Page 41 of Bonded Beyond Regret

THREE MONTHS LATER

SAMUEL

I’m in awe of my mate, my little warrior. She’s done it and it’s amazing.

My wolf sneers,“Did you ever doubt our mate would do an amazing job?”

“No,”I scoff, pissed at even the suggestion that I would doubt our mate,“not at all. It’s just been a lot of work, but she was determined and I’m so fucking proud of her.”

I look around the bakery and grin from ear to ear. The last three months, on top of having her Luna ceremony and being the most amazing Luna, Nyx found the time to get the bakery open. She gave a lot of people purpose who needed it with this effort.

The entire inside of the shop was gutted and renovated. She’s hired a full staff because she’s confident it will be a success; not like I’d ever allow it to fail.

The inside of the bakery is warm, cozy, and reminds me of a ski lodge. I would happily sit in one of the oversized chairs for hours to eat, drink, and read a book; not that I have time for it.

Nyx is across the room and smiling from ear to ear. I don’t blame her because from the look of the display case, which is almost empty, she’ll be shutting down early.

The last three months have been filled with a lot of work and good memories. The only real dark cloud that hangs over us is in the form of Andrew’s parents. They have made their displeasure about Nyx’s move known, but they haven’t made the effort to stay in Nyx or Aisley’s life. We would never deny them access to their grandpup, but we can’t force them to get their heads on straight. They’re the ones missing out.

As much as Nyx tries not to let it bother her, I know it does. But it’s my job to remind her that she’s not to blame and has done everything she can. Then I get to distract her, which is my pleasure to do. I won’t allow her to take on what will be, without a doubt, the regrets of others.

As I make my way toward Nyx, my eyes land on Marlene. She’s glowing as she rubs on her round baby belly with a big smile on her face. Not surprising me in the least, Mike is less than ten steps away from her.

I don’t think they’re officially together yet, but they’re getting there. I don’t see the same shadows of pain and despair in Marlene’s eyes, and I know Mike is a big reason why.

It won’t be long until Marlene’s pup arrives and I’m looking forward to it. Celebrating a new life in the pack has becomea tradition. Each life, especially when so many who come to Waning Moon are trying to find some peace beyond their pain and their past, is special.

My steps falter as I get closer to Nyx. I’ve noticed something a little different about her scent the last few days, but with how much she’s been working and baking, I thought the hint of sweetness was because of that.

Now that I’m here in the bakery and surrounded by those scents, this is something else and distinctive. When Nyx looks at me, she tilts her head slightly and furrows her brows before she moves closer to me.

“What’s wrong, Sam?”

I clear my throat and hook an arm around her waist to pull her against me. The way she melts into me helps to calm my racing heart.

“Can you believe it?”My wolf sounds dazed.“I almost can’t believe it, but mate has confirmed it.”He growls, the possessiveness clear,“Our family.”

I kiss the top of my woman’s head before my hands slide up her back and into her hair. I gently tug her head until her chin is propped against my chest and she’s looking up at me. “Nyx,” I growl, “if we weren’t surrounded by so many people, I would take you right here and now.”

Her eyes widen and then heat. The way she licks her lips is not helping how badly I need to show her what she means to me right now. It’s possessive and primal, but I can’t help it.

“You’re with pup,” I growl, my wolf making himself known alongside me.

Nyx’s eyes widen and she stills. The audible gulp as she swallows would be comical in any other situation. I start to worry that she’s not going to be happy with the news. Maybe it’s too fast.

“No,”my wolf scolds me,“don’t even think it. Our mate wants our family to grow. She’ll be happy, just give here a moment.”

Nyx’s voice is small and shocked, “I am?”

I nod slowly. “The last few days your scent was changing a little bit, becoming sweeter. I thought it was because of how much baking you’ve been doing. Now that I’m here and discern all the baked goods, your sweetness is different. It’s much stronger today as well.”

Her mouth opens and closes a few times. It’s not easy, but I force myself to be calm and patient.

One moment my mate is standing there shocked and then the next she’s smiling so brightly that it almost knocks me on my ass. “Woah,” she breathes, “Aisley is going to be the best big sister.

I slam my mouth down on hers, not caring about who is around to witness me loving my mate. I deepen the kiss, savoring the taste of her on my tongue.

When a throat clears, we slowly pull apart and the moment stretches as we stare at each other.

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