Page 15

15

Kaylee

Stretching out under the willow tree with the wind flowing through my fur, I enjoy watching my packmates coming and going from the packhouse while I wait for Lucas. My work had only taken me about an hour and a half to complete, and I decided to wait outside for my mate after lunch.

“I thought you’d wait for me in your office.”

Lifting my head off my paws, I look to find Lucas coming under the willow tree, looking at me in amusement. My tail thumps slowly on the grassy ground, and I yawn.

[I ended up being done early and decided to enjoy the nice weather in my wolf form,] I answer through the link, and Lucas rolls his eyes at me.

“I see. Let me go shift. I’ll be right back,” he says with a sigh.

I nod, resting my head on my paws and closing my eyes. I’ve been tired lately—a mix of running around making preparations for newcomers with Amelia and worrying about my pregnancy. I feel like I should relax under the willow tree in wolf form more often before my pregnancy advances to the point I can no longer shift.

A tongue brushing against the top of my head causes me to look up to find Lucas’ black wolf towering over my cream wolf, the scars on his face nearly gone and only a small mark across his eye. I smile happily, my tail swishing from side to side as I stand and stretch.

[Are you ready for a good run?] he asks, his deep voice filling my mind as he nuzzles into my fur.

[I am,] I answer, winking to Lucas before taking off. I look back for a moment to see him staring at me in disbelief. I guess he didn’t expect me to rush off without warning, but he shakes his fur and follows me, his wolf quickly catching up.

Without thinking, I race toward the forest and begin dodging trees, bushes, and stumps. I can hear Lucas behind me growling in annoyance, and I laugh to myself. This will teach him that I’m not some obedient she-wolf he can boss around. I’m his equal—he’d better accept that if he ever wants to be together.

My paws thunder against the hard ground of the forest, the dirt being kicked out from under me as I run. The earthy scent mixed with the forest smells invigorates me, making me want to run faster, but I pace myself. I’m with pup, and I can’t push my body or risk hurting the baby developing inside me.

I hear Lucas crashing through the brush behind me and scoff. Even though he patrols our borders every morning, Lucas still sounds like a bull in a china shop as he crashes through the leaves and branches. Slowing down to a trot, I wait for Lucas to join me, his eyes filled with love and irritation when he finally stops beside me.

[You’re supposed to be careful, not take off like a bullet,] he grumbles through the link, nuzzling his face against my flank.

[I am being careful,] I point out playfully, headbutting his shoulder and nipping at his fur. [Besides, I only have a few weeks left until it’s no longer safe for me to run,] I add.

Lucas sighed, the irritation leaving his face as he nuzzled his body against mine. The bond hums happily as Lucas circles me, brushing against my fur. It isn’t until I notice his scent covering me that I realize he was marking me with it. After a quick lick across my cheek, Lucas nudges me, and we continue walking around the territory. I’m happy that my fur hides the blush covering my cheeks.

I don’t push myself this time and trot along at a comfortable pace instead. I led Lucas through the forest, showing him the favorite spots I’d found during my first month in Ivory Fangs. From there, I showed him the quick trails that would take him to my cottage in case of an emergency if I needed him. Neither of us speaks of pack duties, the upcoming trial, or the visit from the Council Representative happening in a few days. Instead, we enjoy the forest’s silence, walking side by side and taking a break by the small streams.

For a moment, I wondered if this was our first date. The thought made my heart happy as we came across a pond with wildflowers around it.

[Lucas?] I call through our link as we lay beside the small pond.

[Yes, Kaylee?] he replies, laying his head across my neck and taking in my scent.

[Is this a date?] I ask quietly. Nerves fill me as I wait for his answer.

[I was about to ask you the same question,] he responds, lifting his head off me and flicking his tongue across my head between my ears. My tail thumps happily as I settle closer to him.

[So it’s our first date?] I ask again, feeling Lucas move closer.

[Yes, this is our first date, Kaylee.]