Page 33

“I've got the files ready,” Madeline says, turning the stack of papers to me. “The ones on top are for the Garby assets, but you only have to look through and sign on the first three.”

I watch Madeline as she rambles on, unable to wipe the goofy grin off my face. She catches the look I'm giving her after her entire briefing.

“What?” she asks.

“How did I ever get anything done without you?”

“I don't know, but you better learn it fast,” Madeline laughs. It's supposed to be a joke, but the gentle reminder that our summer together is about to come to an end rams into me like a raging bull.

I manage to keep a smile on my face, though. It's going to take me a lot of practice.

Madeline glances at the clock. “It's time for lunch already. Are you sure you don't want to come with me and Olivia?”

I shake my head. “No, you two have fun. I'll see you when you get back.”

Madeline goes around my desk and approaches my chair. She sits down on me fully, leaning in until our lips barely touch. “Are you sure you don't want to join us?”

I pull her into a long kiss, savoring the amazing taste of her tongue. Madeline leans in, forgetting she has somewhere to be.

Her fingers travel through my hair and once she gets a good grip, she uses it to pull me closer. She moans softly into my mouth, smiling all the way.

“Who needs lunch when I could just have you?” she says.

There's a knock on the door that moves us apart. Madeline stands up just as Olivia opens the door. Her eyes widen when she sees my mate wiping her lips.

“Oh shit, sorry,” Olivia apologizes. “I can come back—”

“No, it's chill. I'm ready to go,” Madeline says. She gives me one last peck on the lips before leaving with her friend. I settle into the chair, already missing the feeling of my mate on top of me.

My smile falters when her words travel into my mind again. She's going to be gone soon.

I slap myself mentally. I can't believe it took me this long to acknowledge and accept my feelings for her. Now, she's about to head back to school and here I am, already missing her.

Once she leaves, the whole point of staying behind is ruined. I can't get any work done because I miss her so much. I stand and begin to pace aimlessly. The unnecessary walk leads me to the door of Graham's office.

I knock and receive an immediate response. “Come in.” I push open the door and enter, seeing Graham hunched over his computer, typing furiously.

“What brings the great Mr. Barlow to my humble office this afternoon? Let me guess, did Madeline call in sick today?”

“What do you mean? I come to see you all the time.”

“So she went for lunch then?”

“Yes,” I sigh. I walk to a free chair and collapse into it. “I've turned into you.”

“You say that like it's a bad thing.”

“It is. Don't think I haven't heard you whining because Rose has to go on that retreat.”

“I should be with her right now,” he says, dreamily. “I'm sure she misses me just as much.”

“How are you coping without her here?” I inquire, leaning forward a little.

Graham moves from behind the computer. “I'm not. I miss her all the damn time.”

“That's going to be me soon if I don't do anything about it,” I say, adjusting my position on the chair. Suddenly, no spot seems comfortable while I'm trying to be vulnerable.

“Oh yeah, her internship is about to end,” Graham notes. “Damn. How're you holding up?”

“I'm not. I'm not sure I'm ready for her to go just yet.”

“Then this is your sign,” my friend remarks enthusiastically.

“To do what?”

“Ask her to marry you.”

I look back at Graham. There was no indication in his voice that he was joking, but the idea is too crazy to be real. “Come again?”

“I'm serious,” Graham reiterates. “If you're certain about her wanting to stay, then ask her to marry you. I know a guy that makes the best engagement rings.”

“That's just the thing. I don't want her to stay.”

Graham frowns. “I'm confused.”

“It's the other way around,” I explain. “She has a life to live and I'm seriously considering moving for her.”

Graham lets out a short huff of air through his nose. “Wait, seriously? You'd be willing to give up so much for her?”

“Of course, she's my mate.” I lean forward. “I love Madeline more than anything. I ran away from her once. It's time to run toward her.”

“You know this means leaving everything, right? Leaving the pack, your job—”

“I know, Graham.”

I'd be leaving my best friend, too.

Graham goes silent for a second, pondering my words. “That’s a huge decision, but I understand it. I want you here, but I understand.”

“Do you think I should discuss this with Cora?”

Graham nods. “Who better to talk to than her aunt?”

“Yeah … I'll go do that now.”

I hesitate outside Cora's door. She's back in her old office on her old floor. I knock and hear nothing at first. Just as I'm about to knock again, she tells me to come in.

“Nate,” Cora acknowledges without looking up. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I wanted to talk about Madeline.”

“Ah, I figured this conversation would come up sooner or later.”

“You did?” I ask, taking a seat.

“You two are in love with each other, but she's going back to school. It's not exactly rocket science.”

“That's fair. I'm here because I've made a decision.”

Cora frowns. “Are you about to ask my blessing to pull Madeline off law school? If you think—”

“I want to move away with her.”

Cora blinks twice. “What?”

I take a deep breath before explaining. “Madeline means the world to me. I want her to get everything she desires, and thanks to you one of those things is becoming a lawyer. I'm willing to move closer to her law school so we can be together.”

“Are you sure you know what you're saying?” she asks. “You'll lose your job here. You may not come back to this pack for several years, if you choose to come back at all.”

“Madeline is more than worth it.”

Cora settles into her seat. “I have to say, I didn't think this was what you would do, Nate. My respect for you has grown. Do you have any other options?”

“I can't think of anything that would have us staying here and I'm not about to let her uproot her life.”

“Hmm … when are you going to talk to her about this?”

“Tonight, at dinner.”

Cora gives me one of her rare smiles. “Good luck, Nate.”

I scramble to pick my jaw off the floor when I see Madeline. “You are … breathtaking. I mean that in every way possible. Wow.”

She gives me a little spin in her red dress. “Thank you.”

“How are you, beautiful?” I ask, making her giggle. I open the door for her and she enters.

It's almost impossible to keep my eyes off her. The drive to the restaurant is short, though. I lead her inside, and we take our table, ready to be served.

“I’ve been looking forward to going out tonight,” Madeline says. “I really like spending time with you.”

This gives me the confidence to admit what's been on my mind. “I need to talk to you about something.”

She frowns. “You're so serious all of a sudden. What's wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, it's just something I want to tell you.” I pause for breath. “I've decided to move with you when you’re ready to go back to law school.”

I watch as my mate's eyes flare. “What?”

“I can't bear to be apart from you, Madeline. You're my world now and if that means moving across the country, I'll do it. As long as we're together, I'll be happy if you’re happy.”

Madeline smooths her hair out of the way. “I guess it's my turn to come clean,” she says.

“You can tell me anything.”

“I've already started working on a transfer. I'm going to law school close by.”

My eyebrows climb high. “What?” I ask. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” she giggles. “You're not the only one who can't stay away.”

“Are you sure about this? I don't want you to leave everything behind for me.”

“Have you forgotten that my plan was to make you fall for me? I've always wanted you and now I have you. I'm also not leaving anything behind. Do you think Aunt Cora would ever let me drop out of school for a man?”

“No,” I laugh. I reach for her hand across the table and she gives it to me. “I just want you to be sure.”

“I've never been more sure about anything in my life.”

“I don't want you to make your whole life about me.”

“You are my life, Nate.”

I give her hands a gentle squeeze. “You're mine too. There's one last thing I have to ask you. Madeline, move in with me?”

“Yes!” she squeals, drawing numerous eyes to our table. Neither of us care, though. I get up and move over to her side, sealing our new arrangement with a kiss. “I love you so much, Nate.”

“I love you more,” I reply.

“I loved you first,” she counters.

As I look into the eyes of the woman I love more than anything else, I realize just how lucky I am to live in this moment.

It may be too soon, but having the number of Graham's ring guy wouldn't hurt.

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, you’ll love Claimed By The Lone Wolf

Get Claimed By The Lone Wolf Now

I return to my old pack to find my mate claimed, stalked, and hating me for leaving.

At 29 I knew Sara was my mate. She was 18, newly shifted and instantly mine—until I walked away.

As an enforcer, staying placed her in danger. But now, a new Alpha rules, the corruption is ending, and I’m back to fix what I broke.

Leaving was supposed to keep her safe.

I was wrong.

Another wolf has claimed her. He’s dangerous. Obsessed. And when he lays a hand on her, I see red.

I attack. But, silver takes me down. I should be dead. Instead, I wake up in her bed—weak, trapped, and waiting to heal.

She swears she doesn’t love me. But her scent, her pulse, her every breath betray her. Forgiveness takes time, but love? That never left.

Now, that bastard dares to claim her before the Alpha. As if he had rights.

I won’t lose her again.

This time?

I’ll kill to keep her.