Page 60 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

She’sperfection.

I stand in the doorway of my bedroom, watching Julia sleep. The early evening light filters through half-drawn curtains, casting golden patterns across her bare shoulder where it peeks above the sheets. My wolf rumbles with satisfaction at the sight of the fresh mating mark on her neck—two crescent-shaped punctures already healing into what will become a permanent scar.

Mymark. My claim.

The mingled scent of our bodies hangs in the air, a heady mixture that makes my nostrils flare with primal pleasure. Each soft breath she takes resonates through me like a physical touch. The bond between us pulses with new life; her emotions flow into me like a gentle stream, subtle echoes of contentment and security that mirror my own.

I've never felt anything like this before. The connection is still forming, still strengthening, but already I can sense a bridge between our minds that will only grow with time. When she wakes, she'll feel it too, my emotions flowing to hers, like a permanent lifeline between us. The thought both thrills and steadies me.

My wolf, normally restless and prowling beneath my skin, lies content for the first time in memory. The beast recognizes what I've known since the moment I caught her scent: she is ours. She has always been ours.

A sharp knock at the front door jerks me to attention. My wolf surges forward, instantly alert to a potential threat so close to our vulnerable, sleeping mate. I move silently through the cabin, reaching the door in a few long strides.

I inhale deeply before opening it, scenting the visitor. Dragon.

I pull the door open to find Percy Ashbane standing on my porch, looking like he's aged a decade since this morning. His normally vibrant green scales have dulled with fatigue, and dark circles rim his eyes.

"Percy," I acknowledge, stepping back to allow him entry. My wolf remains wary, protective instincts making me track his every movement. "Come in."

"Sorry to drop by unannounced," Percy says, stepping past me into the cabin. "I needed to check on you both after the fire. And update you on the situation."

"Julia is fine," I reply, closing the door. "How's Silverine?"

Percy runs a hand through his hair, a surprisingly human gesture for a dragon.

"Sprained ankle. She's back at the manor, barking orders from a chaise lounge with her foot propped up on satin pillows."

Despite the tension between us, I find myself smiling.

"Sounds about right."

I guide him toward my office space, away from the bedroom where Julia sleeps. I don't want our conversation disturbing her rest.

"Coffee? Whiskey?" I offer, gesturing to a chair.

Percy shakes his head. "No, thank you. I can't stay long. I don't want to leave Seraphina alone too much right now."

He sits heavily in the offered chair, his wings dwarfing the furniture. I take the seat across from him, studying the lines of strain etched into his face.

"What's the damage report?" I ask, getting straight to business.

"The fire completely destroyed the east wing's security system," Percy reports, his voice flat with exhaustion. "No footage, no backups, no trace data that might help identify the thief."

I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "Convenient."

Too convenient. Too clean. I know I have no choice now. I have to tell Percy.

Before I can continue, a soft sound from the doorway draws both our attention.

Julia stands there, dressed in my faded Saltford Bay Sheriff's Department t-shirt and a pair of jeans that hang a bit too loose on her frame. Her hair tumbles around her shoulders in sleep-mussed waves, and the mating mark stands out vividly against her pale skin. Even disheveled from sleep, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

"I heard voices," she explains, her gaze moving from me to Percy. "Everything okay?"

I feel a surge of protectiveness as Percy's eyes widen slightly at the sight of the mark on her neck. My wolf preens at this visible proof of our claim for all to see.

"Fine," I assure her, reaching out a hand. She crosses the room to take it, and I pull her gently to my side. "Percy was just updating us on the situation at the manor."

"How's Silverine?" Julia asks, her concern genuine. "Is she alright?"