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“You’re thinking really loudly,” my mate said, wrapping her arms around me and resting her head on my shoulder. “Is it time?”
I sighed, knowing that it was but also hating it. This bubble that we’d created was everything, and I didn’t want to leave it.
“I think so.” The words tasting like ash.
Pearl tightened her hold on me, and I could feel her reluctance and her agreement. It was time to get back to reality. Our pack needed us.
“We don’t have anything to wear,” she pointed out, making me smile ruefully.
“I remember where I left our clothes,” I assured her with a chuckle.
Explaining where we had been to out pack wasn’t going to be easy. The Moon Spirit said that it would seem like only minutes had passed when we got back, which meant that in a few minutes, Pearl and I had completed the mate bond and were well sated.
That couldn’t happen in just a few minutes, that was for sure.
“Are you ready?” Pearl asked, her concern coming through the bond. She was worried about me and still feeling hurt that I had ignored her before.
I hadn’t been ignoring her, just trying to keep her safe. I’d still protect her, but I needed her by my side more than ever. We were a team, partners, and I needed to start seeing her in that role.
“Yes and no,” I admitted, bending so my head rested in my palms. I didn’t want this to end but knew that it would eventually.
“I feel that.” She inhaled deeply while nuzzling my shoulder.
We sat in silence for several minutes, neither of us willing to break the serenity that surrounded us. My wolf nudged me, knowing that it had to be us. I scrubbed my face with my hands before running my fingers through my hair.
No time like the present.
I patted Pearl’s arms that were still wrapped around me. When her hold loosened, I stood and stretched. My muscles pulled and burned, but it felt good. Turning, I offered her my hand; she took it, and I helped her stand. Interlacing our fingers, I brought her hand up and kissed it. She tasted incredible, and the need I had for her bubbled to the surface. I tapped it down and locked it away. There would be time for more when all of this was over.
* * *
Leaving the cabin wasn’t easy, and I could feel Pearl’s sadness to see it go. I led her through the trees in the direction we had entered, recalling the directions the Moon Spirit had given me and following them in reverse.
I thought that we’d feel something once we left, but the transition felt like we were just walking through the forest. The smells were the same, as was the temperature. The air didn’t seem different either.
When we came to the stream, I pulled my mate to me and kissed the top of her head, taking a moment to appreciate the place where we decided we were ready. I smirked, remembering her anger that was justified but also adorable.
We continued our trek and soon arrived at the place where we’d left our clothing. I’d spotted the pile when I went after Pearl and took my own clothes off and shifted so I could track her. We dressed quickly then headed in the direction of the safe house hand in hand. Neither of us spoke, choosing instead to draw comfort from our mate bond.
The pack bond was there, and I could once again access each member through it, but I refrained. Each member deserved privacy, and I would respect that unless I had reason to believe that one or more of them were in danger.
The sloping roof of the safe house came into view first, followed by the face of my second in command, Deacon. He frowned as we approached, probably sensing that something was different about us.
“You’ve completed the mating.” It wasn’t a question, more like an observation.
“We have,” I confirmed, pulling Pearl to my side.
Now that we were back, I couldn’t ignore the need to have her close. Touching her was both a comfort and a curse.
“Anything to report?” I knew that there wasn’t but still needed to ask.
“Estella is asking to see Ledger.” A muscle twitched in his jaw.
So far, it had only been Deacon and I interrogating Ledger. The Moon Spirit advised me to include Pearl. Maybe Estella could help too. If anything, she was family.
“I’d like to talk to her first.” I tried not to read too much into Deacon’s look of astonishment.
“Oh, all right,” he murmured, turning to lead the way to the outbuilding that was my cousin’s temporary prison.
