Page 16 of Wolf's Whisper

"Then I would say," I whisper, leaning in so close our breaths mingle, "that I've wanted to do that for a long time."

She closes her eyes and our lips. The touch is hesitant, and the kiss is ever so gentle. It’s as if we are both cherishing the newchapter we are entering. It is filled with hope, potential, and the cautiousness of past hurt.

When we finally pull back, a glow in her eyes mirrors my heart’s quiet joy. "That was..." Janelle starts, her voice is soft.

"Better than good?" I offer with a half-grin, my thumb gently caressing her cheek.

She laughs, a light, genuine sound that sends a thrill through my chest. "Yeah... better than good."

Our smiles meet in silence, a silent agreement echoing between us. We want to explore this, something real and raw and potentially beautiful.

As I pull away, I take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"We'll take this slow," I promise, meeting her gaze steadily. "And Janelle?"

"Yeah?" she asks, her brow furrowing slightly at the seriousness in my tone.

"I'm in this with you. No matter what." As the sweet taste of our first kiss lingers on our tongues, those words hang between us, a promise that binds us together.

Her smile widens at that, her eyes shining with hope. "Thank you, Wolf," she says softly. "That… means more than you know."

I nod, feeling the weight of my words settle firmly in my chest, and it feels right. Looking around her cozy kitchen, I realize this place could become as familiar as the clubhouse, a new kind of haven.

As we stand there, the kitchen clock ticking in the background, I realize how much strength it takes to open up like this, especially for Janelle. Her past isn't just a shadow; it's a looming figure that has shaped her and tested her. But here she is, stepping into the unknown with me.

"I should probably get going, not that I want to," I mention as the reality of time nudges at me. "But I need to get back to the clubhouse for a meeting. I'll call you later?"

Janelle nods, "I'd like that," she says, and there's a warmth in her voice that makes me believe in possibilities.

I leave her with another quick kiss; this one feels filled with something more like hope. As I step out into the evening air, the world seems a little brighter, a little sharper. Riding back to the clubhouse, my mind replays every moment of our conversation, each word and pause etched deep into my memory.

As I ride, I can't help but replay that kiss repeatedly in my mind. It's like a loop. The road stretches before me, but my thoughts are all tangled up with Janelle.

As the clubhouse comes into view, I’m pulled back into reality. I park my bike and dismount, still feeling a sense of euphoria. As I walk in, Smoke is the first to notice my grin.

"Look who's back with that cat-that-ate-the-canary smile," he teases, nudging me with his elbow as I pass.

I roll my eyes but can't wipe the smile off my face. "Something like that," I admit, trying not to give too much away yet. But Smoke knows me better than most.

He raises an eyebrow, leaning closer. "So, it went well with Janelle?"

I nod, unable to suppress the joy bubbling up inside me. "Yeah, it did. More than well."

Smoke claps me on the back with a hearty laugh. "That's what I like to hear! You deserve some happiness, Wolf."

Just then, Tank strolls over, a suspicious look on his face. "What's all the commotion about? Wolf turning soft on us?"

"Nothing like that," I retort quickly, the defensive edge in my voice softer than I intended. "Just good news is all."

Tank smirks, folding his arms across his chest. "Good news that involves Janelle?"

I raise an eyebrow, challenging him. "And if it does? Are you all gossiping hens?" I can’t stop the smile on my face.

Tank's smirk widens into a full grin. "Nah, just happy to see you smiling for once. It’s about time something good happened to one of us."

Smoke nods in agreement, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Exactly. And if anyone troubles you, you know we've got your back, Wolf."

I feel a warmth spread through me, a mix of affection and gratitude for these rough-around-the-edges brothers of mine. "Thanks, guys," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "Means a lot."

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