Page 140 of The Wolf in My Tavern

Ada

Warm water laps over tender, sensitive flesh as Gray baths me with care. Callum returns with a laden tray, which he places on a nearby rocky ledge before he joins us in the water.

Gray settles on a low ledge with me on his lap facing Callum, who stands before me. The water laps at our chest, soothing me.

My mate’s gentle touches lift me.

The sweet fruit and nuts I nibble on sate the gnawing hunger in my belly.

Now that I am sound of mind enough to admire it, I find the rutting cave—as it shall now be known—to be surprisingly civilized.

I share a tender kiss with Callum as Gray’s lips skim over his claiming mark. I open to accept a deeper kiss, submitting to the magic.

Gray’s hand strays to my belly, the touch possessive.

I don’t ask, for I already sense I am with child, and I let the hazy glow settle in.

Cupping Callum’s cheek, I hold his eyes before twisting to share a look with Gray.

“I love you,” I say. “Both of you. I cannot wait to meet the person that we have made together.”

Gray’s head dips and he kisses me. “I love you too, mate,” he says. “Happen you were worth all that dreadful stew.”

“Your love talk needs some finessing,” Callum grouches.

I giggle.

“Love talk?” Gray scoffs. “Do not let your royal status go to your head by using fancy phrases. Make no mistake, you are still a whelp.”

Epilogue

Several months later…

Gray

It has been a busy few months since we returned to Ludstone.

It was not long after Ada’s official claiming that serious conversations of alliances began.

We have been away often. Callum wanted to learn more about the shifter world—it was also a good way to further consolidate those alliances.

The return of a royal shifter has sent ripples through the wolf shifter community. Some were skeptical, others were reluctant, and yet others were hopeful. Many still anticipated a tyrant, lending to an atmosphere of anticipation and uncertainty.

What they got was a young man with a quiet presence that people and shifters alike are drawn to. Enigmatic, he captivates the eye and holds interest effortlessly. It does not hurt that he is handsome with bright ginger hair, is built like a barn door, and tops regular shifters by head and shoulders.

He has grown into his many roles, from man to mate to pack overlord—not that he would accept such a title. He remains humble despite a future calling to him that he remains ignorant of.

When he reveals his giant form, as he does when we farewell packs, it is to a chorus of howls as every shifter in the vicinity shows their respect.

It is fair to say that word is spreading. While it is realistic to expect challenges, I anticipate more will seek him out.

As for Ada, she has settled well into pack life, making a firm friend in Lizbeth. Many humans might falter being thrust into a new and sometimes tough environment. Yet I see how Ada’s confidence grows… as does her possessiveness. She has hissed at more than a few lasses who dared to be too forward with Callum, foolishly seeking favors with the new royal.

Not that she ever needs to worry. Neither Callum nor I have eyes for anyone but her. Our bond is strong. It is reconfirmed in every glance, every touch, and every hot coupling in the furs.

But still, a shifter does covet a possessive mate. The marks she gifts to our bodies when she feels the need to remind us of our place almost make me wish I might never shift again.

I fell in love with her shy blushes.

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