Page 4 of Embraced By the Wolf Shifter

The wilderness calls to me, a needed distraction, so I quickly patrol the perimeter, ensuring our safety even with the storm. The thought that she is here, my mate, safe under my protection, is a constant undercurrent to my thoughts.

I don't stay away for long, though. She'll need food, and more than that, I want to be there in case she needs anything else.

My instincts are on high alert, every sense attuned to her presence within my cabin. The bond that pulls me towards her is undeniable, and I find myself eager to return to her side.

My life, once a fortress of solitude, is now punctuated by her presence. Even her soft breathing as she had slept was a constant reminder that I am no longer alone. It’s a reminder I’m eager to get back to.

I turn my attention back to the cabin, drying off and cleaning up as I enter, and ensuring everything is in place for her comfort.

A pot of herbal tea simmers on the stove, its aroma blending with the rustic scents of the cabin as I start to cook a meal. It will be the first meal of many that I cook for my mate- she just doesn't know it yet.

In the kitchen, I begin preparing something simple yet nourishing. The sizzle of vegetables hitting the hot pan fills the air, accompanied by the fragrant release of herbs and spices. Chopped vegetables in a medley of colors - vibrant reds, greens, and yellows - dance in the pan as they cook, their natural aromas enhancing the dish.

I add some meat to the mix, a pheasant I freshly hunted only yesterday. The meal is shaping up to be a wholesome, hearty dish, one that I hope will not only satisfy her hunger but also provide some small comfort in this unfamiliar place.

I brought her here, to my sanctuary, to heal and be safe. This will help her heal.

As I stir the pan, I hear the soft sound of hobbled footsteps. Turning, I see her emerging from the bathroom, now dressed in my oversized clothes. My mate is a beautiful little rabbit.

Her chestnut hair, now damp, falls in gentle waves around her shoulders, contrasting vividly with the light fabric of my shirt that she wears. The clothes hang loosely on her, hiding some of her curves, and somehow, make her seem both vulnerable and endearingly human. Her eyes, brown and earthy, are large as she watches me.

What truly captures me, though, is how she is enveloped in my scent, the clothes having absorbed it from being in my cabin for so long. Her wildflower aroma mixes nicely with the pine in my own.

Seeing her like this, in my sanctuary, wearing my clothes, a part of my world, it's a sight that stirs something deep within me.

She is my mate, and she's here, safe with me. There's a sense of rightness to it that is both profound and indescribable. For a moment, I'm rendered speechless, until my cock stirs the longer I stare.

I clear my throat, dropping my gaze back to the pan.

“I would have helped you to the table,” I tell her.

Is it my imagination or does my little mate flush a pale pink at the words?

“No need. I’m okay, really. I can’t walk but I can hobble. What are you making?” she asks, curiosity lighting her eyes.

"It's a vegetable and pheasant stir-fry with herbs and spices. Do you like pheasant?" I ask, hoping it suits her taste.

She nods enthusiastically. "Yes, I love it. And this smells amazing."

"Good," I say with a small smile, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. I will make her pheasant every day if it will satisfy her, though I keep that promise to myself. "Please, have a seat."

I gesture towards the table as I begin to serve the food, making sure to fill her plate first before serving myself.

As she sits, I notice her staring at the food with an intensity that catches my attention.

"What is it?" I ask, concerned that maybe something is wrong.

She looks up, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "It's just... I can't remember the last time someone's cooked for me." Her voice is soft, almost wistful.

A surge of protectiveness tugs in my chest at her words. "I will always cook for you," I tell her earnestly, over-eager to please her.

Her cheeks color with embarrassment, and she quickly focuses on the food, breathing in its aroma. Her lips part slightly with a sigh before her first bite, and for a moment, I'm captivated by her.

The sight of her, surrounded by the warmth of my cabin, indulging in the meal I've prepared, sparks a deep yearning in me. I imagine what it would be like to kiss her, to taste the same flavors on her lips that she's enjoying now. It's a thought that warms me, yet I carefully conceal it, and my growing erection, not wanting to overwhelm her…or myself.

Minutes pass silently as we eat, though it is a comfortable silence. Later, though, as conversation stirs, I find myself captivated by Emma's enthusiasm.

"So, you like...botany?" I ask, noticing the way her face lights up. "I noticed the book in your bag, when I found you."

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