Page 23

"Turn it on? The bike?"

Igrinned and stood up,withdrawing out of him. He lay on the floor of the cockpit, panting. In my human form, the instrument panel seemed like it'd been made for a giant, and I guess that was true. Leaving the bike in a neutral gear, I flipped up the ignition cover and slammed my palm onto the switch. The bike shuddered and then roared to life, its engine growling like a thousand angry wolves. The power of the engine thrummed through the cockpit, vibrating everything with its energy. Perry squirmed on the floor, begging me to come back to him with his eyes. I buried myself into him again, pounding him deep and hard. His mouth opened in a moan that was muffled by the sound of the idling engine. I reached up and jammed my fist into the accelerator, revving the engine. The vibrations rocked our bodies, and it felt like they were being focused down to where our bodies met, intensifying the sensation of our lovemaking. Then I saw the words on his lips, impossible to hear over the sound of the revvingengine.

I'm going to come!

Iwasat the finish too, and the engine roared and shook the bike with violent power as I came. I felt Perry tighten around me as his eyes widened with climax, and his cock pulsed and sent an arc of come up and across his own chest. I buried myself deep into him, all the way, my cock throbbing and knotting with my orgasm, filling him up with my raw come. He threw his arms around me and pulled me down to kiss him, our lips colliding desperately together as our tongues met andplayed.

Slowly,I withdrew from him, both of us gasping for breath. I reached up and hit the kill switch, and the engine came to a grumbling stop. We were left with a void of silence that was filled only by the sound of ourbreathing.

"Ilove you,"Perry said. "I love you, I love you, I loveyou."

Asharp achegripped my heart, hearing him say those words, but I savored it. It meant this was real, and this was rare. I kissed him, never wanting to beapart.

* * *

Jupiter toddled along as fastas her two little legs would carry her. She had her ears and tail shifted out, and today she'd even managed to reveal her wolf's nose. It was cute seeing her running along with her tail wagging and her nose like a little spot of coal in the middle of a pink face. It'd been three days since we'd sent out the challenge, and things had already fallen into a comfortable rhythm in Luna manor. My brothers and their families had stopped in every day, and I could tell my parents were pleased aboutthat.

Over the past few years,everyone else had sort of drifted into their own lives. Loch and Tresten were teaching, and their son was already getting ready to enter pre-academy. Vander and Pell spent a lot of time up north with the bears, working their healing clinic and raising Alexis. Even Christophe, who was still bound to the Luna manor due to his duties as clan leader, spent a lot more time in his own modest home with Mason and Kota. I didn't blame him for wanting to get away. It could be stifling here, and even though he was leader, it was easy to feel not in control of things when living with our parents. Our situation had created an occasion to come visit and lend support. Loch and Tresten were especially supportive. Loch had dueled in a challenge for honor before, and they both understood what it was like to be signed away in an arrangedmarriage.

We went outside,and Perry and I watched Jupiter run around in the grassy field by the apple orchard that stretched out into the mountains bordering our home. Perry took my hand, and we walked along, enjoying cool breezes that moved the grass like ripples on the surface of a pond. For a moment, I had a vision of what life would've been like if he and I had always been together. Walks like this together every day. Endless moments of happiness at each other's side. How different would my life have been if we had found a way to be together back then? Thinking of all the empty relationships I'd had over the years made me feel slightly sorry for myself, and upset for those who I'd hurt in my wake. I'd been hurting all this time, and just hadn't realized it. I'd only been trying to fill the space he'dleft.

Ihadthe sudden realization that I wouldn't have changed anything. The way life had unfolded had still blessed me with experiences I valued, and most importantly, with a deep appreciation for what Perry and I shared. I knew it was special back then, but seeing how I felt about him now, I understood just how important he was. Just what our love meant. Having experienced the void, I could appreciate the meaning in it all. And, I'd also found myself smitten by little Jupiter. Seeing her curiosity and joy as she explored the world had brought me a lot of joy, too. I wanted to protect her. I wanted to show her things that her alpha father had failed to show her, and to heal whatever wounds he might've inadvertently caused. She was still shy with me and most everyone else except for Perry, but she had made fast friends with Alexis, and after just a few days of being together the two girls seemed to have adopted a sibling relationship. Jupiter followed Alexis around, silently watching everything the older girl did, sometimes imitating her. Alexis was boisterous and playful, so it seemed like a positive match. I couldn't help but find myself thinking of how great an environment this family would be for Jupiter to grow upin.

"Have you heard from your dad?"I asked Perry. "Or your brother, atleast?"

"Ispoketo Dimitrius on the phone the other day. It sounded like Dad was just glad to get this 'mess' out of hishair."

"Idon't wantto get ahead of ourselves," I said, "but maybe we should start talking about what might happen after the challenge. Once you and Gregor areseparated."

Perry squeezedmy hand and smiled at me apologetically. "Westillhaven't even gotten a response back," hesaid.

"Yeah,but we will. He can't ignore it. And I was thinking that your brother could join us here sometime. Be a part of things. Especially for afterwards. He's Jupiter's uncle, afterall."

"Wow,you are getting ahead of yourself," Perry laughed. He poked my side. "Just what do you think is going to happen,anyway?"

"We're going to get married,"Isaid.

"Are we?"He smirked atme.

"Yes. Do you not want to?"

"Is this a proposal?"

Ilaughedand threw my arm around his shoulder. "Stop teasingme."

"I'm not teasing you,"he said, grinning. "I'mserious."

"Okay, fine."I took his hands and dropped to one knee. "Perichor Windhelm, will you marry me?" and quickly added, "If everything worksout?"

Perry laughed,pulled me to my feet, and kissed. "You're damn right I will. And of course Dimitrius will be a part ofthings."

"What about your father?"

"Whataboutmy father?"

"He is your father,and Jupiter'sgrandfather."

"And Gregor is Jupiter's 'father'.It doesn't change his actions, nor does it entitle him to any right to be a part of Jupiter's life. He's failed us too many times. He's failedmetoo manytimes."