Page 41 of Wolf Chosen

My wolf subsides, content with the knowledge that her mate is at her side. I park my wolf’s butt on the ground and watch as our mate strips. I admire his body but I admire it even more when he shifts into his wolf form.

Mitch and Zane approach us in their wolf forms. They’re both so much bigger than I am. Mitch's power presses down on me, the sheer strength of will that marks him as Alpha of our pack. Zane's presence is no less impressive, the aura of the Beta wrapping around me like a shield, a silent promise of protection.

Mitch lets out a short, sharp bark, his meaning clear. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of returning to that place, but with Liam at my side and my pack surrounding me, I know I have nothing to fear.

We set off at a lope, the miles melting away beneath our paws as we run. The forest is a blur of green and gold, the scent of autumn rich in my nostrils. It's exhilarating, freeing in a way I've never known before, the final part of myself finally slotting into place.

When we reach the clearing where Rowan forces us into his crooked little hut, nothing but thick forest surrounds us. I sniff the ground and whine, making sure I have the right place, and I catch our own old scents. This is definitely where he lured us in.

The hut, the cell that haunted my nightmares, is gone. Not a trace remains, not even the faintest whiff of the dark magic that permeated every inch of that cursed place.

Mitch and Zane fan out, their noses to the ground as they search for any hint of a trail. They also find nothing, no sign of where Rowan might have gone or how he managed to erase his presence.

Frustration and disappointment radiate from the two males, a bitter tang that makes my nose wrinkle. Mitch shifts back to his human form, his expression rueful as he takes in my wolf's restless pacing. “You did well, Taylor,” he says warmly, reaching out to ruffle the fur between my ears. “You're a natural at this.”

Pride swells in my chest at the praise, my tail wagging furiously. Mitch chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Go on, then,” he says, jerking his chin toward the forest. “Enjoy the day with your mate. You've both earned it.”

I answer with a playful yip. Alpha lets us play.

Mitch shifts back into his wolf, he and Zane disappearing into the underbrush with a flash of tawny fur and then it's just me and Liam. Alone in this wild, beautiful place, with nothing but the sway of the trees and the song of the birds to keep us company.

Liam pounces on top of me before leaping away and sending me an excited chuff. Oh yes, my wolf loves this game. We spend hours exploring, chasing each other through the dappled light and splashing in the cool, clear waters of a nearby stream. I lose myself in the simple joy of being a wolf, of experiencing the world through a lens of pure, uncomplicated wonder.

When we finally tire, we shift back to our human forms, our bodies tangled together on a bed of soft moss. Liam's skin is warm against my own, his heartbeat a steady drum that lulls me into a state of boneless relaxation.

We make love there, in the heart of the forest, with the scent of earth and wildflowers all around us. Afterward, we lie in contented silence, my head pillowed on Liam's chest as I trace idle patterns on his skin. The sun is beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

“You know,” Liam murmurs eventually, his voice a low rumble that I feel as much as hear, “it's tradition for a male to build his mate a home. A place that's just for them, where they can grow their love and their family. I never built anything. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find you. But now I have and I want to give you everything.”

I tilt my head to meet his gaze, my heart skipping a beat at the tenderness I find there. “I like the sound of that,” I whisper, my lips curving into a soft smile.

Liam's arms tighten around me, his fingers tracing the line of my spine. “I was thinking...what if we built it here? In Willowbrook, where we can run and hunt and be free?”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, the sheer rightness of it rendering me breathless. I can see it so clearly—a cozy cabin nestled among the trees, filled with love and laughter and the patter of tiny paws.

Children. Suddenly the full impact of the future I never thought I would have crashes over me. I can have children now. I have time.

“Right here,” he continues softly, gesturing to the little glade we've claimed as our own. “On this very spot, where the river sings us to sleep and the forest is always just a step away.”

My wolf yips in agreement, her joy a bright flare in my mind. This is where we belong. Where we can put down roots and build a life together, surrounded by the wild beauty of the land and the unwavering support of our pack.

“Yes,” I breathe, the word a vow, a promise. “Yes, Liam. It’s so beautiful here. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than right here, with you.”

Liam captures my lips in a kiss that sears my soul, his love pouring through our bond in a cascade of golden light. It fills up all the broken places inside me, chasing away the last lingering shadows of fear and doubt.

In this moment, I am complete. Whole in a way I never knew was possible. A woman and a wolf, perfectly balanced between two worlds.

At my side is the man who owns my heart, my body, my very soul. The mate who will walk beside me through every trial and triumph, every joy and sorrow.

This is where I belong. Where we belong.

Together, always.

As we lose ourselves in each other once more, a profound rightness settles over me. I am exactly where I'm meant to be. And for the first time in my life, I am truly, completely...home.

Chapter Twenty

Mitch

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