| J O S H

Four days passed relatively quickly. Jared would check on us a few times as if to make sure we hadn't disappeared before going off to finish whatever the hell he was doing. It was a piss poor lie if I said I wasn't happy he was keeping his distance.

"Morning, runt," I greeted, once I noticed that he was awake. He rolled his eyes at the nickname I'd insisted on calling him.

"Good morning, Josh," He replied, saying my name as if it was an insult. We laughed softly, simply enjoying each other's presence. In the past four days, we've grown close. It made me reevaluate the way I behaved before. Sure I had anger problems but Kaleb was the last person who I should have taken it out on. To make up for it, or at least try to, I was determined to protect Kaleb from anything and everything. Somehow, he'd wormed his way into this closed off heart of mine.

Our laughing stopped as the door opened forcefully. It was the house cat, his eyes were a brilliant emerald that glowed but there something about them that made a shiver race down my spine.

The tiger walked into the small room, taking up most of the space, light streaming in behind him. My heart flopped in my chest if he was here that meant Darren wasn't far behind. I gulped, shoving my anxiety down...I wasn't ready to face my mate. A random minion of Jared's ran out, stupidly trying to attack the tiger. The large man didn't even flinch, he threw the punch so fast I almost didn't see it, the rogue's face literally caved around his fist with a gut-churning crunch before he fell to the ground limp.

Then his steely emerald gaze locked on to me. Welp this is the day I die... I thought dryly. Death by tiger attack, what a great way to go out. Next thing I knew his fist was around my neck crushing my windpipe. I didn't resist after all this had to be some sort of karma.

"No! Zev, wait please!" Kaleb begged shrilly, his chains clanking as he tugged at them desperately. "Josh is innocent! He didn't do anything!" He was ignored. My vision began to die from lack of oxygen, but I felt nothing, no fear, no relief, no sadness... nothing.

Kaleb's scream of pain cut through my oxygen deprived brain like a knife, it also seemed to shake his mate from whatever trance he was in. Whatever the hell he did work. I was released and the tiger marched over to his mate. I gasped trying to get as much air into my lungs as I could. My ears rang loudly as my eyes watered. Goddess, he's got a strong grip.

"Apologize." Kaleb huffed at his mate.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't exactly in control." The tiger said, looking apologetic. Yep, he's whipped. I nodded in acknowledgment. It wasn't the worst thing that I've been through.

"Can't say I didn't deserve it," I admitted dryly.

"I can," Kaleb growled out. I didn't even try to tell him he was wrong, he wouldn't listen anyway. Thankfully his attention was redirected at his mate who quickly broke him free of his restraints. When I first saw the couple in the clearing had been consumed with jealousy, looking at them now it was hard not to see how they were made for each other. But seriously, that tiger is three times his size.

Then my whole world stopped. For a second I forgot how to breathe. Darren burst through the entryway, his chest heaving and shoulders tense. I felt a quiver roll through me and it was all I could do not to whimper. His chocolate gaze scanned the room before they finally landed on me. I completely forgot that Zev and Kaleb even existed, my entire being focused solely on Darren as our eyes locked. He closed the distance between us and kneeled in front of me. He was so close but I wanted him closer.

Josh... he said shakily through the link. His chocolate eyes that I had missed so much filled with concern and regret. With a shaking hand, Darren reached out to gently caress my bruised cheek, anger filling his eyes. Sparks practically exploded between us and I felt my wolf awaken for the first time in weeks.

"Hey, bro," I said weakly. "Long time no see," I chuckled but stopped when pain flared through my chest. Darren growled lightly, looking like he wanted to strangle me. I didn't care, I was just glad he was here.

"You... I thought-" he swallowed thickly. "I thought you'd betrayed us...me" he whispered softly. I winced. Had I really been acting like so much of a dick that even Darren thought I'd betrayed him.

"I would never betray you, you're my alpha. Besides, I couldn't even if I wanted to, you're... I-" I cut myself off before I could say anything else. I knew there was no use trying o hide it anymore but old habits die hard I guess.

My alpha growled. "You're not forgiven," he said, and my heart constricted painfully, but I deserved that. "Yet. When we get back I'm gonna tie you to my bed and-" he leaned forward his lips brushing my ear as he continued in a whisper, "show you just how much I want you. I'm going to prove to you that there is no one else who could take your place. Ever. You are mine, pup, and Jared is going to regret ever touching you." I felt my whole face flush red. Damn him, he was making me feel weird. "I'll never let you run away again." Darren finished.

"Or walk again," I mumbled as the blush slowly receded from my face. Darren chuckled.

"That too," he joked and I rolled my eyes.

"Alright, Alpha, can you help me out of these?" I asked pulling at my chain, I was still too weak to break it myself. Darren gripped the metal and tore it apart with ease.

"Let's go," he said, standing up and pulling me up with him. I wobbled a little and Darren pulled me flush against him. I didn't try to pull away, I was tired of fighting it.

"Where's Jared?" Kaleb asked cautiously from the security of his mate's large arms. Darren and Zev growled at the same time when the name escaped the omega's lips.

"I don't know," Darren said. "but when I find him I'm going to rip him apart." My brows furrowed. I didn't want Darren anywhere near that bastard. All of my protective instincts were going off.

"Darren-" I started.

"Josh." He growled. He was doing it again. Controlling me. I sighed, deciding to let it go for now. Closing my eyes, I leaned further into my mate, trying to drown myself in his scent.

"Can you walk?" Darren asked, his voice latent with concern. I nodded, suddenly more exhausted than ever.

"Not for long," I said honestly and he stifled a growl, pulling my closer than what I thought possible, not that I was complaining. We walked towards the door with Darren holding most of my weight but he didn't seem to mind. When we stepped outside the scent of blood and death hit me like a punch in the gut. It looked like a massacre, dead bodies were strewn all over the place.

Zev killed most of them. It's terrifying to watch him in action. None of them could put a scratch on him. Darren said, clearly impressed. I just scoffed.

That's a big ass target to miss. I noted. Darren snorted.

And your hotheaded ass was going to take him on by yourself. He shook his head in amusement.

I could have totally taken him. I said, growling playfully as I pulled a face. Darren laughed softly and I felt a little less like shit at seeing his smile.

Right. I'm sure you would have tried. Darren said, before suddenly turning serious. If you ever do some shit like that again, I will spank the fuck out of you. I blinked at him in disbelief. His eyes were golden when he met my gaze. He was being dead serious. My eyes widened and I looked away trying to keep the image of me spread over Darren's muscular thighs as he palmed my ass out of my head.

Got it. I swallowed.

Good. Was all he said. We walked through the rest of the carnage in silence. The other wolves that Darren had brought with him, flocked around us. Some shot me curious glances but looked away quickly when Darren snarled at them. A few hours later we stopped in a spot that wasn't too densely packed by trees and shrubbery to rest. Darren helped me over to a tree so that I could lean on it. Zev gently woke the sleeping omega in his arms as Darren began to speak.

"It's going to take us the better part of a week to meet up with the rest of the pack at the safe house. We'll rest here for a while, we'll leave early in the morning." My mate said loud enough for everyone to hear, "There is a stream nearby. Let's all go wash up." There was a collective sigh of relief as the group of wolves began heading in that direction. I was a bit in awe, I guess you could say. Darren looked every bit the alpha he was raised to be and he was mine. Warmth seeped through me at the thought. "Do you need me to carry you?" he asked as he turned to me. I shook my head. No way in hell was I getting carried anywhere.

"I can manage," I said as he wrapped an arm around my waist. He nodded and led us over to the stream. The tiger followed closely behind. The stream wasn't far, thank goddess. Zev waded away from the group with the omega still in his arms. I could already tell that he was overprotective of Kaleb.

I moved away from Darren, reluctantly, before bending to splash some of the cool water on my face. I felt Darren's eyes trailing over me but I ignored them. I know he was focusing on all of the bruises I'd accumulated in my time with Jared, as well as my ribs that had become clearly visible. When I looked at him from the corner of my eye, I noticed that he was shaking. His fists were clenched at his sides and he was practically radiating anger.

I'm fine. I said, stooping down to rub some of the water over my shoulders and neck. Don't worry about-

If you finish that sentence I will spank you right here, right now. He growled. Needless to say, I promptly shut the fuck up. He took a deep calming breath and his shaking stopped. Josh, I'm going to worry about you. As my mate, you should understand that. He sighed, moving closer to me. I bit my lip when he crouched next to me, our shoulders brushing.

"I understand," I whispered out loud.

"Good, so stop saying stupid shit," Darren smirked before splashing me lightly with water. I snarled at him and splashed him back, causing him to laugh. I couldn't help but chuckle along with him.

"What was the Goddess thinking, putting us together?" I asked rhetorically after a moment. Darren shrugged and nudged me with his shoulder.

"Don't know, but I don't hate it..." He brushed my hair from my face, looking me in the eye. "I'd never noticed the mole on the side of your eye... it's cute." I blushed. Why? I don't know. I just hoped it wouldn't become a regular occurrence.

"You have dimples," I blurted without thinking, causing him to smile revealing both of them. "I... they s-suit you." Goddess kill me now! Why the hell am I stuttering?

"I'm glad you're my mate," He admitted lowly, his face drawing nearer. When had his voice gotten so deep? The vibration of it sent a tremble through me.

"I'm glad I'm yours too," The words spilled from my lips without my permission and I groaned, ducking my head. Great, now my brain is malfunctioning.

This is what you get for suppressing the mate bond for so long. My wolf voiced, smartly. Although I had missed his voice, I wanted nothing more than for him to shut up right now. I felt Darren's amused gaze on my flushed face as he lifted my chin.

"Goddess, I want to kiss you so bad," He admitted softly, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip. My blush grew to dangerous levels as I sputtered in a panic. No, no, no. He can't kiss me. "I'll wait... just tell me when you're ready for me to ravage you." He said while pulling us up into a standing position.

"H-How do you know it's not going to be the other way around?" I asked a little breathlessly. He pulled me into his chest, shrugging noncommittally.

"Just do." was his casual reply. "Come on let's get some rest." He said, steering us back in the direction of the little clearing. Half of the enforcer wolves were back before us and had shifted into their wolf forms. I shifted first and Darren followed suit

The sun had gone down significantly and we decided to head back. I shifted first and lay down and Darren followed quickly after. His chocolate wolf was slightly bigger than my grey one. I didn't know how exhausted I was until I closed my eyes. Within seconds I was taken over by sleep. I just barely registered Darren grooming me before I was fully sucked into darkness.

||

Do you want to know how long we've been walking? Well, that's too bad because I lost fucking track after day two. I wished we could move faster but that was impossible. We took many stops and I understood that Darren was making sure he wasn't pushing me too hard but I'm a beta for crying out loud. As you can see along with the anger problems I was not a very patient man.

Darren was hovering again, as he had made a habit of doing since this whole trek started. I didn't want to admit to myself that I loved the attention. We had stopped again for the day and my mate has refused to let me stray even an inch from his side. It was like he was scared I was going to run away the second I saw an opening which couldn't be further from the truth.
I was pulled from my thoughts when my stomach started to growl. Darren immediately picked up on it.

"Hungry?" He asked. Seeing an opportunity, I nodded.

"Very," I said. As much as loved the attention, it was still a lot take in. It was honestly a little overwhelming.

"Alright, Evan, Drek, Nickolus, you guys are with me." The three enforcers in question stood and nodded at their alpha. "Bryan, shift so my mate can sit on you." I had to look at him to make sure he was being serious. Bryan actually stood and prepared to shift.

"Bryan don't you dare." I interceded quickly. The enforcer just looked between me and his alpha. I turned my glare to Darren. "I'm not going to break if I sit on the ground, dickhead." Darren frowned, crossing his thick
arms.

"Well, I don't want you to be uncomfortable." I felt like throwing my hands in the air. The man had the nerve to pout as if I was the one being difficult. Instead, I sighed. It's not like I didn't understand where he was coming from.

"Dude, if you don't calm down, your right hand is going to be your best friend and blue balls is going to be your constant companion." I actually had to stop myself from laughing at the worried expression on his face.

"Fine." He agreed begrudgingly before helping me lean against the comfiest looking tree he could find. Once he was done fretting over me for ten minutes, he finally departed with his group of enforcers, Bryan included. I leaned my head back against the trunk and allowed my eyes to close. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't absolutely exhausted.

"W-what happened while you were with Jared?" Kaleb asked. I sighed heavily, turning my head to look at him.

"Darren wants to ask me that too, I can tell," I said, guilt gnawing at me. "but I can't tell him. Not yet." More like I don't want to tell him.

"You don't have to tell me either," Kaleb spoke softly "I'm sorry for asking."

"No, it's fine... I just-" I heaved a sigh. "I feel like I can talk about it with you. I feel like if I told Darren he'd realize just how... used I am. He'd reject me." My voice broke towards the end. 

"That's what scares me the most. I know that I don't deserve him but... I love him, damn it, I love him and I could lose him. If he found out he won't want me anymore, Kaleb, I know it."

"Josh, that's not true and deep down you know it. Deep down, you know he loves you too, no matter what."Kaleb assured me with watery eyes. A tear trailed down my cheek and I hated myself for it. Taking a steadying breath, I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them.

"He never penetrated me there, he preferred my mouth for that. He would beat me, just for fun or when he was frustrated..." His expression took on a faraway look, as he was reliving the abuse, then, he'd masturbate over my body while I bled out. It didn't matter if I was conscious or not. He seemed to enjoy watching his semen cover my bruises, especially the ones on my face. Sometimes he told people to watch, he loved having an audience." I bit out.

"Did they touch you too?" came Darren's deathly calm voice. I hadn't heard his approach and the sound of his voice caused Kaleb and I to jump out of our skin. Behind my mate was Zev who'd been checking the surrounding area for signs of rogues. The enforcer wolves shuffled to the other side of the clearing in response to the tenseness in the air. I swallowed as my mouth open and closed, as hard as I tried no words would come out.

"H-How much did you hear?" I asked finally as dread filled me.

"Enough." Darren's tone remained impassive, the only sign of the anger he was suppressing were his fists that clenched and unclenched at his sides. His nails had elongated, creating gashes on his palms. I couldn't meet my mate's gaze. "Did they touch you?" He asked once again, his voice was still deceptively calm.

"No," I looked up and noticed the damage Darren was doing to his hands. "Stop that," I said. Darren growled softly but said nothing, still, he complied. I knew this would happen. "I-I understand if now you don't-"

"Josh, have you been listening to anything I've said?" Darren asked, his tone dripping with pain. 

"I want you. I want you from the tip of your head to the soles of your feet." He stepped closer to me before crouching. "I want your smart ass mouth, your anger problems. I want the cute little smirks that make me want to devour you and those blushes. I love it when your cheeks heat up just for me. All of these things and so much more, are what made me fall in love with you."
My breath caught in my throat.

"I want you." He kissed my cheek. "I want you." The next place his lips landed was my nose. "I want yo-"

"Shut up," I cut him off. "Dork." Darren just smiled softly, shaking his head.

"That's Alpha to you," he growled playfully, pressing our foreheads together. The tiger moved around us to go pull his mate into his lap, in the spot Kaleb had been occupying. "Still hungry?" My Alpha asked, smiling softly.

"Mmm?" I shrugged noncommittally, "I could eat." Darren smiled and, Goddess, I turned to mush. After everyone had their fill we all shifted to rest for the night. According to Darren, by this time tomorrow, we would reach the safe house. I was more than ready to be back with my pack, my main concern however was whether or not they would accept me.

They don't really have a choice. Darren grumbled irritably as he moved his lupine head to rest over my neck. I sighed heavily.

The pack thinks that I betrayed them. The last thing they're gonna want to do when they see me is welcome me back with open arms. I argued. It's not like I was born of the pack either. I was an orphan found and adopted by the Alpha and Luna. They probably blamed me for their deaths as well.

It's going to be fine, pup. Get some sleep. Darren said back softly. He may believe that but I wasn't so optimistic.

Stop calling me pup, you fucker, I growled on a completely unrelated note. Darren snorted in amusement, licking the side of my face.

I think it suits you, He shot back, placing his large head over mine again.

Well, this pup is going to kick your ass if you call me that again.

How are you going to kick my ass if you can't walk, pup? His voice deepened causing a shiver to race through me. My throat suddenly went dry at the thought of what that sentence implicated. If I was human right now I'd probably be sporting a boner. Even in this form, I could feel myself leaking. I was certain that my mate could smell my arousal. Go to sleep, Darren repeated, this time a little more firmly.

Yeah, he can definitely smell how much you're craving his dick in your ass right now. My wolf spoke up. He was enjoying my suffering way too much. A little embarrassed and unable to respond without sounding like a derp, I closed my eyes and drifted off.

||  

I felt it immediately when we reached the rest of the pack. their voices came swarming in my mind like a tidal wave. Many were glad that their Alpha had returned unharmed. The pack mothers were especially glad to see that Kaleb was fine. Most, however, were surprised to see me. The noise of their combined voices was overwhelming so I blocked them out as much as I could.

 
We were greeted by a crowd when the safe house came into view. I'd only been here once before and that was when Alpha Drake was at war with the witch coven. I always hoped I would never have to see this place again. What was even more disheartening than the structure was the number of wolves we were greeted by. I could tell that almost half of us were gone.

The welcoming party gave everyone a pair of shorts to put on as our little group shifted. I accepted the pair handed to me graciously before struggling to pull them up. I grit my teeth at the pain but I refused to look weak in front of the pack. I refused to look weak in front of anyone. The runt not included.

As soon as I was done Darren pulled me into his side, bearing most of my weight. I glared at him. this is so not the self-assured, independent, I-haven't-spent-the-last-month-chained-up-in-a-shack-look that I was going for. I just let him have his way, though. As much as I acted like I hated it, his public displays of affection sent a thrill through me.

Once everyone was clothed my mate addressed the pack.

"We were successful in rescuing Kaleb and we killed Larken along the way, " he began, his voice booming through the air in the clearing. There were happy murmuring and a few claps and cheers, but they quieted down when he started speaking again. "I also found my mate, your former beta and now Lunos, Josh." The alpha stated proudly, practically beaming. Yeah, just rip it off like a bandaid, Darren. I blushed but held my head high despite the lingering pain. There were audible gasps before the pack started applauding and exclaiming their
congratulations.

See, told you it would be alright, pup.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I brushed him off even though I was practically beaming on the inside. Darren waited till they calmed down a bit before continuing.

"Unfortunately, the true culprit behind all this devastation has evaded us once again. Jared is still on the loose and something tells me he's not finished yet. Until he has been dealt with, there will be a strictly enforced curfew, all able-bodied enforcer wolves will be on round the clock border patrol and everyone else will be fortifying the house or finalizing evacuation measures for the pups." You could practically taste the bloodlust in the air. They seemed more than willing to do whatever it took to eradicate Jared. "We were not prepared the last time we were attacked. This time we will destroy them." He growled in conclusion inciting a howl that grew in ferocity as more wolves joined in the frightening chorus. Even the house cat added his booming roar to the sound.

If I was a rogue within twenty miles of here, I would be shitting myself. Once the howl ended my mate dismissed everyone. Without being told to they set about the tasks Darren had mentioned, throwing themselves wholly into the preparations.

Darren began walking towards the packed house, beckoning Kaleb and his mate to follow. I wasn't surprised to see that the inside wasn't completely furnished. The first time I was here there hadn't even been a couch to sit on. The Alpha led us to an office, walking behind a desk that reminded me a lot of his father's old one before sitting behind it. Before I could move to find a seat of my own he pulled me into his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist securely. My whole damn face turned red at the unexpected gesture. This fucker. I looked over to see Kaleb also perched on his mate's lap with a shit eating grin on his face. I glared at him playfully, knowing exactly what was going on in that head of his.

"We have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks," Darren began, the stress he'd hidden from the pack seeping into his words. "I'll have my hands full with overseeing everything." He sighed pressing his head onto my shoulder. I squeezed his arm wrapped around my waist reassuringly.

"I'd be glad to help if I can." Zev offered, causing Darren to lift his head and look him in the eye. I refrained from raising my eyebrow in disbelief. Last time I checked the house cat was trying to murder the whole pack and now he's doing the exact opposite. What the hell happened in the past month?

"Thank you, Zev, I would offer you the position as my new beta but, I know you'd decline," Darren stated humorously. Zev laughed and Kaleb smiled. I didn't think it was very funny. Jealous? My mate teased through the link.

Bite me.

Don't tempt me.

"You're right. As fond as I've grown for this pack, it isn't within my nature to be a part of one. Even now the desire to take my mate somewhere all to myself is overwhelming."

"I know the feeling, " Darren murmured and I blushed. This blushing shit is getting really old, really fast. "I would like to put you in charge of border patrol during the day, Pierce will take over at night. I trust the two of you the most with overseeing the pack's security." Zev nodded.

The talked for a bit longer as Kaleb and I lounged sleepily on their laps. I practically melted against Darren as I leaned back against his chest, eyes half closed in content. Kaleb was half sleep in his mate's arms as well.

"W-Where's our room?" Kaleb asked with a yawn. Zev looked at him concerned. It was just a yawn, you big baby. Between him and Darren, I didn't know who was more overprotective.

"Your room is the one on the third floor, on the hallway to your left. There's no one else on that floor." Darren responded, "I know you're probably just as exhausted as I am, rest up, the real work begins tomorrow."

The tiger stood, cradling his tiny mate in his arms protectively. Darren got up as well, allowing me to stand on my own as he walked them to the door. That's when reality settled in. I was going to be alone with my mate. Alone. I was unable to move as anxiety crawled it's way up my throat. Great, now I'm gonna throw up.

Kaleb noticed my internal crisis and began wiggling in his mate's grasp until the ridiculously large man set him down gently. He walked over to me with a reassuring smile on his face.

"You'll be fine," he murmured encouragingly. I was still having a minor panic attack but not as much as before. Kaleb just has a really calming effect about him. "He's your mate and he wants you. He's here to comfort and protect you and if he doesn't I'll personally kick his ass myself." He reminded me as a growl entered his voice toward the end. My mood instantly brightened. I have my own attack chihuahua.

"You hear that Darren, be careful or you'll have a pissed off omega on your ass!" I joked unable to help it as the color finally returned to my cheeks. Darren walked over, pulling me into his chest from behind and encircling his arms around my waist.

"Duly noted." Darren husked in my ear, a playful lilt to his voice. Faster than I could keep up with, he pecked my cheek. I turned cherry. Jeez, I'm starting to blush worse than Kaleb. The runt giggled as a pleased look entered his grey eyes.

"Good night, runt." I teased. Yeah, I was definitely going to make sure Jared was never able to touch a single hair on the runt's head.

"Good night, Josh." He responded with a goofy grin as Zev's arms wrapped themselves back around his slender waist, picking him up before carrying him away after a final goodnight.

"Come on, let's go take a shower and head to bed," Darren said as he backed away from me a little in order to stretch.

"T-Together?" My mate smiled softly, before pulling us together chest to chest.

"Fuck, when did you get so cute?" He asked rhetorically as he rubbed my lower back soothingly. 

"We used to take baths together all the time when we were little." He added feigning innocence. I rolled my eyes despite how red my cheeks were. I'm not cute. I'm a fucking sexy piece of man beef.

"Let's just go," I murmured pulling away. I was too tired to argue with him anyway. Darren smirked triumphantly as he took my tanned hand in his brown one and pulled me in the direction of our room which apparently was on the fourth floor that was completely empty.
Once inside he let go of my hand, allowing me to explore the space a little. The room was huge and so was the bed. I'd never seen a bed look so comfortable. Probably because I have been sitting on concrete chained to a wall for almost a month. I snorted at my thoughts. Darren came up behind me, wrapping his thick arms around my waist.

"What's so funny?" He asked, his warm breath fanning against my neck.

"N-Nothing, "I blushed, ducking out of his arms. I was suddenly self-conscious about how I smelled. Getting buckets of water dumped on you every once and a while didn't exactly classify as a shower.

"You really are too cute, Josh." Darren smiled, taking my hand again and leading us to the ensuite bathroom. He switched on the water and I eagerly stripped myself out of the shorts before stepping into the shower. A moan bubbled up my throat at the feel of the hot water rolling down my skin. I let a content sigh as I stretched a little under the warm spray.
I caught Darren staring and smirked a little. 

"As you can see, I am anything but cute," I said nonchalantly, before closing my eyes and ducking my head under the stream of water. I heard Darren chuckle as he undressed and stepped in behind me.

His hands trailed over me softly, like he was reacquainting himself with my body. I was a little skinner thanks to my time in captivity. Darren felt along my shoulders, running his hands down to my elbows then to my fingertips before moving to my chest.

"Yeah," he agreed a little gruffly. "My little pup is sexy as well as cute," he growled plastering himself to my back. A shudder ran through me when I felt his length pressing against my ass. I blushed as his fingers trailed over my neck.

"I'm not a pup, Darren..." I said lamely. My heart was beating drastically and I could feel myself stirring between my legs.

"Maybe not," my Alpha conceded, "but you are mine." He rumbled possessively. I whimpered, unable to help it as I pressed back against him.

"Y-Yours." It felt so good to finally be able to say it. The truth was, I belonged to Darren in every way possible. It its relieving not to force myself into denying it anymore. Darren was my mate and I loved him.

He growled before backing away and grabbing the soap. We washed ourselves off and Darren washed my hair, noting that it needed a cut.

We got out and dried each other off, or rather, Darren dried me off like I couldn't do it myself. I just let the man have his way, it wasn't worth fighting over. Once done we climbed into bed in with a pair of basketball shorts on. Darren pulled me securely into his side before kissing my forehead.

Just as we were about to drift off he said.

"I was serious about tying you to this bed, you know."

"I know."

|| AUTHOR'S NOTE

 
Whew child, that was a long ass chapter.
Double update because I want you to forgive me.
Please leave your thoughts on the chapter in the comments and like always, thanks so much for
reading. I love you guys!

-J.T.