Okay, so I'm kind of embarassed that I'm processing this slowly into the story. So much still has to happen and if I were reading this story I would be like, damn, it's chapter 20 and they haven't even kissed, so I'm sorry for being such a bore, and I promise I'll start writing faster so I can get to the plot of the story. Thank you readers and commenters, I love all of you.

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By the time we reached the pack house, I felt more comfortable around Caleb. My nerves had subsided, only to be triggered again when I realized we were standing in front of the pack house. It looked different, as if it had been remodeled. With a frown I looked over the façade of the house.

Caleb caught me looking.

"I had to expand the pack house, we've grown a lot since you were last here. People know how much of a peaceful pack this is, generally and have been requesting to join, so hence why it looks different probably. Over the past five years we've doubled in size"

I nodded, he must be a great Alpha then, to be able to lead without causing wars and riots everywhere he went.

"Congratulations." What does one say to that anyway? Good job and a pat on the back? I felt stupid to know so little of pack tradition and seriously regretted not having shown more of an interest growing up.

Caleb looked at me funny, but didn't say anything.

"Are you ready to go in? Or would you rather stay outside some more?"

"Can we?" I asked, noticing how I sounded a little too cheerful with that option. I hoped he wasn't hurt over my refusal to enter, yet. It suddenly dawned on me that I was going to have to live here, if I decided to go through with agreeing to be his mate. Wouldn't every day be more of a reminder of my mistakes?

Caleb looked at the house one last time, his eyes glazing over momentarily. Stupid fùcking mindlink. I thought grumpily.

"Sure." he said eventually, walking in the opposite direction again.

"I'm sorry." I said, hurrying after him.

"I know I'm being difficult, but it's harder than I thought, entering that house. I can't imagine living in it either." I admitted.

He turned to look at me, a flash of anger crossing his face, before it was gone. Was it directed at me? I took a quick step backwards, but he closed the distance between us without effort, his hands reached up to put them on either side of my head, gazing deep into my eyes. Ugh, his speed was SO unfair.

"We don't need to live there. There's a house reserved for the Alpha and his family. I haven't used it yet because I didn't have a family yet so it was far more convenient to live here but as soon as you say you'll have me, I will have all of our stuff moved there."

"Wh-What?" I stuttered, barely keeping up with his rushes speaking, as if he was scared I would run away from him before he had finished. As if I could run with his iron grip on my face.

"We'll move into a home close by, you'll never even have to step foot in the pack house, if you so desire. I'll do anything for you, but please, please don't leave me."

His forehead was touching mine and I honestly couldn't think straight anymore. Here he was, pouring his heart out to me, showing so much vulnerability and I didn't even know what I really wanted anymore, all I knew was that I couldn't simply say no.

When I didn't reply, I felt his hold on me waver, but I put my hands on top of his, holding them in place.

"Okay." I said, one word, meaning so much more.

"Okay?" he repeated, confusion lacing his tone.

"If you'll have me, I'd like to give us a try, a real one."

His face filled with joy as he processed my words and all of a sudden, his lips were pressed against mine. My mind barely had time to process what was happening, or how I was feeling about this kiss, when he was suddenly several feet away from me.

Now it was my turn to be confused

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked, wrapping my arms around my body, feeling slightly cold without his body heat.

"No, no, no, baby, no." Baby? Alright then. "I was so happy to hear you want to give it a shot, that I lost control, but I was afraid you weren't ready, so I pulled away."

"Oh." I said, my mouth forming a perfect 'o' shape, which I didn't close immediately. How did I feel? The moment had been so short that I didn't even know if I wanted more, if I was disgusted, if I'd felt any tingles at all. Maybe he should do it again. God no, I can't ask him for another kiss, can I?

Shaking my head so I could get rid of those ridiculous thoughts, I voiced another one without really thinking it through.

"I want to introduce you to Alexander."

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Short chapter, I know, but I'll update again soon!

Thank you for reading and please tell me what you think, even if you don't like it. I like all feedback!

Would you like a chapter written in Caleb's point of view? I was going to wait until the end and give them as bonus chapters, but maybe some would like to see how he's been experiencing things?