Page 87 of Oath of Revenge

He paused, turning to face her and gently lifting her chin so he could meet her gaze. “I did, yes, but I spoke out of hope, not from certainty.”

She frowned. “Hope?”

“Yes,” he said nodding, taking her hands in his and blowing hot air to warm them. “I want you here with me, Scarlet. I won’t lie about that.”

“And do what? Sit by the fire, darn your socks, and pop out your babies?”

She frowned and tried to pull her hands away, but he held firm. His grin drew her actions to a halt. Her stomach twisted with that smile. She didn’t want to stay here with him. She didn’t.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

“I’ll darn your socks if you darn mine.” His grin was wide and his eyes twinkled, making her stomach flip.

She rolled her eyes and scowled. “You don’t even wear socks half the time.”

He chuckled, and the sound slithered down her spine and straight to the aching need between her legs.

“I want you to have my pups, yes. I want to see you round with my babe. But I also want to fight by your side, and I’d never ask you to give up the Hunters. Although I’d like you to be my eyes and ears with the people so I never have a surprise like Brody again. I want to be a better leader, Scarlet, and I think you can help with that. Can’t we do all of it?”

She frowned and shrugged. She’d been the power behind the throne for the head of the Hunter’s Guild for years, and now she juggled that and helping Knox. Was it really any different?

Reluctantly, she said, “I don’t know, Wulfric. I don’t know if I—I can live here.”

She liked feeling useful, but it wasn’t the same as being accepted. Whether the Growlers accepted her or not was another matter entirely. She’d gotten some shy smiles from the kids while they’d waited by the fire for the moon to rise, but most stayed away or stared warily.

He grinned and tugged her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and back. “Give me time to convince you. You were made for me, bunny, and we belong together.”

She stared into the fire and swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. “Were you serious about finishing the mate bond tonight?”

His smile faded, but he didn’t release her. “I was, Scarlet. We need to complete the process. If we complete it tonight, we can sort out the treaty details over the next few days, then travel together to see your brother. If after all this is settled and your curses are cured, you still want nothing to do with me or the Growlers… well, we can discuss it when the time comes. But until then, let’s work together to survive, and that includes completing the mate bond. Can you do that?”

She felt a knot build in her throat and her eyes burned. It wasn’t a declaration of love. It was practical, and something she could definitely understand. It made sense, and she didn’t want an emotional entanglement anyway.

Yet her chest was heavy as she nodded and pursed her lips. “Very well. We’ll complete the mate bond. I’d hate for you to have lied to your people, after all.”

He grinned and dipped his head, his lips meeting hers and sending a zing of awareness. She licked her lips, her tongue flicking against his. He groaned and dove inside, plundering her mouth like a starving man, right there in front of the entire tribe.

Her stomach flipped, and her heart raced. It was more than just the sexual need building within her. He tasted like acceptance and love, even though he’d not said the words. Several Growlers hooted nearby, breaking into the overwhelming feelings this one kiss evoked.

“Alpha, alpha, alpha,” the chant built in intensity. Wulfric groaned, and she felt it reverberate through them both. It made her giggle, and he broke the kiss to lean his forehead against hers.

“Gods, I’m sorry,” he whispered.

She laughed softly. “For what?”

He leaned back and grinned, that mischievous look sending a shot of pure desire straight to her core. “For this.”

Then he leaned over and tucked her stomach against him, throwing her over his shoulder and standing. She squealed, her hands settling on his lower back as he strode toward his tent. A roar went through the crowd, clapping and taunting him.

“There ya go! Get your Luna!”

“We have a Luna! Finally!”

Their words carried on the wind, and Scarlet laughed as Wulfric slapped her ass, saying over his shoulder, “I’ll join the run later. First, the mate bond.”

A cheer rang through the crowd, and Scarlet’s cheeks flushed. She felt lighter than air, and not just because Wulfric carried her so effortlessly. The other Growlers had seemed happy to have her here, even if they were wary and hesitant. Perhaps this was where she’d finally be accepted and welcomed. She wouldn’t trust it, but their words gave her hope.

She sighed as he set her on her feet and held the tent flap. It was time to finish this.

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