“Yes, yes, take what you need from me, baby.”
Finally, she licks the wound, sealing it with her saliva before collapsing against my chest, completely spent. I fall back onto the bed, holding her tightly against me.
“I hurt my bear,” she whispers, tears starting to form in her eyes.
I sit up, repositioning us against the headboard, then roll her off me, making sure she’s comfortable. I wipe the blood from her mouth with gentle fingers, shaking my head at her concern.
“No, baby, no,” I assure her with a chuckle. “Well, you might have terrified my bear, but no. I’m fine, baby, I swear it. You were right. You did need to run from my bear. You did it. You claimed me. I’m yours. I always was, but it’s official now.”
“I was rough,” she says, looking troubled. “It was like I didn’t have control of my body.”
I smile at that, smoothing her hair back from her sweat-damp forehead. “You are a strong woman. And you’ve been taming my bear since the first moment we met. No surprise you’re the dominant of our mate bond.” I kiss her gently. “I look forward to the day you can break me again.”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to walk for a couple of days,” she admits weakly.
I laugh. “I think I’ll need a day or two myself.”
She rests her head against my chest, her breathing beginning to slow as exhaustion takes over. “I better get pregnant fast, or I’m running from your bear again,” she murmurs sleepily.
I laugh, though my bear panics at the very idea. She yawns and quickly falls asleep in my arms.
No no no, run from Jackie, my bear pleads.
“Shut up,” I tell him. “You wanted a strong mate. Now you’ve got it.”
“Don’t tell me to shut up,” She murmurs in her sleep.
“No, baby, not you. Never you,” I whisper, kissing the top of her head. “I love you, Jackie.”
“I love you too,” she mumbles, already half-asleep.
It’s that declaration that helps me fall asleep, completely ignoring my bear’s panic.
We are one now. Finally.
24
JABARI
Epilogue—Big Jackie’s The Tourist Island
Two Months Later
Jackie grins at me as I help her from the ferry onto the docks. I can’t help myself—my hands immediately move to her belly, desperate to feel our boy cub growing within her. Even though it’s early in her pregnancy, my heightened senses can detect that our son is developing strong and healthy.
She thinks we’re heading to the tourist island to pick up her new sewing machine. She’s fallen into a slight depression lately, though she tries to hide it behind smiles and casual conversation. I see it in her eyes when she thinks I’m not looking—that longing for the life she left behind. Despite finding joy in clan life, in me, in our growing family, there’s still something missing for her. Today, that changes.
“Why do we have to go all the way to the sheriff station to get it?” she asks, her voice tinged with irritation. “I want to go home and take a nap.”
She’s been more tired lately, the pregnancy taking its toll even this early. Our cub is strong, drawing on her energy as he grows.
“This is important,” I tell her, my voice gentle but firm. “I’ll carry you up there myself if I have to.”
She narrows her eyes at me but starts walking anyway, her gait slower than usual. I fall into step behind her, my eyes drawn to the sway of her hips. Despite her pregnancy fatigue, she still moves with a grace that captivates me. She catches me staring and a giggle escapes her lips, breaking through her grumpy mood.
I match her pace, walking beside her now. “It won’t be long, baby,” I promise, reaching for her hand. “And if it’s too cold, stay close to me. I’ll keep you warm.”
Jackie grabs my hand, her fingers intertwining with mine. “Our son is keeping me warm,” she reminds me, her free hand moving to rest on her belly.
