Page 144 of A Broody Mate for the Human

Yes!

I make sure not to run too fast. Bennett is rather small in size, probably due to the years of abuse, but he is a sturdy little thing and has lots of energy. Akio will have so much fun with him. It’s so humbling to see how excited Luca is about experiencing his first shift and first run. He looks at everything in awe, smelling flowers and jumping into little puddles.

Akio seems to melt at the view of him.Jun?

Yes,I nod, taking a step back.Go ahead.

Luca seems to have noticed the change of atmosphere as he eyes Akio curiously now. I can see something in his eyes flash before Bennett takes over, carefully stalking over towards Akio and burying his nose in his fur. He jumps circles around Akio before burying his head in his fur again like he wants to bathe in it.

I smile, deciding to give Akio the privacy he deserves. I’m not sure how much time passes as the two of them run through the pack grounds and play with each other. Akio indulges Bennett so much. I’ve never seen him so gentle and sweet with anyone.

It’s dawn already when Akio and Bennett give us back control. Luca and I make sure to find our clothes again before shifting back. There is a glow around Luca, like he is basking in the experience he just had. He has tears in his eyes, and when I’ve put on my shirt, he suddenly clings to me. “Thank you,” he whispers. “For pushing me, for convincing me I can do it.”

“I knew you were stronger than you think you are,” I say softly.

“Now we can run together every day.”

I smile. “I certainly hope so.”

Luca looks up at me. “I love you,” he says, surprising me. I didn’t expect him to feel for me that way already. I thought it was just me. Luca takes a step back, his cheeks flushing. “I-I’m sorry,” he stutters. “I didn’t want to make things awkward. I’m so stupid.”

“Luca”—I take his hand into mine—“I love you too.”

His eyes widen. “Really?”

“Yes, you’re my angel.”

Luca looks flustered, playing with my fingers. “My father always said that no one would want someone like me. He said I was weak.”

“You aren’t weak,” I say quietly.

“I felt weak,” he admits. “Every time he put that silver collar on me, every time he had Lenny beat me, and I couldn’t fight against him, I felt so weak.”

“Lenny was older than you, and unlike with you, your father didn’t suppress his wolf,” I say sadly. “You’re far from weak.”

“With you at my side, I’m starting to believe it,” Luca admits. He smiles shyly. “I just shifted for the first time.”

“Yes.” I nod with a smile, noticing how the realization is suddenly settling in and Luca lets go of my hand and jumps excitedly. “I shifted!”

“You did it,” I say proudly.

Chapter forty-seven

Pack Life

*DAVE*

Thelastfewdayshave been wild. Raffy and I have settled in, did a lot of shopping, and I went to my university for my schedule for the upcoming term. I also talked to my professor, whose assistant I will be, and I can’t wait to continue my postgraduate studies to get my PhD and to hold my own classes.

I’ve also had several meetings with Annie and Liam, and Liam made it clear that while he doesn’t expect me to fight for the pack, he wants me to learn basic self-defense moves, something Raffy was instantly on board with.

Well, sacrifices need to be made for the greater good, so I will have to start moving my luxurious body and sweat in places I never wanted to.

“Okay, here.” I offer Raffy a self-made breakfast burrito with plenty of eggs and ham.

“Goddess, I love you. You gave me the perfect mate,” Raffy mutters, kissing me before grabbing the burrito and swallowing half of it in one go. “Perfect.” He sighs. He eyes me with a frown. “Don’t you eat anything?”

“Too early,” I yawn. “It’s not even 7 a.m.”