AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Nineteen
That night, I stayed. Not because of my father’s blessing but because of her. Kate. My fated mate. My one.
“It’s going to be hard after tonight,” Kate said as she curled up in my arms. “Probably more for you than it is for me.”
“I don’t think that’s true,” I said while running the backs of my fingertips across her cheek. “Sure, the bond might be a little different because of my wolf, but you felt the pull as well. We’ll figure things out. I’ll come here every other weekend, then you can come up in the spring. The worst part of this journey is over.”
“Which means the fun part’s just beginning.” Kate hugged her arms around me and tucked her head under my chin. “Do you think I’d make a good wolf?”
I smiled and lifted her chin so I could kiss her on the lips. “The very best.”
“Do you think I could ever–”
“No,” I said before she could finish. “I’d never make you turn. You’re beautiful to me just as you are.”
“It would make things easier.”
I didn’t agree. “Being a wolf can be a wonderful experience. It’s also disruptive, confusing, and can be very demanding at times you wish it wasn’t. I’ve learned how to control my wolf. I’ve been living with her my entire life. But you…”
“I know,” Kate said as she held my gaze. “I’m perfect just the way I am.” There was no mistaking the disappointment in my voice.
“You are,” I said while placing a hand on the side of her neck. “Wolf or not, you’re bonded to me, and as much as you might think that’s a hindrance, I assure you it’s not. I love you, Kate. I love everything about you. From your kindness and sweet voice to the way you curl up against me at night. Your vibrant hair, colorful spirit, and–”
“You love me?” Kate’s voice was a mere whisper against my ear.
“I…” My heart stuttered, then stopped. “I’m sorry. I know it seems fast, but with wolves–”
“I love you too.”
“Y-you do?” I couldn’t decide if I should laugh because of my nerves or cry with relief, so I did both.
“Mm-hmm,” Kate said as I lay beside her. “And it isn’t because of your wolf or your strong pelt.”
“It’s not?” I blinked at her, then gently kissed her on the lips.
“No. It’s because of you. Just you.”
* * *
The next morning, I woke with Kate at my side. After spending most of the night talking about our future together and her plans for school, I didn’t have the heart to wake her. So as Kate nuzzled under my arms, I simply stared. I stared at her soft lips, her rosy cheeks, and bubblegum hair.
Out of all the people I’d met in my life, none of them were anything like her. It wasn’t just because she was human or my mate. It was all of her. The way she spoke, the way she held herself… hell, even her laugh was unique only to her. So as I lay there, gently running my fingers through her hair, I couldn’t help thinking of how thankful I was to have found her.
If she hadn’t taken time off of school or worked in Nora’s shop, there was a good chance we never would’ve met. I never would’ve known anything about her.
This upset my wolf so much that it brought me to tears. To know we could've gone through our entire lives without finding each other.
“I’m so lucky to have found you,” I said as I tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. “Out of all the places you could’ve gone, the fates brought you to me. And then I went into Nora’s shop and there you were. This sweet, vibrant, amazing thing.
Some wolves go their entire lives without ever finding their one, so finding you is…” I let out a contented sigh, then kissed the top of her head. “It’s the best thing that ever could’ve happened to me.”
