Page 78 of Wolf's Whisper

Just the idea of not having to return to my resentful tribe spread a warm glow throughout my body. Suddenly, the idea of saying yes to Ashleigh right here and now didn't seem like such an awful idea. In fact, it seemed like a great idea. The best idea I ever had.

"I'm more than okay with that," I whispered, a tightness in my chest dissolving as

the image of my future just took a whole different turn.

"So do you accept my proposal that someday, I'll propose to you?"

I bit my lip as I released a long, happy sigh. That was so Ashleigh. "Yes," I smiled, not able to contain the wide grin spreading on my face. In fact, it was so wide it made the corners of my mouth hurt.

"Yes?"

"Oh gods, of course, yes," I laughed, pressing myself into Ashleigh so I could kiss her properly. With wild strawberries dancing on my tongue and hidden in the warm embrace of my woman, I gave in to everything that was Ashleigh. Hell yes, I wanted a future with her. If only I’d understood her words better, I could've avoided the whole awkward "no" thing, but then again, her presenting a whole future to me had me happier than anything I'd heard in a long time. Maybe ever.

The rest happily clapped and before I knew it, we found ourselves in the middle of a big group hug. Danny's red hairs somehow made it into my mouth, but I didn't mind. The warmth and support I got from all of them, made my heart sing in a way I had never known before. Yes, this could be home. It already was.

"Welcome to the family, Akira!" Danny cheered, kissing me on both cheeks.

"Yes, welcome to the group!" Darren added, again slapping me so hard on the back that it took my breath away. And not in a good way.

JP gently patted my shoulder, his cheeks red with excitement. "R-Really happy to have you, Akira."

I beamed in happiness. Was this how it felt to be wanted? Was this why everyone kept pushing family? Because it was worth it? I could get used to this. Not just for the short run, but for the long haul. I glanced at Ashleigh. She said that the group was a package deal, in a take it or leave it way, but she possibly couldn't imagine how much I wanted to take it. I could see them become my family. All of them. Danny, Darren, JP, Regan, and of course, Aspen.

Aspen... Who I'd been kissing only a while ago and now, I was pre-engaged to his sister. Without his wolf to sway me, it was unmistakably easier to tell that I was Ashleigh's. But still. I didn't want to hurt him. I needed to know he was going to be okay. I turned towards him and he hadn't moved from his stump. "You okay with this?" I carefully asked, hoping that I hadn't just broken him.

He gave me a tired smile. "Of course, this is the right thing to do. I'm happy for you." He turned to his sister. "For both of you."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. Honestly, I'm okay. Congratulations, Akira." And with those words, he stood up from his tree trunk and disappeared into one of the three tents surrounding our campfire. Huh. I hadn't even noticed there were three. Had someone predicted a fallout like this or did he set up his own tent after what happened between him and Ashleigh?

A warm arm pulled me against an even warmer body. "I know my brother. He'll be okay," Ashleigh reassured me, nuzzling her face against the side of my head.

"I sure hope so..." I sighed, melting into her. Yes, I could get used to this. With Aspen's Alpha asleep and my wolf's connection to him severed, it was suddenly a lot quieter in my heart. A lot more peaceful for my soul.

This could work. This might actually give me some rest. It would stop my wolf from being torn between the two siblings. It would finally let me commit to the one that I was always meant to be with. I turned in Ashleigh's arms, peering into her blue eyes. "You got me," I whispered, my voice breaking. After everything I put her through, all the uncertainty, all the misery, I hoped I could finally give her everything she deserved. My full attention. My undivided love. Unwavering devotion.

"Be careful what you say, Akira. I might never let you go after this," she murmured, raw emotion swirling in her blue eyes.

"I wasn't planning on going anywhere," I replied, making her smile broader and wider than I'd ever seen before.

"Good." She laced her fingers through mine, turning the coals in a gentle fire that quickly heated me with a warmth that I knew wouldn't be easy to extinguish. Maybe even impossible.

I pressed myself against her, realising how perfectly our bodies matched each other. My head fitted in the nook of her neck, her arms following the shape of my waist impeccably. We were made for each other. I'd never been more certain. She was it. All my worries of my future melted away as I melted in her. Stress I'd been carrying in my shoulders left as I relaxed in her arms. I tried to hide a yawn, but of course, she caught it.

"You tired?"

"Hmm-hmm," I hummed, finally realising how exhausted I was. Had all this really happened in one day?

"You need sleep. Actually, we all need sleep," Ashleigh ordered gently. "We can keep the big reveal for tomorrow, right?"

Everyone nodded, more yawns going around. Everyone was worn out. Today had stretched us all far too thin.

"Goodnight, guys. We're calling it a day." She waved at the rest.

Danny happily waved back. "Night, girls. Behave!" She grinned, making me roll my eyes. Of course, she’d be over the moon about this. But I was far too tired for any funny business. I just wanted to sleep. Undisturbed sleep. Endless sleep.

Ashleigh steered me towards the middle tent and I gladly let myself fall down on the heap of furs and coats. My mate closed the tent flap and curled up next to me. With her arms wrapped protectively around me and my head rested on her collarbone, I finally left all my earthly worries behind. Just like Ashleigh, sleep became mine.

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