Page 30 of A Kiss From a Wolfman

They part for him as he turns, nodding in reverence in his presence. His eyes find mine, and his whole body loses its rigidity. Clearly relieved that I am unharmed, even though I was not the one locked in battle. Limping over to me, the gore coating his body makes my heart ache. I understand why he had to do this, but I still don’t like it.

He runs a hand over my cheek, and I melt at his touch.

“Are you alright?” he asks.

“I should be asking you that.” I look pointedly at his blood-soaked fur. “But I already know the answer.”

“Nothing time won’t heal.” He draws me towards him, and I go willingly. “But I would prefer my healing done by your masterful hand.”

“I’m sure you would.” I smile before leveling a stern look at him. “I understand why you had to do this, but I don’t want to see you hurt like this again. Understand?”

“Demanding little thing you are,” Ciaryn chuckles.

“You should know that well by now, mate.”

The glow in Ciaryn’s eyes says he knows precisely how needy I can be. His mouth descends on mine in a brush of lips. It is far too chaste, and I’m eagerly parting my lips for his tongue to sweep inside. I hold tightly to his chest, my hands turning sticky with his blood. We’ll both need to bathe tonight, but I need his taste above all else. It is a reminder that he is alive and we’ve overcome this first challenge against our future.

A soft throat clearing causes my cheeks to go up in flames. I had completely forgotten that we weren’t alone. Breaking off the kiss, I turn towards the other wolfman. His blue eyes dance with amusement.

“Brydon,” Ciaryn says roughly.

“Happy to see you, Ciaryn. I’m too old to be playing alpha. I hope that your arrival here is a permanent one.”

“It is,” Ciaryn says, tucking me into his side.

“Good.” He nods towards me. “Take care of her.”

“Always,” Ciaryn vows.

Without another word, the older wolf saunters towards the den’s opening and disappears into the darkness. Ciaryn’s hand snags mine. Pressing a kiss to the back of my palm, his golden eyes burn me alive.

“Let me take you home, Stella.”

Without warning, he lifts me into his arms. I squeal as I cling to him. The small satchel containing my belongings hangs limply at my side. I’ll have to learn where the nearest town is to find more healing supplies. As well as the contraceptive herbs—at least for a time. I wouldn’t mind a family, but I’d like it to be Ciaryn and me for a bit.

Darkness surrounds us as we pass through the cave's opening. Wolfmen can see better in the dark than humans because Ciaryn navigates us expertly through the den. After a bit, a faint glow greets us. It illuminates the smooth stone walls and steps carved into the cavern. All is quiet the deeper we go; most of the pack must be exhausted from the return of their alpha.

Inside the caves are different alcoves, each belonging to a different pack member, Ciaryn explains. Once a wolfman finds his mate, that is where he and his family will live until the child is old enough for a dwelling of his own. Torches are placed outside each opening, casting them in golden light. We travel further into the waiting depths until we reach another alcove.

Ciaryn ducks inside the darkness. Settling me on my feet, I hear him shuffle around until one of the torches inside blazes to life. Despite his limp, he quickly lights the sconces and candles, and our room is awash in glowing light.

It is a modest room in a much more secluded area of the den. Inside is a small table with a few wooden bowls, a cupboard filled with jars and a few leather-bound books, and a smattering of metal utensils on the table. This room was set up for a human to reside in, for Ciaryn has no use for a spoon.

A large pallet rests in the center of the room, with silk sheets and pillows decorating its top. My weary muscles ache to lie on it after our travels.

“I’m sorry it is so bare,” Ciaryn says beside me. “You, of course, can make any changes you’d like to. This is our home.”

I smile at him, setting my satchel on the table with a thud.

“It’s wonderful.” I nod towards one of the empty chairs. “Now, let me take a look at your wounds.”

Unwrapping some of my herbs, Ciaryn directs me to where to find fresh water. There is a soft trickling sound near the back of the alcove, and I’m delighted to see clear, flowing water. Itis warm enough to bathe in. Quickly, I wash the blood from my hands and face before stripping out of my soiled gown. Scrubbing at the crimson stains, I leave them to dry along the edge of the small pool. Collecting a bowl of water, I return to Ciaryn.

His eyes dance as he takes in the bare skin of my arms. My shift is thin, and the air inside the dwelling is cool enough to have my nipples pebbling against the front. Kneeling before him, I wet a few clean cloths with water and cleaned the blood from his fur. Luckily, he has already begun healing. Most of the wounds have sealed closed and scabbed over. Still, I make him a quick concoction to ensure none of them fester.

Once satisfied, I allow Ciaryn to set about preparing our dinner. He apologizes that it’s so meager—a few bits of dried meat and berries. He informs me that there is a small trading town a half day's journey from here. Tomorrow, he’ll set out and gather everything we need. He leaves me briefly to bathe himself in the small stream at the back.

Ciaryn returns gloriously naked and dripping wet all over the stone floor. His scent deepens, causing me to turn slippery between my thighs. As well as the sight of his impressive cock stiffening between his legs. I shift in my seat at the table, desperate for relief. My mate’s eyes glow, and I know he can sense my desperate state.

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