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Chapter Fourteen
Trace
You’re a married pair who obviously adore one another and are fully complete together. I don’t see how I fit in. Or why you’d want me to.
The little wolf with indigo eyes was tearing a hole in my heart. We were cuddled together on the bed, fully dressed, except for shoes—and of course I wore only undershorts, as I had been while bundled up in a dozen quilts in the other room as well. And I was grateful to be shirtless because the rough cheek of my husband and the smooth cheek of our mate were making direct skin-to-skin contact with my chest. The tea had done a great deal toward healing both my husband and I, but being so close to our mate was doing more. My body was easing, the pains disappearing, and strength returning as I lay here.
Although I’d been doing nothing but sleep, it hadn’t been restful. The aches and nausea seeped into every one of my cells, or so it felt, and that misery crept into my dreams. I brought my arms around the two of them, wanting them as close as possible, wanting to merge with them. Mating would be even better, but my wolf cautioned me to be watchful. To look for opportunities to show Cerine that she was the perfect fit for us. Taking a chance, I kissed her forehead, a sign of affection Finton and I gave one another many times when one of us was going to bed a bit before the other for some reason. Not sexual at all, just showing kindness, promising to be there for them when they awoke. To make sure they were safe while they slept and welcomed back to this world in the morning in a warm nest together.
We hadn’t slept apart in a very long time. Even here, when I was in the daybed, Finton had his feet and legs on it and was close beside me. I couldn’t remember how I managed to fall asleep alone.
I didn’t want to.
I didn’t explain to Cerine what the kiss meant to Finton and I, but I did put every one of those thoughts and feelings behind it and hoped she’d experience what I was sending to her.
My wolf was contentedly curled inside me for the first time since all the bad things happened, comforted by the presence of our mates. For a moment, I wondered what happened to the wolves of all those who died. It wasn’t something I’d ever heard the bard or any of the elders mention. Perhaps it was more of a topic spoken of among older people, or perhaps they just didn’t know.
Finton added his kiss to mine, and my love for him bloomed even brighter. “I don’t think you have to overthink things. We’re mates. Our wolves have all confirmed it. Haven’t they?”
I nodded my agreement and, after a moment, Cerine did as well, her cheek stroking my chest with the motion.
“She has,” she confirmed, “but—”
“No buts,” I asserted, cuddling her closer, cuddling them both closer. “Our wolves recognize our mates as they are intended to do. With Finton, we were friends first, but when we got old enough, our relationship transitioned to mate. I suspect the wolves knew all along, but they never said anything until the time was right.”
“With you,” Finton said, “there was no need to wait. My wolf claimed you in his way when you first appeared in the tent opening. Of course we were a bit busy at that point, but now we have time to take the next step.”
“I don’t…how would that even work?” She sounded more than confused, maybe frightened? “Do you both, I mean would we…I mean…” She was strung as tightly as piano wire.
“Having a single mate is a blessing but two? We were happy together, and we weren’t looking for someone else, but once we laid eyes on you…” He chuckled. “Well I got the first peek because my husband here was out of it, so, once I saw you, my wolf recognized you as ours instantly. And he wants you.” His smile was warm and always melted me like chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, but would it have the same effect on Cerine? Would it ease her fears? “But in your time and only in a way you are comfortable with.”
I felt her body against mine loosen a little, but only a little. So I spoke as well, wanting her to understand we wanted only her happiness. “It’s up to you to set the pace, Cerine. Did you ever play red light green light when you were a cub?”
“I…oh, like statues. Where someone says stop and go and everyone else has to comply or they lose?”
“Like that,” I agreed dryly. “Although hopefully a little more romantic.”
Her giggle made me laugh, too. Especially when she said, “I think this is kind of romantic.”
“Me, too,” Finton said with a fond smile.
“Me, too, Mate,” I ventured, holding my breath lest she reject the word.
But she just nestled closer. “Yes, it is. Do you mind if I take a little nap before I go back out to my bed?”
“Of course not,” Finton reassured her. “We love you being here. Stay as long as you’re comfortable.”
Stay forever.
Sometimes, Wolf, you get things just right.
