Page 22

I peel my eyes open slowly and quickly shut them when the sun hits them.

I feel arms wrapped tightly around me and my back placed against a firm chest. A small smile makes its way onto my face.

I slowly and carefully try to pull away from his grip which was damn near impossible, but I managed to do it and replace my body with a pillow.

I chuckle at the sight of Ryder cuddling a pillow and walk out of the room and over to bathroom.

I go into the closet and start searching for an outfit.

In the end I just pick a gray jumper that slips off my shoulder and some black leggings.

I put my clothes on with a bra, and then pull my hair up into a ponytail with strands of hair hanging down on the sides.

I do my bathroom necessities and then peek into our bedroom to see Ryder still sleeping away. I go downstairs a hear my stomach growl, "Okay, food." I say to myself and open the fridge. There wasn't much in here but there was enough to make a good breakfast.

I pull out some bacon, eggs, biscuits, milk, butter, and fruit. I go to the pantry and after a minute off searching, I finally find some pancake mix. I start to fix breakfast and sway my hips to the song in my head.

Twenty minutes of nonstop cooking later, I have finished the pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

I bend down to the oven and decide that the biscuits need a minute or two more.

I cut upon the fruit and place it in a bowl and then start the coffee, the aroma immediately filled the kitchen and I smiled.

I have always loved the smell of coffee in the morning.

I heard the oven beep so I take out the golden brown biscuits.

I place everything on two plates and pour Ryder a cup of coffee and then myself a glass of orange juice.

I put up all the ingredients away and then wash the dishes I used.

I set out the forks and everything and then decide it's time to wake up Ryder.

I jog up the stairs and quietly walk over to the bedroom but stop when I hear water running in the bathroom. I crack open the door and there stands Ryder wearing only a pair of black sweatpants. I lean against the door as he brushes his teeth.

Ryder rinses his mouth and then stands up, a second later his eyes catch mine in the mirror and he smiles.

Ryder turns around and gestures me over to his arms. I walk into them and he wraps them around me.

I look up at him and Ryder pecks my lips, "Morning beautiful.

" He grins against my lips. I pull back, "Morning.

" I smile. "What smells so good?" he asks as he sniffs the air.

I laugh softly, "That would be breakfast."

He smiles down at me again, "Well then let's go eat." I nod and we head downstairs. We get down to the kitchen and he sits at the breakfast bar where I put our food. I sit next to him and we eat in silence, with only the sounds of chewing and the metal hitting the plates.

After we both finish I pick up our dishes and start to wash them.

I dry and put everything away and turn around.

My body hits Ryder's since he is standing right behind me, "God.

" I breathe. I look up at him, "A warning next time would be nice.

" I say. Ryder chuckles before pecking my cheek, "Thank you, breakfast was delicious.

" He whispers in my ear. My wolf purrs in my head but I restrain her.

I pull to the side a little, "How about a run together?" I ask him and Jasmine barks happily. Ryder's wolf seems to have the same reaction because Ryder smiles and nods, "Perfect." I smile brightly and run over to the glass door and as soon as I open it, I sprint outside to the edge of the woods.

I pull off my shirt and then my leggings. I turn around to see Ryder watching me from the door. I smirk and wink before focusing on shifting into my wolf. I feel my bones break and move and the fur sprout, and then finally, I am standing tall on all fours.

I shake out my fur and Jas barks happily and I run around in a circle. Ryder chuckles before he jumps up and shifts midair. Ryder's large wolf appears before my eyes and then he stretches out his legs before walking over to me and rubbing his head in my neck. I nuzzle him back but then nip his ear.

He pulls back and I bend down so my tail is in the air and my head is on my front paws, and then I growl playfully.

I jump up and then start running through the woods as fast as my paws will take me.

I hear Ryder bark behind me and hear his footsteps pounding against the forest ground as he runs after me.

A few miles later, which is like a couple of minutes, I am being tackled to the ground.

I feel the sparks and know it is Ryder. We roll around a bit before Ryder finally pins me down and barks.

I whimper beneath him and he immediately releases his hold on me, 'Are you okay? What's wrong?' he asks worriedly.

I jump up and pinned him beneath me, 'Oh that was mean.

' He says with a shake of his head. 'Well I'm a mean person.

' I sass. 'Okay get off, I want to show you something.

' He says, so I step away from him and he gets up, shaking his fur.

He nods his head to follow him and then takes off, so I do in fact, follow him.

We run and run. Dodging trees, jumping over fallen trees and rock, and running through a small stream.

After a while we near a wall of trees and Ryder slows.

He starts to walk along the wall until he gets to a small opening.

He nods his head so I slip through and walk slowly forward. Ryder follows me as I look around.

We are standing on a cliff that overlooks a huge lake that is glistening in the sun.

Trees, animals, and flowers decorate the scenery.

I walk to the edge and the breeze blows through my white fur.

Ryder walks up beside me, I look over at him, 'It's beautiful.

' I say breathlessly as I continue to observe the image in front of me.

'It only compares.' His voice rings in my mind as he nuzzles his face into my neck.

I relax into his touch but I feel this nagging in the back of my head that I have been feeling for weeks but I just ignore it.

Ryder's wolf lays down and tilts its head up.

I get what he means and lay my head on his front legs while my body curves in with his own.

Ryder puts his head on top of me and we lay there watching the beautiful scenery.

For a long while we just lay there, listening to nature take its course.

It was quiet, and no matter how nice the quiet is, it left me alone to my thoughts.

'Jaz?' 'I'm here.' she says. 'I have a feeling.

It's-it's strange. Like I know something is off but I just don't know what.

' I try to explain. Jasmine sighs, 'I know, but whatever it is, I know we will get through it.

You are a strong human. Forget about this now, enjoy our mate. ' She says and then blocks me.

I sigh and Ryder nudges me with his nose, 'You ready to go back to the cabin?

' he asks and I nod as we both stand up.

We run back but not as fast as we did on the way there.

We reach the backyard soon enough and then I shift back into gray leggings and a black tank top and Ryder shifts into green basketball shorts and a black undershirt.

Ryder walks up to me and wraps his arms around my waist so I wrap mine around his neck.

"So what do you want to do?" Ryder asks.

" It doesn't matter." Ryder looks at me like he is thinking before he finally speaks up.

"There is a town not too far from here, maybe a 25-minute drive.

We can go so we can grab a few things, there's also a bookstore if you want to get a few books.

" I smile up at him and then playfully narrow my eyes, "How do you know I like to read?

" I ask him. Ryder shrugs a shoulder, "I just know these things.

" I raise my eyebrows and he gives, "and your brothers aren't bad company sometimes. "

I chuckle and peck his cheek, "Cute." I pull out of his arms, "Well let's get ready.

" I tell him and we both head inside and upstairs.

I just keep it comfy and casual so I put on a pair of black jeggings and a red American Eagle t-shirt.

I pull on a pair of black vans and then pull my hair up in another ponytail.

I go to the bathroom counter and put on some mascara.

I'll give it to her, Krista can pick out some good make up.

I look up in the mirror as Ryder pulls off his shirt and my wolf purrs approvingly.

I blink rapidly and turn my head away. I clear my thoughts and head to the bedroom, picking up my phone and wallet.

I turn around and walk downstairs, checking my phone.

Krista had texted me asking how our small getaway is going.

I glared at the phone and texted her back, 'Omg it's amazing, we did puzzles and sewed baby clothes for our future children, OH!

And we snuggled and read books last night. It was just so dreamy.'

I sat my phone down and grabbed bottle of water.

I took a drink as my phone dinged. It was a text from Krista.

'That isn't even cool. I was walking and looking at the text because I couldn't believe my eyes so I had to reread it.

..and then I ran into a pole.' As I read that I started choking because I laughed while I swallowed water.

I was coughing and laughing at the same time and tears pricked my eyes.

A moment later a hand was patting and rubbing my back.

I coughed some more and then cleared my throat.

"Oh damn, that was funny." I say to myself as I wipe the tears from under my eyes and silently praised myself for wearing waterproof eyeliner.

"Are you okay? What happened?" Ryder said, his hand still gently rubbing my back.

I smile and try to hold back laughing again.

"Krista decided to text me so I texted her back.

..and her response. I was drinking water and started choking when I laughed.

" I tell him, biting my tongue because I couldn't stop thinking about Krista walking straight into a pole.

"What did she say?" Ryder asked. I picked up my phone and read the text again, when I did that I couldn't help but laugh again.

I handed him the phone and leaned against the counter for support.

Ryder read the conversation and amusement lit up his face.

He looked up at me, "Really? She has lost enough brain cells as it is.

" I laugh some more and then finally sober up, "That was a good laugh.

" I say out loud and take my phone back.

'Thanks for the laugh Kris, but your brother says you've lost enough brain cells so be more careful.

P.S. that is part of your payback.' I send and then slide my phone into my back pocket.

I look at Ryder, "You ready?" I ask him.

He nods and picks up the keys from the counter.

We walk out to the car and Ryder starts driving to the town because I have no idea where we are.

Like he said, 26 minutes we were pulling into a small town and Ryder said that I could go to the bookstore while he went shopping for food, plus he said there were a few things he needed to get that I didn't need to be there for.

Ryder turns into grocery store parking lot and we both get out.

I walk over to him and he wraps an arm around my waist. "The bookstore is right across the street.

I'll be in here if you need me." He says.

I lean up and peck his lips, "Okay. See you soon.

" I say and walk across the street. I jog up the steps and I pull open the door to the bookstore.

When I look around I notice that it's much bigger on the inside than it looks.

I start up and down the aisles. I stop when I stumble upon the fiction section.

I look over the books, picking up a few with interesting titles and reading their summaries.

About twenty minutes later I have 7 books.

I checkout the book and the guy hands me my bag of books.

I thank him and then head back across the street to the car.

I peek inside the car and notice Ryder isn't inside so I walk into the grocery store.

I find him a few minutes later pushing a shopping cart down the chips and soda aisle. Ryder looks over at me as I stand next to him, "Hey baby, you get all you wanted?" he asks and picks up a bag of crunchy Cheetos. I nod, "Yep, I have seven books so it should last me a while." I tell him.

I glance down at what he has in the cart and chuckle which makes him look at me.

"What?" I look at the junk-food filled cart and shake my head, "Nothing.

" I shrug and stand on the cart while holding the bar as Ryder puts some Coke and chips in the cart.

He walks behind and puts his arms on either side of my body then starts pushing the cart down the aisle.

A few minutes later we are in the frozen dessert section.

I look in the fridges as Ryder pushes me, "Oh!

Oh! Oh! Get some vanilla ice cream." I tell Ryder.

Ryder moves and walks over to the vanilla ice cream.

I step down from the cart and look for what I'm after.

By the time I head back to the cart, I have whip cream, sprinkles, and chocolate syrup in my arms. I place them all in the cart as Ryder walks back with a gallon ice cream.

I hop back on the cart and Ryder stands behind me, "You trust me?

" he asks in my ear. I look over my shoulder at him, "Uh.

..yeah." I say warily. Ryder smirks, "Then hold on tight.

" He says before he starts running very quickly.

I squeal and giggle but that stops when Ryder lets go of the cart.

"Ryder!" I yell out and a few seconds later I feel his arms back around me with a firm grip on the buggy.

Ryder slows the cart down to a stop and flick my hand behind me, hitting his chest. "You ass.

" Ryder chuckles, "I love you too." He says and pecks my cheek.

"You two are cute together." A voice says and I look in front of me to where an old lady stood behind a man in a scooter, I noticed her hand resting on his shoulder.

I smile politely at her, "Thank you." She nods with a kind smile and her and the man continue on down the aisle.

A little while later, Ryder and I finish shopping.

We checkout and pile everything into the back of the car then head back to the cabin.

When we get back, we put everything on the counter besides the foods that needed to be in the fridge or freezer.

Everything we got was basically junk food but there is some stuff that would make an okay meal.

I looked over at the time on the oven and it is 5:03.

I realized I had managed to not to look at the time today, not even when I woke up.

I jump up onto the counter. Ryder comes and stands in between my legs, putting his hands on my hips.

I put my hands on his shoulders, "So, what do you want to do tonight?

" I ask him. Ryder's thumb runs across the exposed skin on my waist. He looks down his hand on my hip, "I actually have something planned.

" I slip one of my hands into Ryder's hair.

"Oh really? What's that?" I ask him while my fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck.

Ryder looks back up at me with a smile, "It's a surprise but I did get you something for it. " He says and pulls away from me.

I watch him walk around the bar and pick up a white box that has a black bow wrapped around it.

He walks to me again and sits the box on my lap.

I look at the box and then at him, he rolls his eyes, "You have to open it.

" I smile and shake my head, pulling the bow off and then pull off the lid.

I stare at what is inside and then look up at Ryder, "It's amazing. "

Inside lays a beautiful mint green chiffon dress and I could see on the side that it was a Kissbridal dress.

I carefully take the dress out of the box and hold it up to see it all, by what I could tell, it would fall down me to mid-thigh.

I smile and look up at Ryder, "It's beautiful, you didn't have to buy me this.

" I tell him as I put the dress back in the box.

Ryder takes my left hand and places a soft and sweet kiss on it, "Anything for my Queen.

" He whispers. I feel a blush cover light my cheeks aflame and I look down, in hopes of hiding it from him.

I realized I hadn't been successful when I feel Ryder's hand under my chin and hear him chuckle.

His lips connect to my, no doubt, warm cheek, "You are so beautiful, especially when you blush.

" He says huskily, his lips brushing against my cheek with every word.

I blush even more and think when did I get so soft and shy? 'Since you met your amazing and gorgeous mate.' Jasmine buts in. Ryder plants soft kisses across my cheek until he reaches my lips, where he lets his them linger, sending electricity coursing through my body like every time he touches me.

He pulls back a moment later and his captivating blue eyes stare into mine.

So many emotions pass through his eyes, too quickly for me to tell what they are.

A smile makes its way onto my face, "What?

" I say with a little laugh. Ryder shakes his head, "Nothing.

Why don't you go relax, maybe have a nice bath, and get dressed?

" He says, but it has a questioning tone at the end.

I sigh and roll my eyes, "Fine." I say dramatically, hopping off the counter.

I grab the box and jog up the stairs. I turn on some music and slip out of my clothes. I take my time in the shower, shaving my body, washing my hair and body. Around 30 minutes later I get out and wrap a large towel around me.

I sign along with Just the Way You Are as I wash my face and then pause to brush my teeth. I rub lotion over my body and then blow dry my hair. I walk over to the closet, find a white strapless bra and lace white panties. I am going to kill Krista. I put them on and go back to the sink.

I look through the drawers and I take out the make up I need and a curling iron.

I curl my long hair into large, soft curls.

I decide to do a natural make up. When I finish the make up, I take the dress out of the box and carefully step into it.

I also slip my feet into black sandals that wrap around my ankle.

I put a coat of clear lipgloss on and then put my phone on the charger in the bedroom. I look in the full body mirror and smile at my reflection. I walk towards the stairs, but when I reach them, I stop short.

The lights were shut off and fairy light wrapped down the banisters and continued down onto the floor. I slowly walk down the stairs, my eyes following the lights which now were lined on the floor, making a aisle. I look up and see that it leads to the backdoor and into the backyard.

I step outside and my eyes immediately follow the lights and then land on my mate standing in front of a table on the dock.

He is wearing a black button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, dark jeans, and black dress shoes.

A smile takes over my face and I walk closer to him.

I meet him at the end of the dock and when I look at his face, he has a nervous smile on his face.

I look around at the candles, lights, and roses.

I also notice the soft music playing in the background.

I smile at Ryder, "What is all this?" I ask him.

"Well I realized we haven't been on many dates, actually one of you count yesterday.

So...I decided to make us a nice dinner.

" He says but I hear the nerves in his voice.

I smile more and lean up to peck his cheek, "It's beautiful Ryder. " I say and he smiles.

Ryder holds out his hand, "Shall we?" I take his hand and he leads me into the dock, to the table that has champagne and a large silver yet covered platter in the middle. Ryder pulls out my seat for me, "Thank you." I say as he pushes me in.

He takes his seat across from me and then lifts up the silver cover.

I look down and laugh. On the platter is a bowl of spaghetti, a pizza, french fires, and chicken nuggets.

"Do you like it?" He asks. I laugh a little more, "I love it.

" I say and we dig in. We talk about anything and everything. Us, life, crazy things.

By the time we finish the food we are just messes. I laugh and sip my glass of champagne. I look at Ryder and see the nervous look on his face, a slight frown and his eyes flickering around, I can also hear the tapping of his foot. His fingers are tracing the patterns on the tablecloth.

I reach my hand across the table and place it on his, "What's up?" I ask him. Ryder looks at me and smiles, letting out a breath through his nose. He shakes his head, "Just trying to build up some courage." I tilt my head to the side, "Courage? For what?"

Ryder looks into my eyes before standing up and walking around the table to me. He stands in front of me and takes my hand, helping me stand up. When I do, he smiles and pecks my lips. I look into his eyes confused as he breathes deeply again. "This."

Ryder kneels down on one knee and pulls out a small, black velvet box. He pulls open the lid and inside lays a beautiful diamond ring. I look between Ryder and the ring, having no words.

Ryder takes my left hand in his right one.

"I know you weren't expecting this,but I haven't stopped thinking about this for a while.

We haven't known each other that long and we've had a couple of bumps along the road, but I know that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

I want you to be the one I wake up next to every morning.

I want you to have my children. I want you to be the person I grow old with.

I have no doubt that there will be more bumps in our lives because of who we are, but I also have no doubt that we will make it through anything together.

So, Jade Collins, will you please do me the honor of marrying me? "

During his speech I hadn't realized tears flooded my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. I look into my mate's hopeful and nervous face, not being able to say anything. Ryder's eyes flicker between my own, "Jade?" He asks, the fear of rejection obvious in his voice.

I smile and let out a choked laugh, "Yes.

Yes I will marry you." I finally say. A breathtaking smile spreads across Ryder's face and he takes the ring out of the box and slips it on my left ring finger.

He stands up and wraps me in his arms. He picks me up and spins me around, making me laugh.

When he sits me back on my feet, he places his lips on mine.

He pulls back and I can see the joy shining in his eyes that probably can be shown in my own, "I love you." He says. I smile, "I love you too." He kisses me again slowly, bring my body close to his.

After a minute, the kiss gets more heated.

Ryder picks me up bridal style and uses his werewolf speed to run inside and up to the bedroom.

Ryder lays me back on the bed and he lays on top of me, his arms supporting most of his weight.

My hands rub up his arms and then down his chest, feeling all of his muscles.

Ryder kisses down my neck until he reaches the spot where my neck meets m shoulder, the spot where my mark will be.

Ryder sucks on that spot making me moan breathlessly.

One of Ryder's hands runs over my side and then other slides up my thigh and under my dress.

I start unbuttoning Ryder's shirt and when I finally finish, I pull it off of him.

My leg wraps around his waist as he reaches behind me and unzips my dress and pulls it away from my body.

His hands explore my body and I unbuckle his belt and start to take off his pants.

When we are both only left in our underwear, Ryder pulls away from my lips, panting.

His silver-blue eyes are looking at me will lust and love swirling in them.

His hand caresses my face, "Do you want to do this?

We don't have to. I love you and I will wait as long as you want.

" he says even though I know this is what he wants.

I smile at him and then lean up, slowly kissing his lips, letting them answer his question.

Ryder immediately responds and we finally mate.

Ryder rests his head on my shoulder as we both pant heavily.

We both take a minute to catch our breath but when we do, I push Ryder's hair out of his face which makes him look up at me.

I slowly kiss his lips and then turn to his ear, "Mark me mi amor.

" I whisper. Ryder groans into my neck but seconds later his gentle lips place kisses down my neck.

I feel his canines extend against my skin.

He reaches the spot and pauses, "Are you sure?

" he whispers. "Yes." I say and then his teeth sink into my skin.

A sharp pain shoots through my neck but a moment later that pain turns into intense pleasure making me moan out Ryder's name.

I feel my wolf start to take over and my own canines extend.

My wolf takes control of my body, sinking my teeth into Ryder's neck.

Ryder removes his teeth from my neck, moaning and rest his head on my shoulder.

I feel his tongue run over my mark, licking away the blood. A few seconds later, I do the same.

We had did it. We had completely mated. Also we were now engaged.

Ryder looks at me and smiles, his eyes still swirling with silver, mine doing the same.

I smile at him and peck his lips. "I love you.

" I whisper. Ryder kissing my forehead, "I love you more.

" He slides behind me and wraps his arms around me.

He pulls my body tightly to him. His lips touch my shoulder in a soft kiss.

"Go to sleep love." he whispers and like he said a spell, my body relaxes and my eyes close, and with that I let my mind succumb to blissful sleep.