Hey readers,

Well here’s the next chapter so I hope you enjoy, small note for you guys just to thank you all for the amazingly supportive comments and votes so keep it up.

Lots of Love

XXX

Chapter 23

Adrian’s Pov

When our lips pressed together in a soft and gentle kiss I couldn’t help but feel my wolf become alive with pleasure and love, the sparks running through the both of us causing me to have to fight the urge to take her into my arms and kiss her much more passionately like I wanted to. I knew she wasn’t ready for that though so I would let her go at her own pace, even if it was taking a lot of control on my part to achieve it. She was more than worth the extra effort, a million times over.

So with that on my mind I let her lead the kiss, her actions nervous and timid as she gently applied more pressure as she tilted her head to the side slightly causing our noses to brush. I knew from how hesitant and apprehensive she was that she was completely new to this, the thought of how pure and innocent she was making me glow with pride and possessiveness. I would be the only one to touch her like this, to bring her this much pleasure and so much more.

The kiss didn’t last long before she pulled apart leaving me instantly craving more, my eyes slowly opening just in time to catch her staring at my lips while she chewed at her own. She looked more than a little flustered. I grinned, knowing that I was the reason why she was in such a state.

It had been a simple kiss but it had meant so much more, it meant that not only did she accept me but it was obvious that my mate liked me in a manner that wasn’t just friends. I knew she wasn’t ready to love me yet, what with her past and all, but I knew that it was a start and that was what I was concentrating on.

“Hungry?” I grinned, not even bothering to hide how happy and delighted I was as her flush deepened. She nodded hesitantly; obviously trying to hide how much the kiss had affected her.

Quickly finishing putting together a meal I placed the plate in front of her as I took to my previous seat next to her, pleased when she seemed less hesitant to start eating even if she continued to pick at it as if she was afraid I would suddenly take it away and deny her. I frowned at the thought, though quickly pushed it away when I saw her look in my direction.

“So how do you like the pack, sweetheart?” I asked her, wanting to hear her voice as she seemed a lot less nervous around me than she had when I had first started to speak to her. She was still edgy around the pack, but after knowing about her past it wasn’t like I expected anything else from her or blamed her for acting how she did.

“Their nice” she confessed almost surprisingly, clearly not having expected them to be so different from her own pack.

“They like you” I couldn’t help but tell her, seeing her look away shyly as she concentrated on her food as it sat only slightly touched in front of her. “So what do you want to do today?” I asked when it was silent for a few minutes; clearly she didn’t know how to answer my statement about them liking her.

“I don’t mind” was her reply causing me to pull my brows together as I thought about how we could spend the day. I had caught up with my paper work so I didn’t need to worry about that, we had the whole day to ourselves and I wanted to make the most of it.

“How about we go get you some clothes?” I asked, most girls liked shopping right?

At my suggestion she seemed to get uncomfortable, instantly having me wondering whether it was anything I had said to have her mood change so quickly. Hearing her mumble something under her breath I couldn’t help but ask her to repeat it, it being so quiet that not even I could pick up on it and I had the enhanced and sensitive hearing of an alpha male werewolf.

“I don’t have any money” she muttered, clearly embarrassed making me sigh out in relief that it wasn’t anything more serious.

“Well I do, however much I like you in my clothes don’t you want any of your own?” I asked her, wanting her to know what money was no problem. Unlike most packs we didn’t spend it stupidly, I didn’t allow them to. We had cars yes, but they weren’t anything severely expensive like most packs had since I thought it was a complete waste of money. I also wanted her to know that money wasn’t an option when it came to her; I was her mate and her provider so money was the last thing she should be worrying about.

“It’s yours” she said softly, looking at me with those gorgeous amber eyes of hers as she was clearly talking about money again. I stifled the urge to roll me eyes, she needed to learn that it was my job and duty to look after her and that was never going to change.

“Actually technically it’s the packs, and since your my mate it’s yours as well” I stated as I grabbed our finished plates and dropped them in the sink, they could wait till later. Turning around I couldn’t help by grin amused when I saw her expression, eyes wide with disbelief and mouth agape in a manner that made me instantly think back to our kiss. I couldn’t wait until I could make love to her, she was my mate and I would spoil her rotten like she deserved.

“Adrian…” she started in a soft tone but I cut her off, walking towards her only to help her out of her chair. I loved that she was comfortable enough around me that I didn’t have to be as cautious all the time when touching and approaching her, I knew not to push my luck but it was a start.

“It’s just how it is sweetheart, better get used to it” I winked as I tugged her upstairs and into Lily’s room, I knew that she wouldn’t mind Holly borrowing some clothes to just go shopping in. While I did like Holly wearing my clothes, surrounded in my scent I knew that she couldn’t go shopping in them. She would be freezing, even if I was constantly by her side like I planned to be.

“What are we doing in here?” I heard Holly asked curiously as I looked through a set of draws, pulling out a loose pair of Lily’s trousers, a set of underwear and a shirt. It was then I froze though, lustful images filling my mind when I realised that my mate was utterly bare under my clothes. Fuck, I really needed to change my train of thoughts before I scared her off I thought with a rough shake of my head.

“Getting you some clothes” I replied as I gently pressed them into her arms before steering her into my room and towards the bathroom.

“Are you sure she won’t mind?” my selfless mate asked causing me to both sigh and smile at the same time, she was just too cute.

“Of course she won’t sweetheart, you can have a shower if you like” I grinned as I gently guided her into the bathroom, reaching to turn the shower on since her eyes seemed to light up with the prospect of cleaning up.  

“Thank you” she said softly, leaning up on her tip toes before pressing her lips to my cheek. I couldn’t help but grin, giving her a wink that had her blushing before leaving her to get ready.

I quickly took the time to get dressed, slipping on a simple pair of black jeans, a shirt and a leather jacket before searching for my wallet. Thankfully my memory kicked in leading me to head towards the kitchen, remembering that I had left it on the counter last night for some reason or another.

Hearing the water cut off I quickly dashed back upstairs, heading into my room only for my breath to catch in my throat when she walked out once she had finished. She had brushed her hair and had it over her right shoulder, Lily’s clothes seeming massive on her while Lily was considered an average size and she was far from a large girl. I fought the urge to frown though, but her freshly washed face and small smile made it a whole lot less difficult as I walked to take her into my arms, loving that I could.

“Feel better?” I couldn’t help but ask, seeing her nod before I grabbed her some shoes and tugged her outside towards my car.

Quickly locking up the back house it wasn’t long until we were on our way to a shop of some kind, it suddenly occurring to me that I didn’t have a clue on what I was doing. I was internally hoping that Holly would know what she liked and wanted, though I knew deep down that it was going to be a lot more difficult than I expected it to be.

I was correct of course, Holly looking utterly lost as soon as we walked into the first clothes store we approached. It was then I had wished I had Lilly or another female of the pack with me, perhaps Ryan’s mate since that girl was one hell of a shopper.

Clearly sensing how lost we were we were approached by a female assistant, her tone almost eager to help out and for once I was grateful for how nosy they were.

“Welcome, how may I help you today?” she smiled softly as a greeting, not knowing how much panic she had just saved the both of us.

I quickly explained our situation and soon she disappeared to grab a number of items, beaming when I had told her that money was no object when Holly seemed to be in one of her moods where she was in her own little world.

It wasn’t long until she appeared back with a arm full of clothes, my eyes widening when I saw she had two other young girls with her as well as Holly’s eyes widened and her grip on my hand tightened to an almost painful level at the sight of them all approaching at once.

“You’ll be fine” I whispered to her as she went into the changing room, it not taking long until she came out and I felt the air leave my lungs in one go at the sight in front of me. She was wearing a deep yellow summer dress that had white lace trimming, it suited her soft and innocent features perfectly and I instantly looked towards the sales assistant.

“Definitely” I nodded as soon as I managed to find my breathe, the woman smiling gleefully and I had an idea it was due to the fact she would be getting a large pay check considering she was on commission. The more clothes she sold the higher her bonus was, so it was clear she was more than a little happy that she had approached us in the store now.

We were there about an hour or two before it was clear that my mate had had enough, her face a picture of un-comfort.

“You want to go?” I asked her, getting an instant nod in return as she hurriedly changed back into the clothes she had come in before quickly making her way to my side. I couldn’t help but wrap an arm around her, wanting her close.

“Do you want something to eat?” I asked her as I paid for her things, most of them consisting of dresses since her small and thin frame meant jeans were impossible. I didn’t mind, actually preferring her in soft and flowing fabrics since she seemed happiest when trying them on.

“I’m fine” was her reply causing me to frown before I directed her to a food court, getting her to save us a table before heading over to the counter and getting us some food. She may have said she wasn’t hungry but I wanted her to eat something at least, ordering an extra-large fries with the hope that she would tuck into them as well.

We were back at the pack house not long after, Holly’s light breathing filling the car since she had dosed off as soon as I had pulled the car into gear. I couldn’t help but keep sneaking glances at her, hoping that someday she would realise just how much she meant to me.

“Mm…Adrian?” she mumbled sleepily as I helped her out, seeing the rest of the packs cars in the drive way meaning that they were all home since they had obviously finished school. I hadn’t realised how late it had gotten, no wonder Holly could barely keep her eyes open.  

“Yes, sweetheart?” I asked her as I gently held onto her hip to make sure she had her balance. When I was sure her legs weren’t going to collapse under her I cautiously let her go to grab the bags, locking up when I had them firmly in my hands.

“You don’t need to do this” she said softly as she gestured to her new clothes, a nervous and embarrassed expression on her features as she did so. I could tell the pack was listening, they weren’t exactly being subtle considering they all had their faces pressed against the window in a way that would have been amusing if it wasn’t for the fact they were being incredibly nosy.

“I know, but I wanted to” I replied as I headed towards the house, hearing her as she plodded along behind me.

“Why?” she asked causing me to look around to stare at my beauty as she tip toed through the thick snow. I was suddenly glad that she had boots on, they may not have suited her outfit but as long as they served their purpose to keep her warm then they would be fine.

“Look sweetheart, you’re mine and it’s my job to look after you ok?” I said softly, stopping to cup her cool cheek in my hand before rushing her inside to get her warm. God, never would I have pegged myself for being so protective or possessive but it was like my wolf couldn’t bear for even a paper cut to grace her soft skin.

“But-“

“No but’s, it’s always going to be that way sweetheart so you had better get used to it” I grinned at her causing her to smile after a few seconds.

Entering the pack house we were instantly greeted with the pack, bright smiles on each of their faces except for Jake who was looking incredibly nervous for some reason.

“You alright, Jake?” I asked as I put the shopping bags by the stairs, Holly still by my side as her hand reached for mine. I smiled, lacing our fingers together as I looked towards my normally tough pack mate. I had never seen him so nervous before, his mood instantly having my attention as well as the fact that he seemed to be looking towards my oblivious mate with an even more hopeful expression.

“Urm-“ he started nervously before Lily cut him off with a roll of her eyes.

“Just ask her Jake, I mean it’s not exactly difficult” she sighed out causing Jake to glare but not comment, quickly diverting his gaze as he looked anywhere but at us. I couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Who are you talking about?” I asked with a raised brow as I leaned against the wall, Holly simply staring off into space like she usually did. I couldn’t help but shake my head amused, pressing a long kiss to her cheek causing a smile to tug at her lips as she squeezed my hand with hers.

“Jake wants to know if Holly could do him a favour” Lilly continued, and though Jake glared it was clear he was relieved that he wasn’t the one who had to explain it.

“What kind of favour?” I asked, Holly perking up when she heard her name mentioned as she gazed at Jake with a curious expression, her head tilted to the side slightly as if she could see through to his soul. I had to admit, it was slightly off-putting.

“Urm…” he stuttered again, flushing slightly much to my amusement. At this Lily sighed before filling me in on the situation, it stunning me but I couldn’t have been happier for him.

“Jake found his mate today, a human girl, she’s sweet. Anyway wanting to be close to her he offered to help out with a bake sale she’s organising, only he can’t cook” Lily stated causing the pack mates who didn’t know to whoop at another pack mate being mated. It didn’t matter that it was with a human, most packs would have minded but we were more of a family so it wasn’t like we judged. If Jake was happy with it, like we could clearly see he was, then there wasn’t a problem in the slightest.

“Well, that was clever” Ryan stated with a snigger, getting a slap on the arm from his mate who clearly found the whole thing romantic.

“So you want Holly to what, cook?” I asked curiously, seeing him nod. I was about to speak when Holly’s soft voice filtered into the air.

“I would love to” she smiled at him, instantly putting a relieved and thankful smile on Jakes lips as he grinned broadly at her.

“Thanks Holly” he beamed causing her to giggle, the sound making me purr as I shot her a wink when she looked my way.

“When?” she asked only for Jake to suddenly look uneasy with her question.

“Urm…tomorrow?” he confessed, his answer making it sound more like a question.

“Ok, I’ll start now if you like” my angel smiled, clearly not minding at how short notice it was. With a quick grin he headed quickly towards the kitchen, Holly looking towards me with a slightly hesitant look before I gave her an encouraging nod and she slowly followed after him.

“She’s getting better” Paul muttered as he headed towards me, obviously referring to the fact that my timid mate was already seemingly getting on with the pack better. With that I nodded, giving him a quick grin before heading upstairs to make room to put my mate’s new clothes.

~~(@)~~

It was about an hour later that I headed into the kitchen, while my wolf wanted nothing more than to constantly be by her side I had to admit I was curious to how well she would get on when she wasn’t in my presence. I was presently surprised that as long as she wasn’t crowded with the pack she seemed to be at more ease, my hearing picking up on her talking softly with Jake as she glided around the kitchen as if she was made for it.

“Thanks for doing this, Holly” Jake thanked her, the gratitude in his voice enough to make me shake my head amused.

“Its fine, I’m happy to help out” ah, there was my mate. It was strange how just hearing her voice made me want to appear by her side, already missing her even though it had been only an hour at the most. “So what’s she like?”

“Her names Annie, she’s a year younger than me so she’s about your age. She’s really sweet, she-“ he started to ramble off excitedly causing my mate to giggle. Taking that as my cue to enter I walked into the kitchen, my eyes widening when I took note of how much my mate had managed to cook.

“Bloody hell” I couldn’t help but swear under my breath as I took note of the delicious aroma in the kitchen, the table actually covered in different types of desert treats which meant my mate must be one hell of a good cook when it came to cooking more than one thing at the same time.

“Hey”

I grinned at the sound of my mates’ voice, quickly walking over towards her as I wrapped my arms around my flour covered mate and pressed my lips against her cheek.

“It looks like you’ve been busy” I grinned, looking over her shoulder to see her adding a number of strawberries around the edge of a cake which smelt of cinnamon. Damn, my mate could really cook when she put her mind to it, not to mention it looked incredibly professional.

“I got carried away I guess” she mumbled embarrassed as she added the final touches to the cake, adding three strawberries in the centre before adding this strange chocolate homemade swirl in the middle. I had to admit, I was having trouble not devouring it myself.

“They look great” I commented as  looked towards Jake who was nodding eagerly, obviously pleased that he would be able to impress my mate.

“You really are a life savour, Holly” Jake admitted, his tone thick with gratefulness.

“I don’t mind, it’s been a while since I could do my own thing” she smiled making me instantly curious, there was still so much I didn’t know of my mate.

“What do you mean?” I asked, helping her move the cake onto the table when she seemed to struggle and getting a kiss on the cheek making it worth the effort.

“Normally I was just ordered to make something” she shrugged, my hands going to the edge of the table to calm my anger while Jake looked horrified. I forgot he like the pack weren’t filled in with what sort of life Holly had come from, but I wasn’t going to tell them until she was ready. So with that on my mind I subtly shook my head at him, silently warning him not to comment.

Taking a seat at the table I found I couldn’t tear my eyes away from my mate as she seemed to continue pulling things out of the oven every time a timer went off, it was impressive to say the least since everything seemed to be different but smell just as good. Literally, my mouth was drooling when she got to the double chocolate cupcakes which seemed to draw most of the pack into the kitchen only for them to freeze when they saw the delectable sight in front of them.

“Holy cow”

Believe it or not but it was Paul who made the comment, it wasn’t exactly a secret that the boy was an utter pig and that was putting it lightly. I mean due to us being wolves we did have to eat a lot to keep up with our shifting and extremely high metabolism, but Paul took it to a whole other level and it was almost fascinating that the guy wasn’t fat or even large except for the muscles that came with the package of being a werewolf.

“Oh god, cinnamon cake” Kelly moaned, Kelly being Ryan’s mate. Really you would have expected Paul and Kelly to be put together by the spirits when it came to food, they were both animals when it came to tasty treats.

“Hey, don’t even think about it!” Jake threatened through narrowed eyes, clearly sensing their motives. I rolled my eyes, though couldn’t help but pull my mate in for a firm kiss on the lips when she nervously pushed a plate towards me. She squealed in surprise at the action; though the smile tugging at her lips as I pulled her into my lap made me grin out relieved that I hadn’t taken it too far.

“Adrian gets something!”

“Well he is her mate, what do you expect!” Jake snapped, it being more than a little amusing that he was actually seemingly guarding the table since he wanted to make a good first impression when it came to his mate. I couldn’t blame the poor lad, with her being a human it was going to make it harder on him when it came to explaining the whole pack aspect of our lives.

 “Jesus, touchy much Jake”

I rolled my eyes at Paul’s disgruntled comment, though groaned as I took a bite of the cupcake Holly had pushed in front of me. Fuck…it tasted as good as it looked.  

“Perfect” I whispered against her, licking my lips playfully causing her to actually beam widely. I couldn’t help but be taken aback with her bright smile, it making my wolf purr and a bolt of pleasurable warmth to shoot through me at the fact that I was the one who put it there. I couldn’t help but pull her firmly against me, letting my nose nuzzle against her neck as I breathed in her heavenly scent. 

“I didn’t go overboard did I?” she asked worriedly, this time Paul being the one to answer which wasn’t exactly a surprise. What he said wasn’t exactly unexpected either, it suiting his behaviour to a T.

“Of course not, you’re not taking all this are you, Jake?” he questioned, clearly hopeful that there would be some left over. By the looks on the packs faces it was clear that they were hoping for it as well, I mean it was hard not to want to try her cooking when it looked as edible as it did.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to seem desperate” Jake admitted causing everyone to laugh, even my mate couldn’t help but giggle slightly.

“I think it’s a bit too late for that, Jake” I smirked causing him to glare before looking at Holly with a hopeless look, as if she had all the answers.

“Holly?” he asked hopefully.

“Just be yourself Jake, I like you” she smiled softly, though she seemed uncomfortable under the attention. Her response instantly had him grinning though, Jake smiling broadly enough that I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his reaction.

“I can’t wait” he muttered to himself almost dreamily, Holly smiling before turning to face me with a look full of adoration. I couldn’t help but squeeze her tighter against me, running my nose up the side of her neck as I continued to breathe in her scent as if it was my own personal heroine. She just smelt so bloody good…

It was about a half hour later until everyone headed upstairs, what with having to get up early for school and all. I couldn’t help but be relieved that I had graduated early; since I had to take over the position at such a young age for that of an alpha I was more than a little relieved that I had passed my exams even after taking them earlier than everyone else. I had worked my arse of though, I had thought if I was going to be Alpha and make my dad proud than I might as well step up to what it would entail.

Currently I was searching the kitchen for some plastic containers to put the cakes in that Jake was going to take tomorrow, the little bugger having already turned in for the night leaving us to sort it out. It was hard to be annoyed though, especially when my little mate seemed to be having such a good time.

“Found them” I stated as I waved them in the air as I knelt on the floor, feeling her take them out of my hand as her fingers brushed against mine. I couldn’t help but smile at the sparks, it was more than a little addicting.

“Thank you” I heard her say before the sound of her bare feet plodding on the kitchen floor could be heard with my sensitive hearing.

It didn’t take us long to have what we could fit in the containers packed up and in the fridge ready for Jake to take tomorrow, the git had better be bloody grateful was all I could think.

“Ready for bed?” I asked her as she put the last plate of cookies in the fridge, her sleepy nod telling me everything I needed to know as I swept her into my arms before she knew what was happening.

“Hey” she protested weakly, but the fact she snuggled against me told me all I needed to know. I couldn’t help but smile at the realisation that she was becoming more and more relaxed around both me and the pack. I loved it.

Heading up the stairs with my mate in my arms it didn’t take me long to have her back in my room, reluctantly setting her gently on her feet as I kept my arms around her waist to keep her balanced. When I was sure she wasn’t going to topple over I quickly showed her where I had put all of her things, watching with a smile as she hesitantly grabbed a pair of pyjamas I had picked out for her before dashing into the bathroom.

Taking the time to slip off my clothes and grab some silk pyjama bottoms of my own it didn’t take me long to get changed for bed. Normally I slept naked or in boxers but I thought that would be pushing it a bit too far, the last thing I wanted was to backtrack and make her uncomfortable with sleeping in the same bed as me since now I knew what it felt like there was no way I wanted to go back to spending a night without her by my side.

I was broken out of my thoughts when my mates’ voice caught my attention. Turning around I instantly felt desire run through me as I caught sight of my mate, the fact she looked a lot healthier than when she first came here making my wolf purr in relief and delight.

She had on a simple pair of white pyjamas which consisted of a pair of shorts and a vest top, the fact it was clear she wasn’t wearing a bra underneath instantly coming to my attention and I didn’t know whether I was relieved or disappointed that it wasn’t chilly in the room. The soft white fabric had light pink lace around the edges of the top and shorts making her look utterly adorable. I was so bloody lucky she was my it was unbelievable.

“You look nice” I smiled, reassuring her when she seemed to shift uneasily under my stare. I couldn’t help it, the fact it revealed so much of her creamy skin meant I was more than a little distracted with the amount of desire I was feeling right now. I really needed a cold shower I thought, desperately.

“Thank you” she smiled brightly at me now she had been reassured she looked ok. I couldn’t help but shake my head, my mate said thank you far too much I thought. I knew it was most likely down to the fact she acted so grateful with everything around her, I knew why but I couldn’t help but hate that she had to feel grateful because her previous pack had not only not looked after her but had treated her like a servant, like an animal that needed to be trained. It was disgusting.

“Come on, sweetheart” I smiled as I pulled back the sheets of the bed, Holly quickly plodding around to the other side as we soon found ourselves under the sheets. I loved that she was willing to sleep in the same bed as my, the fact she allowed me to hold her in my arms even better as my wolf openly purred in delight and comfort. I had no idea how I had lived before I had found her, but I knew that I never wanted to know what it would be like to be without her ever again. Not if I could help it anyway.

~~(@)~~

I woke up to an empty bed which was completely and utterly unacceptable, the fact she was missing making my wolf go on high alert. Shit.

Instantly I was on my feet, all previous sleep forgotten about as I instantly felt my wolf reach out to try and locate her. I may not have mated with her yet but that didn’t mean I couldn’t find her if I wanted to, it came in handy I thought as I only relaxed when I realised that she hadn’t gone far.

Quickly dashing down stairs I followed my instincts only to find her outside, my eyes widening when I took note that she was shaking slightly since she was still in her pyjamas and the snow was still thick outside.

“Holly?” I called out, what the hell was she doing? It may not have seemed cold to me but it was surely having an effect on her, her form shaking slightly as I quickly jogged over towards her, my feet melting the snow slightly as I went.

“Huh, Adrian?” she asked when she caught sight of me, my arms quickly encircling her as I tugged her back inside. I could tell by her expression that she was confused with my actions, but thankfully she went willingly.

“What are you doing?” I asked her as I got her inside, quickly shutting the door before running my hands up and down her cool arms to try and get some heat into her system.

“I wanted some fresh air-“ she started but I cut her off, gently pushing her into the kitchen to get something warm into her. I may have been overreacting but it was early in the morning, my mate was freezing and the fact I couldn’t help but remember the last time I had found her in the snow only made my protective instincts flare.

“You could have frozen to death!” I snapped at her as I sat her on a chair, instantly regretting my tone when her eyes seemed to get a faraway look in them before her form stiffened almost immediately. Shit, great going idiot I thought to myself as I looked into her misty eyes. Oh god…

“I’m sorry…I…urm…” she stuttered out and I instantly felt like a jerk. Cupping her cheek soothingly I internally slapped myself, my mate was timid enough as it was without me making it worse.

“No you don’t need to be sorry sweetheart, I’m sorry it’s just…” I started, not releasing how difficult it was for me to let her out of my sight until now. Shit, I was so whipped it was unbelievable. “I’m being over protective aren’t I?” I smiled at her, hoping to lighten the mood. Thankfully it worked; her form relaxing as she looked at me with those big amber eyes of hers making my heart skip a beat.

“I’m sorry, I’ll wake you next time” she smiled sheepishly. I knew I sounded like a controlling bastard but I couldn’t find it in me to care, my mate needed protecting and my wolf wasn’t helping matters either.

“I sound like a jerk don’t I?” I couldn’t help but ask, trying to keep my tone light but it would be obvious to anybody that I was terrified that she would leave me because of it. I wouldn’t let her, but I wouldn’t like forcing her to stay either.

“You sound like you care” she told me before hesitantly climbing onto my lap, my hands rising in silent surrender as I watched what she was about to do. It turned out that as she straddled me, her arms wrapping themselves gently around my neck I couldn’t help but freeze to the spot as I watched her actions with wide eyes. I could tell her movements were hesitant, her soft and nervous eyes locking with mine as I finally snapped out of it long enough to rest my hands on her bare thighs.  

“I do” I instantly agreed even though she hadn’t asked a question, a smile forming on her lips as she shifted forward slightly to press her chest against mine. Unfortunately it didn’t help with tampering down my sudden lust, the fact that the chill that she been in the air when she had been outside causing those pink buds of hers to stiffen meaning that I couldn’t help but feel them on my bare chest through the thin fabric of her vest top. Hell…

“I know” she breathed before gently pressing her lips against mine, both of our eyes closing as I felt her sweet mouth touch mine hesitantly before she became more bold with her decision when I instantly responded eagerly.

I couldn’t help but purr deeply within my chest, my arms wrapping around her waist as I pulled her further against me. I felt a purr vibrate in my chest when I felt her relax completely against me. Wanting to know if I could take it any further I cautiously ran my tongue along her bottom lip, feeling her shudder against me slightly as she tilted her head to the side slightly before hesitantly opening her mouth.

I made sure to keep my movements slow as not to rush her, knowing that as well as the fact she was utterly new to this I didn’t want to get carried away and end up regretting it when she got too uncomfortable.

Letting my tongue pass through her lips I gently encouraged her to caress it against mine, my hand rising from where I had it on her waist up cup the back of her neck gently as I couldn’t help but groan at her taste. The shivers of pleasure rocketed through my form making it the most pleasurable thing I had experienced, I had been with a few girls and yet just simply kissing my mate brought me more pleasure than I would have ever imagined.

Knowing that we both needed to breathe I reluctantly pulled away breathing heavily as I did so, though I couldn’t help myself as I continued to plant soft and quick kisses of her lips while she caught her breath.

“Mm” she moaned softly, her eyes slightly lidded making me have to fight back a groan. I couldn’t resist not pressing my lips against hers, claiming them once again as this time I let her own tongue explore my mouth. It was clear she was inexperienced, but rather than annoy me it only served to further please and turn on my wolf due to the fact that I would be the first and last to touch my mate in this manner. It made my wolf purr in delight at the thought, well that was before her tongue ran along the roof of my mouth and all thought left my mind for the next few minutes until the need to breathe caught up with us again.

“Morning guys” Jake said cheerfully as he walked into the kitchen making us jump apart, my arms quickly tightening on her waist when she jolted enough to nearly slip off my lap.

“A little warning next time, Jake!” I growled out causing him to flinch, my mate blushing about ten shades of red as she mumbled something under her breath before slipping off my lap and onto the chair next to me much to my disappointment.

“Sorry alpha, I just can’t wait till today” he beamed causing my flushed mate to giggle at his excitement, her tongue running over her bottom lip before she pulled said lip between her teeth. I couldn’t help but stare; now I knew what that incredible mouth of hers tasted like I couldn’t help but crave more of the addicting feeling that came with it.

“It’s fine” I grunted out as I moved my arm to rest over the back of Holly’s chair, pleased when she leaned back against it. “You’re welcome by the way” I said sarcastically when he got out the containers, a sheepish look forming on his features as he did so.

“Yea, sorry about that” he admitted causing me to roll my eyes but wave him off dismissively to let him know all was forgiven. “You guys are up early aren’t ya?” he continued as he turned the kettle on after getting out the containers that Holly had labelled Jake so his mate would know who brought them. I had looked at her oddly when she did so only for her to explain, I couldn’t help but shake my head at how she was already acting like a alpha female by looking after the pack mates like she had done and she didn’t even know it.

“I guess” I shrugged, not wanting to get into the panic I got myself in this morning.

“You want a drink?” he offered causing me to nod, a glance at my mate telling me that she may want one as well to help warm her up.

“What do you want, sweetheart?” I asked her, not knowing what she preferred.

“I don’t know, I haven’t tried any before” she muttered as she buried her nose in my side, a frown forming on my features as Jake shot me a look which clearly meant he knew something was going on. I shook my head at him, silently ordering him not to approach a subject that would only leave her upset.

“You want to try a hot chocolate?” I offered, knowing that tea and coffee were of a more preferred taste. Seeing her nod Jake got out another mug, it not taking long until he passed me a coffee and Holly a yellow flowered mug of hot chocolate. The pack was strange about mugs for some reason; most of them having their names on and such so it was clear that Holly had just claimed her own. It was an odd habit of every ones, but it had been that way for years.

“Thank you” Holly smiled, always polite.

“You’re welcome” Jake grinned before grabbing a bowl of cereal. My eyes remained on Holly though as she blew over her steaming drink before taking a hesitant sip.

“You like?” I grinned when her eyes seemed to light up, her eager nod telling me all I needed to know as I couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction.

It didn’t take long for the rest of the pack to come down, most of them looking half dead before they took one look at the clock before seemingly rushing to get ready.

“Thanks again Holly, I’ll tell you how it goes” Jake grinned on the way out, but it was obvious that he was as nervous as hell.

“Good luck” I smiled, knowing that the boy needed some good luck in his life. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong, but it wasn’t easy to be in a pack that had so many mated couples and to be on your own. It had never bothered me, but then again I never expected to find Holly either.

“Cheers” was all he said before he was gone leaving me to roll my eyes, hopefully everything would go alright for him.

Turning my attention back towards my mate I couldn’t help but grin as she smiled brightly at me, everyone soon heading off after a number of surprised goodbyes at seeing us up so early. I could tell they hadn’t expected us to be up already, though to see their reactions it was more than a little amusing.

“Good?” I couldn’t help but ask her, seeing her blush as she nodded with a tender smile.

“I like it” she admitted with a sheepish smile, my heart skipping a beat as always.

“You finished? Do you want another?” I asked her only to get an eager nod. Grabbing her empty mug I got up only for her to follow me almost eagerly. Raising a brow I couldn’t help but chuckle at her reply.

“I want to know how you make one” she confessed leading me to believe that they didn’t have it at her old pack.

It was about a half hour later until we were back in my bedroom, my mate getting changed in the bathroom while I took the opportunity to shrug on some jeans and a loose button up shirt, not bothering with any socks as I ran a comb roughly through my hair before waiting until she came out of the bathroom.

She was a vision like always when she did, her hair tied up in a messy bun reminding me just how long her thick black curls were. She was wearing a simple black woollen dress, a pair of creamy tights which would hopefully keep her warm and a pair of fluffy socks. I couldn’t help but grin, she looked incredible.

“Gorgeous” I told her, seeing her smile brightly before almost dancing towards me and into my arms.

“It’s soft” she admitted as she played with the fabric before looking up towards me, her eyes shining brightly as I couldn’t help but lower my head down to hers as she met me half way by standing on her tip toes. The moment her lips pressed against mine I knew that I would never get sick of touching her, of caring for her and kissing her for the rest of our lives.

“Let’s get you some breakfast” I smiled as I lead her downstairs, feeling a grin form on my face that wouldn’t be lessening any time soon that was for sure.

So, how do you feel about the really long chapter? Comment! Vote!