smile playing on his lips as he gestures toward the bedroom door in the suite. His voice is deep, smooth like the whiskey I can see him sometimes drinking. I nod, my mouth suddenly dry, and let him lead the way, my heart fluttering like a trapped bird.

The moment we step into the bedroom, I am enveloped in his scent, wet autumn leaves and leather. The space is adorned in deep hues matching the rest of the decor, the warm hunter green bedspread contrasting beautifully against the cream sheets. It feels inviting, like a sanctuary waiting to hold our secrets. But as I stand there, a thought crashes over me like a wave: how many women have laid in his bed before me?

Wyatt catches the fleeting shadow of doubt that must cross my face as I take one small shuffle back from the offending bed. He steps closer, his voice low and reassuring, "No one has been in this suite but you, Octavia. I promise." His emerald eyes lock onto my brown ones, conveying a depth of sincerity that makes my heart swell. "I always took them to a guest room on the second floor or to their place. This is ours now baby."

A wave of warmth washes over me at the word "ours." The possessiveness in his tone is both thrilling and comforting. I can see the truth in his eyes — Wyatt is different now. He’s not a free man anymore. He’s mine. I’m his mate, and nothing will change that.

"You really mean that?" I ask, needing the reassurance. I want to believe that I am more than just a fleeting moment in his life, that I am the treasure he claims I am.

"More than anything," he replies, his voice firm yet tender. "You’re my treasure, Octavia. Nobody will ever hold a candle to you."

A soft smile spreads across my face, and I feel a flutter of hope in my chest. I turn towards the bathroom so I can wash these thoughts away like they are physically clinging to my skin. I can see a future with him — one filled with laughter, love, and perhaps even a Luna Ceremony, surrounded by friends and his family. The image of children running around the pack house, trips to distant lands, and quiet evenings spent wrapped in each other’s arms fills my mind.

But the moment is interrupted as I catch Wyatt’s gaze in the mirror above the double sinks. He’s watching me, a soft look in his eyes that sends my heart racing again. I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, breaking the spell of my daydream.

"What?" I ask, a teasing lilt in my voice.

“Just thinking how gorgeous you are,” he replies, and my breath hitches at the sincerity in his tone. Nobody has ever talked to me this way.

I look away, feeling a mix of shyness and pride swell within me. “I think I need to change for bed and brush my teeth. We’ve had a long day moving my things.”

"Of course," he says with a nod, but then his eyes glint with mischief. "Will you wear one of my shirts to sleep in? My wolf is restless, demanding our scent on you."

I can’t help but giggle at how adorably endearing he is right now. “You’re lucky I find you charming, Saltman.” I walk over to the closet, pulling open the doors to reveal a treasure trove of his clothing. The scent of him envelops me as I sift through the fabric to find my prize for the night.

I find a soft faded blue long sleeve t-shirt that spills over my fingers like liquid sky. I hold it up to my chest, feeling the warmth radiate from the fabric. “How about this one?”

Wyatt’s eyes light up, and he takes a step closer, his gaze fixed on the shirt. “Perfect choice. You’ll smell like me, baby, and that’ll drive my wolf wild.”

His expression is both possessive and playful, and I can’t help but smile at the thought. I slip into the bathroom to change, the shirt hanging loosely on my frame. The fabric brushes against my thighs, and I feel a rush of comfort. I glance at myself in the mirror, my long dark hair tousled and wild, the shirt swallowing me whole.

After brushing my teeth, I step back into the bedroom, where Wyatt is waiting, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His gaze travels over me, and the heat in his eyes sends a thrill down my spine.

“You look incredible,” he says, his voice low and gravelly.

“Thank you,” I reply, my heart fluttering in response. “I feel comfy cozy.”

“Come here,” he beckons, and I find myself gravitating toward him, a moth to a flame.

As I reach his side, he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. The warmth radiating from him is intoxicating, and I nestle into his side, breathing him in. We stand there for a moment, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

“Have you thought about what comes next for us?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

His gaze turns serious, and he tilts my chin up with his index finger so I’m looking directly into his eyes. “I have. I want to build a life with you, Octavia. A real one. I want to go on adventures, explore the world, and create memories.”

The sincerity in his words sends a rush of warmth through my veins. “And children?” I ask, my heart racing at the thought.

Wyatt’s expression softens further. “Definitely. I want to have a family with you. I can already picture it — us, in a home filled with laughter, the pitter-patter of little feet. Hopefully a little girl who has your chocolate brown eyes and button nose. You’ll be an amazing mother, baby girl.”

A warmth blossoms in my chest, and I can’t help but smile at the thought. “You think so?”

“Without a doubt. You have a heart full of love, and we’ll give our children the best life possible,” he assures me, his thumb brushing gently over my cheek.

We settle into the bed, the soft mattress enveloping us as we lay on our sides, facing each other. The room is dimly lit by the moonlight, shadows flickering against the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels like it’s just for us.

“Tell me about your dreams,” I urge. “What do you envision?”

Wyatt rolls on his back, contemplating my question. “I want to travel. I want to see the world, introduce you to all the places I have found and love. We could go to the mountains, hike under the stars, or wander through ancient cities. I want to share everything with you.”

The images he conjures dance in my mind like a vivid dream. I can see us exploring the mountains together, the wind whipping through our hair, laughter echoing through the valleys. “That sounds incredible,” I murmur.

“And I want to make a home for us, Octavia. A sanctuary filled with memories and warmth,” he continues, his eyes shining with passion.

“What about the Luna Ceremony?” I ask, excitement bubbling within me. “When do you think we’ll have it?”

Wyatt’s expression turns contemplative as he turns back towards me. “Soon, I hope. I want everyone to know you’re my mate. I can’t wait to stand before our pack, to declare my love for you in front of everyone.”

The thought of the ceremony sends butterflies swirling in my stomach, but hearing him say he wants to declare his love for me is what makes my stomach flip. “I can’t wait either. It feels like a dream.”

Wyatt shifts closer, our legs touching. “It’s not a dream, baby girl. It’s our reality. You’re my future.”

We talk about our favorite places, the little things that make us smile, and the future we want to build together. Each word feels like a thread, weaving our lives closer together, creating a tapestry.

Eventually, the conversation shifts, and a comfortable silence falls between us. I can hear the soft rustle of the leaves outside and the distant sound of the tree frogs. Wyatt reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers, and a sense of peace washes over me.

“Can I ask you something?” I say, breaking the silence.

“Anything,” he replies, his thumb caressing the back of my hand.

“What was it like before me? Before you met your mate?”

He takes a deep breath, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. “It was… lonely. I was searching for something, but I didn’t know what it was. I dated if that’s what you want to call it, but it never felt right. I always knew there was someone, a mate, out there for me, but I didn’t realize how special it would be until you walked into my life.”

I blush at his words, the sincerity in his tone hitting me like a wave. “I’m glad I came into your life when I did.”

“Me too,” he agrees. “You’ve changed everything for me, baby.”

We lay in comfortable silence, our fingers still intertwined, and we both take a moment to simply breathe, to exist in this space we’ve created together.

Wyatt

I lie awake in the soft cocoon of our bed, the moonlight spilling through the window in silvery pools that dance across the floor. Octavia is beside me, wrapped in my plaid shirt, a piece of me she wears like a second skin. She's beautiful in her slumber, her dark hair splayed across the pillow like a waterfall, her lips slightly parted as she breathes softly. I can’t help but watch her, the way her chest rises and falls, a rhythm that soothes my restless heart.

"Can you believe it?" I murmur to my wolf, who stirs lazily in the back of my mind. "The Moon Goddess must’ve been in a good mood when she brought us together."

"She certainly knows how to pick 'em," my wolf replies, his voice low and gravelly, the way it always gets when he's content. "Look at her, Wyatt. She’s stunning. And she’s ours."

I can’t help but smile at that. The thought of her being mine, truly mine, fills me with a warmth that radiates through my entire being. "I can’t wait to go on runs with her. Imagine what it’ll feel like — her wolf beside mine, racing through the trees, the wind in our fur."

"Freedom," my wolf agrees, his excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. "It’ll be like nothing we’ve ever experienced. We’ll be connected in a way that transcends words. Just us, the forest, and the moon."

I let out a contented sigh, closing my eyes for a moment. The heaviness of sleep pulls at me, but I resist. I want to stay awake, to drink in every detail of this moment. I want to remember the way the moonlight casts a silver halo around Octavia’s head, the way her lashes flutter gently against her cheeks, and how peaceful she looks.

"She needs to know this feeling," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want her to feel as complete as I do. Everyone should experience this."

"Then let’s hope Dalton and Harrison find their mates soon," my wolf suggests, a hint of mischief in his tone. "They’re missing out on this magic. It’s only right that they get to experience it, too."

I nod, still gazing at Octavia. "Yeah, the whole pack deserves it. It’s all about family, isn’t it? Sharing this life, these moments… It’s what makes us stronger."

My wolf hums in agreement, and for a moment, there’s just silence between us, a comfortable stillness that wraps around me like a blanket. I can feel the weight of sleep pressing down on me, but I fight it, wanting to hold on to this moment just a little longer.

Gently, I wrap my arm around Octavia’s waist, pulling her closer to my chest. I can feel her warmth seep into me, a soothing balm that chases away the lingering chill of the night. She instinctively nuzzles closer, her body molding against mine like it was always meant to be this way. I smile, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

I close my eyes, letting the exhaustion wash over me, but my thoughts drift back to the future. I can’t wait for the day Octavia and I will run together, our wolves free and wild, howling at the moon as we chase the stars. The thought sends a shiver of anticipation through me.

"Tomorrow hopefully," I murmur, knowing that soon, we’ll be able to step into the wild together. "We’ll take our first run."

My wolf stirs with excitement. "And who knows? Maybe we’ll find Dalton and Harrison out there too. They’ll be so jealous!"

I chuckle softly, imagining the three of us running together, our wolves bounding through the trees, the thrill of the chase filling our veins. It’s a dream I’ve held onto for so long, and now, with Octavia by my side, it feels more like a promise. My mate.

As sleep finally begins to claim me, I can’t shake the feeling that my life is exactly as it should be right now. I drift off knowing that when I wake, another day will begin with my mate by my side, and the world will be waiting for us to explore it together.

And as I slip into the comforting embrace of sleep, I can’t help but hope that tomorrow brings more than just runs in the woods. I hope it brings the laughter of friends, the bond of the pack, and the joy of discovering more about each other with every passing moment.

With that thought, I succumb to the darkness, dreaming of moonlit forests and the promise of a life shared with the one I love.