Page 38 of Breathe Again

“Well, I’m not eating turkey bacon. Gross. Next thing I know, you’ll be bringing home tofu.”

He stared at the fridge. “It’s good for you, and it tastes great when prepared properly.”

“It’s in there, isn’t it?”

“So what if it is? What’s wrong with eating healthy, Elizabeth?”

“California boy, we have a lot of stuff to sort through. For now, I’m calling a truce. I won’t touch or complain about your turkey bacon or tofu if you put aside your disdain for Pop-Tarts and cereal.”

“Fine, but eventually we’re going to have to seriously reconsider this. Our pups are not going to survive on a permanent sugar-high.”

He was already busy preparing his breakfast, but I just stared at his back with my mouth gaped open like a large-mouthed bass.

“Our pups?” I whispered.

Cole turned towards me just as a tear slid down my cheek. “Hey, no tears. I’m okay without kids if you don’t want them.”

“No. That’s not it at all. I’d never really let myself consider pups before. I mean, I was joking with Mom about it yesterday, but I was probably still a bit high from the pain meds. Kids? You really want kids with me?”

Cole grinned and shrugged. “I want everything with you, sweetheart.”

I wrapped my arms around him and breathed in his unique scent.Mine.

He opened the bond between us and I was flooded with pictures of the future he envisioned for us. It was beautiful.

Cole

Chapter 17

I was already turning back into a sap just being with her. I was going to have to keep that in check. I couldn’t hide anything from Elizabeth, so there was no point in trying, but the guys would terrorize me if they heard me talking like this.

She laughed, and I knew I’d projected my concerns loud and clear.

“Your secret is safe with me,” she said sweetly.

“I have a lot to sort out today for Kyle. What are your plans for the day?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

She let go of me and sat at the small kitchen table while I got back to my egg white omelet with spinach and low-fat mozzarella with a side of turkey bacon. It cooked up quickly and I joined her as she salivated over her sugared cardboard breakfast.

“I don’t really have much to do this week. Since it’s Thomas and Lily’s celebration this weekend, my schedule is free to help out wherever needed. I’m sure Mom will try not to use me for anything now. Maybe if I limp a little or moan I can get out of helping entirely.”

I glared at her, knowing that wasn’t in her nature.

“Fine, I was going to see if Lily and Mom needed any help with anything if you are going to be busy lining up stuff for Westin Pack’s arrival. Unless you need the help.”

I leaned over and kissed her, tasting the sickeningly sweet strawberry filling on her lips. “I’m sure I can find something for you do then.”

I didn’t want to let her out of my sight, and neither did my wolf. Just the thought of her not being with us was putting him on edge. I suspected it would be quite awhile before he was confident enough to trust she’d return. While my wolf and I had been at odds over the woman for years, in this we seemed in complete agreement.

With breakfast done, we dressed for the day. I kept planting alternative ideas in her head, but she just giggled and pushed me away anytime I got close. I liked knowing that despite her sense of duty, she was very tempted by my offers. It took us a little longer than it should have to get out of the house.

My first stop needed to be at the Alpha house to talk with Liam. I was afraid Kyle might have already put him to work, and while I was thankful for the help, I didn’t like shirking my responsibilities.

“You know we have that in common, right?” Elizabeth said, reading my thoughts again.

“Yes, I’m well aware of your strong sense of duty to the Pack. It does worry me a little converting you to a Westin,” I confessed.

She reached for my hand and threaded our fingers together as we walked to her parents’ house. “I’ll love Westin just as much as I’ve loved Collier,” she said confidently.

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