Maybe I should be happy that I can help soothe her mind for every night except for that one a month. But even one is too much. If I can’t be with her and the security system I installed isn’t enough to set her mind at ease, there has to be something else.
A human man would never have to leave her side.
My wolf snarls at that thought, and I feel equal disgust toward it.
Juliet is mine. No human man could keep her safe the way I can.
But there is another human who could keep her company on the nights when I’m drawn to the woods.
“Maybe Zoey could help,” I offer.
“What do you mean?”
“She was alone last night too.”
Juliet stares at me, and then a slow smile spreads across her face. “You mean, next month, I should host a full-moon slumber party with your brother’s girlfriend?”
I nod, returning her smile, enjoying the expression on her face.
After a moment though, it fades into thoughtfulness. “So, I guess Zoey and Warner are pretty serious?”
I think back to the talk I had with him after Thanksgiving. How my brother asked if I’d mind helping him move some of his stuff from the apartment over the hardware store to Zoey’s cabin.
That idea had me battling some major longing to be doing the same.
“Yeah. Definitely serious.”
Den with our mate, my wolf urges, voice loud so close to the full moon.
I rub my chest to calm him down, even though I have the same need in my bones. The idea of building a home with Juliet. Not having my place and her place, butourplace. And I wouldn’t even expect her to move. I know this little house means a lot to her, and I just want to be another resident in it.
“Do you know …” She hesitates, then clears her throat. “Are they going to mate?”
The word on her lips sends spikes of magic and wanting tingling all through my body.
Mate her. She is ours. We are hers, my wolf proclaims, happy, agitated need sending the beast prowling through my chest.
I know. Patience, is all I can manage in return.
But, gods-damn, mating this woman feels exactly right. That permanent bond a missing link that I want more than anything.
But she asked about my brother.
“Both are interested. Warner said they are engaged to be mated. Like humans with marriage. I believe they plan to mate in the spring.”
If Zoey were a wolf, I’m sure the ceremony would have already taken place. But humans have different traditions, different needs.
Like my Juliet. If she agreed, I’d mate her tomorrow.
But my woman will want more time. She is bold and fierce, but shadows linger behind her eyes that make her hesitate.
I will drive the shadows away.
“That’s good. That Warner isn’t pushing her,” she murmurs, trailing a slice of crusty bread through the meaty sauce on her plate.
Warner, push?
“He would never. Warner loves Zoey. He only wants her to be happy.”
