Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“Stay.” Devin speaks to the enemy pack and stalks back to the woods, not waiting for them to frantically nod their heads in submission. Their fear and anxiety mix with the scent of blood and urine. The stench is nauseating. Our pack follows Devin into the woods, listening intently to ensure their obedience.
Devin pulls out his phone as he unlocks the SUV for us to pile in. “Alec.” He puts the keys in the ignition before looking back through the forest at what’s left of Shadow’s pathetic pack. “They’re all yours.”
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.