Page 49 of Witch’s Wolf (Bound by the Howl #2)

49

ERICA

S am is my one.

I don’t need another one of his incredible kisses to realize that. I’ve seen it time and time again. He is everything I’ve ever searched for and more. Gorgeous. Caring. Passionate. Well-spoken. A man who will fight for what he believes in, and God forbid, willing to sacrifice himself for the ones he loves. Somehow, against all odds, I stumbled upon him in the most unlikely place imaginable. And for that, I have Monica to thank.

“I’m a little relieved,” he whispers, ending our kiss. “I wasn’t so sure about your answer.”

“Why?”

“For a couple of reasons,” he says, his smile lingering. “One? Our relationship hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, has it? We even broke up once. Two? Your career. You want to be a famous singer someday, don’t you? I wasn’t sure if there would be room for me when some big record company gives you your chance.”

“You’re right. I do want to be famous,” I admit. “And up until Helena exposed Sellers, I was dying to sign a contract with a major label. I’ve been chasing that dream since I was twelve. But you know what? I’m done running after it. If it happens? Great. If it doesn’t, I’m not going to cry about it. I have a well-paying job, amazing friends, and a hunk who loves me. What more could a girl ask for?”

“Off the top of my head? A house with this view.”

His gaze drifts over the river. Fishing boats float away from the pier, their lights flickering against the darkening water. The Manhattan skyline glows in the distance, skyscrapers slowly coming to life for the night.

“I’d get bored of it eventually,” I tell him, resting my head against his chest. “I like seeing it every now and then. Every day? No thanks. Besides, a house with this view would cost a fortune.”

He nods and we silently watch the boats gliding past while the seagulls swoop and dive through the air. Everything is perfect.

“You’re right,” he says after a while. “Too many humans. I’d miss the mountain.”

I nod agreement, basking in the moment when a thought pops into my head. I glance up and lower my voice.

“Hey… this just occurred to me. I don’t know a thing about mating ceremonies for… you know. What are they like?”

“They’re not all that different from a human wedding,” he says with a shrug, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Someone close to us performs it. They don’t have to be a priest or anything. We exchange vows, we drink, and we have a ton of fun. That’s about it.”

“I like the sound of that,” I say. “When do we move in together? Before or after the ceremony?”

“And they say I always think ahead,” he teases, running his fingers through my hair. “It doesn’t matter to me. You can keep your place in the city. It’ll be useful for your gigs. I don’t want to worry about you driving back to Dawson in the middle of the night, especially in the rain.”

“You can say that again,” I murmur. “Hold me, Sammy.”

He tightens his embrace, his hand caressing the back of my head, and I sink into him, breathing in his warmth. The water is calm, its surface rippling gently under the city lights. But more than that, I savor the bond between us. A bond stronger than mere physical attraction, one that has withstood some of fate’s cruelest blows.

Ever since I found out I was a witch, I’ve felt like an exhausted boxer, cornered and taking relentless hits. Every time I’d barely had a moment to recover, another punch landed. In the end, I’m here, still standing. I’ve staggered, I’ve been up against the ropes, but I haven’t gone down. And with the help of my friends, and most especially, of this incredible man holding me, I’ve survived the hardest ordeal of my life.

Perhaps the future has more in store for Sam and me. The shifters of Dawson certainly have no shortage of enemies. Unsavory creatures have been after their territory for a long time, and it’s unlikely they’ll ever stop. But it’s fine because I have no doubt that Sam and his pack will rise to the challenge.

And they have Helena backing them. A witch that powerful is a huge asset. I’ll ask Helena to teach me about my magic too. If my blood-mother is any indication, there is a lot of potential power in me. In time I’m certain I can be as much of an asset as Helena.

The pack will stand their ground. And I’ll be there for him. With him.

Because that’s what love is. Cherishing and respecting your man. Encouraging him when he needs it most. Comforting him in his darkest moments. Sharing both the good and the bad, knowing he would never abandon me. Is that enough for me to spend the rest of my life with him?

Yes.

I still like the idea of a huge career in music. I grew up dreaming of the day I’d be signing autographs outside hotels for hours, hearing fans scream my name. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time with Sam, it’s that there’s more to life than stardom.

Music was my dream. But it’s not my biggest dream. No, my biggest dream has a different name than stardom.

He’s tall, ridiculously handsome, sexy, reliable, and loving. One Sam Crawford, a fearless shifter who didn’t hesitate to charge a vampire in my dressing room. A man with the strength and the heart to take me back after my mistakes.

My mate. My special one. My future.

THE END

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Wolf’s Reluctant Mate - Book 3 of Bound by the Howl