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He took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
“I don’t like it when you lie to me. You don’t need to be strong for me. You should feel safe enough around me to tell me how you truly feel.” She smirked again. “Remember, I’m your warrior. I can handle it.”
He laughed, warming her heart. “Yes, my warrior. I’m tired, we take turns taking naps, but it’s not enough. Even though what you did for me was far more than what I could’ve ever asked for, my body hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
He quickly pressed his fingers against her lips, already knowing that she would interrupt him.
“No, you won’t heal me even more. I won’t allow it. It’s my duty to protect the pack no matter what condition I’m in. We’re all tired, not just me. Everyone is on full alert at all times and prepared for the worst.”
“I’m proud of you. Having you out there makes me feel safe.”
“Thank you.” Weaving their fingers together, he led her back to the house. “Tomorrow I’ll send Tristan, my best friend, to see you. He still has your belongings in the truck. You can grab whatever you need to make yourself feel at home in our room. He has been very excited about meeting you and I’m sure he’s happy to help.”
They stopped just a few yards from the house. He leaned forward and gave her one last kiss before stepping back. Blake took off his jeans and shifted. His big, furry head leaned down until his nose touched her tummy. He sniffed and gently licked it. Before turning to leave, he laid his ear on her belly listening to the baby’s heartbeat while Niev stroked his large head and patted his fur. Then he walked over to glass doors and stuck his head inside the house where Niev could hear Mayra and Lyliann running around.
“We’re coming,” Mayra called out of breath. “I packed some extra food for everyone else, but I’m not sure if it’s enough.”
Mayra and Lyliann carried a second large basket toward Blake. He slowly opened his muzzle and grabbed the basket’s handle without squeezing it too hard. He pulled his head out of the house and turned toward the tree line.
Niev picked up his jeans and added them to the basket. “Be safe!”
He gave her a little nod and ran into the woods.
She stood, feet glued to the ground, staring toward where Blake had disappeared into the woods. Standing still, she fought a war within herself. She wanted to run after him, be by his side, to fight with him and protect him. She was afraid that she couldn’t get to him in time to save him in case of another attack. Yet, she also knew she would distract him and anger the other wolves out there. She knew what the right decision was, but it physically pained her to walk inside and go to bed.
Her dreams were restless, and she woke up early in the morning. The sun was just about to rise, and the weak light barely lit the room. She tossed and turned but wasn’t able to fall back asleep. Instead, she climbed out of bed and got dressed. If needed, she would take a nap later in the day, but right now she was as restless as her dreams. She walked out of the room, into the dark hallway, and down the stairs.
The house was quiet, and she seemed to be the only one awake. She quietly opened the front door and stepped out into the crisp, refreshing air. Her mind and body instantly calmed. Each deep breath she took relaxed her more and more, and the urge to move faded away.
“It seems, I’m not the only one enjoying the quiet of the early mornings.”
Niev flinched and turned her head toward the voice. Tanner sat by the edge of the porch on an old rocking chair, gazing over the village. He looked even more exhausted than Blake had the night before.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she admitted.
He pointed at the chair next to him. “Sit, my child.”
She quietly sat next to him, and they watched as the sun rose above the trees. The village was peaceful early in the morning. Looking over all the small houses and tracing the little paths in between with her eyes made her feel as if she was where she was meant to be. She felt as if her long journey of searching for a place she could call home ended right here. Even after leaving her family and finding a new place with Jason, she’d never felt as if she’d found the one place that she would settle in. The last five years she’d called Clemont home, but she’d always known that it wasn’t herforeverhome.
Sitting next to Tanner, she felt as if she finally found what she’d been searching for all those years. She could see her future here. She wanted to grow old with Blake by her side and see her child grow up surrounded by these woods. Even though she knew Blake had asked her to take her time making her decision whether to stay or not, she knew what she wanted.
She took a deep breath and turned her head to Tanner. “Tanner, not only would I like to join your family, but also your pack.” She wasn’t sure how to address him and hoped she hadn’t offended him by not addressing him as Alpha Tanner.
“Are you sure that is what you want? Are you aware of the consequences of your choice?”
“Yes.” She paused, trying to find the right words to explain her thoughts in a respectful manner. “I understand that joining your pack means that I’ll submit myself to you, Seth, and each alpha that will follow. I’ll give up my individual free will. I understand it’s for the health and safety of everyone in the pack and I would like to be part of it. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy for me. I’m sure it’ll give me many more sleepless nights, but it is what my heart and soul want.”
She knew being honest with him would be best. Hiding her struggles from him would only end badly and could make her seem less trustworthy.
“I know I’m gaining far more than what I’ll lose. I’ve never felt this strongly about belonging somewhere. I understand Seth’s fear, and I’m sure you share his concerns about me not having wolf blood and the submissive gene that comes with it. I understand my actions so far have only confirmed your concerns and I promise I’ll learn to contain my temper and submit to you as my alpha. It might take me more time than other new members and I hope you’ll understand and forgive me, knowing that I’ll always try my best. If you accept me, I’ll do everything in my power to help and protect your pack.”
“Blake has told me about your willingness to join our pack. I wasn’t sure if you truly understood what it would mean for you, the burden it would put on you.”
He spoke slowly, his face turned away from her. Not seeing his face made it hard for her to figure out where he was going with his answer.
“And I don’t burden anyone with anything they can’t handle. You, my child, have proven me wrong. You’re no ordinary woman, and I should’ve known that no ordinary woman could tame Blake.” He paused and turned his head back toward her, showing pain and regret in his eyes. “You shouldn’t have to ask me to join our pack. I should’ve asked you to join us. I understand Seth’s concerns, but you’ve proven to me that you’re worthy of my trust.”
His words filled her with pride and confusion at the same time. “I don’t understand, how have I earned your trust? I went against Seth’s will and going against him meant going against you.”
