I can’t help but grin, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “It’s my pleasure, Little Bird. You belong here with us. With me.”
As the laughter and chatter continue around us, I know that our journey together is just beginning, and I’m ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Wren is by my side.
5
JUST CALL ME ROCKY
Wren
I’m still buzzingfrom dinner with Harrison’s pack and the easy banter that flowed around the table like honey. Octavia, now Luna of the Waterton Pack, is everything I imagined she would be — strong, graceful, and possessing a mischievous spark in her eyes that reminds me of our shared adventures back at the coven. I glance at Harrison, my wolf shifter, my mate, and the warmth of his presence sends a thrill through me.
As we excuse ourselves, I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness. Tonight isn’t just another night; it’s the first night I’m spending with Harrison in his territory, surrounded by his pack. I wonder what it means to belong to a pack like this, to share in their bonds and traditions. The thought sends my heart racing, and I can’t shake the giddy feeling that we’re stepping into something new together.
When Harrison opens the door to our suite, I’m greeted by the sight of Shadow, my loyal black cat familiar, sitting regally in the entryway as if he’s been waiting for us. He looks like a tiny butler, poised and dignified, and I can’t help but giggle at thesight. Harrison’s lips twitch, and I catch the glimmer of a smile he’s trying to hide. It’s a beautiful thing — how he looks at me, how he seems to understand the bond I share with Shadow.
I bend down to scoop up the little furball, feeling the familiar warmth of his body against my chest. “Hey there, Shadow,” I coo, and he purrs in response, nuzzling into my neck. I carry him to his red cat pillow by the fireplace, relishing the softness of his fur against my skin. Harrison moves in behind me, and his presence is a steady warmth that wraps around us both.
“I’m so happy to be here,” I say, turning to look up at him. “And I’m really grateful that Wyatt didn’t make me leave Shadow behind.” The words spill out, and I can feel the weight of my emotions behind them. Shadow isn’t just a pet; he’s my familiar, my partner in magic.
Harrison’s expression softens, and he brushes a thumb across my cheek. “I get it,” he replies, his voice low and soothing. “I’ll always let you bring home fuzzy creatures if it makes you smile. Once we’re bonded, I’ll be more in tune with your emotions. If you ever need something and can’t express it, I’ll feel it.”
His words echo in my mind, sending a shiver down my spine. The thought of being bonded, of having someone who understands me so deeply, is both exhilarating and terrifying. I nod, trying to wrap my head around it, the concept of having a mate who would know me so intimately.
In a moment of spontaneity, I hug Harrison tightly, feeling the strength of him against me. I lean up just enough to place a soft kiss at the bottom of his jaw — an innocent gesture, but it sends a spark of electricity between us. I can’t help but notice the way he exhales a sexy groan of pleasure, and my cheeks flush with warmth.
Wren, you can’t let this get out of hand,I remind myself. I want to seal the bond, to give into the pull between us, but I alsowant to take my time. “Harrison,” I say softly, “I want to seal the bond with you, but I also want to get to know you a little better first. Can we just talk tonight?”
A playful grin spreads across his face, and he nods. “Little Bird, as long as I won’t be denied kisses, and I can hold you while we sleep, I’ll be happy… for now.” The twinkle in his eyes reassures me that he understands my hesitation. He leans down and kisses my temple lightly, igniting a warm flutter in my chest.
“Okay,” I agree, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Let me just get ready for bed, and then we can talk.” I head toward the bathroom, and Harrison gives me a gentle squeeze on my shoulder before he retreats to his own routine.
I take a moment to splash water on my face, staring at my reflection. My blonde hair is slightly tousled from the evening, and my dark blue eyes shine with excitement. I’m a witch, a powerful one at that, yet here I am, feeling like a giddy school girl in love. It’s a new sensation, one that makes my heart race in a way magic never could.
Once I finish my nightly routine, I slip into a comfortable pair of caramel silk pajamas and make my way back into the bedroom. The soft glow of the firelight casts flickering shadows against the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. Harrison is already in bed, propped up against the pillows, and Shadow has settled down in a ball at the foot of the bed, his soft snores filling the room.
I slide under the covers next to Harrison, feeling the warmth radiate from his body. He turns to face me, a curious expression on his face, and I can’t help but smile. “So, what do you want to talk about?” he asks, his voice low and inviting.
I take a moment to gather my thoughts. “Tell me about your life here in the pack,” I say. “What’s it like to be Gamma?”
Harrison chuckles, a deep, rich sound that sends a thrill through me. “It’s a mix of responsibility and pack bonding.Being Gamma means I help manage the pack, support Wyatt, and ensure everyone is safe. But it also means I get to be part of a family. It’s chaotic, but it’s home.”
I nod, absorbing his words. “And what about your role as a third in command wolf? Do you enjoy it?”
“More than I can describe,” he replies, his eyes lighting up. “Shifting is exhilarating. The freedom of running through the woods, feeling the wind whip through my fur — it’s intoxicating. But it’s more than that. It’s about connection, about feeling part of something bigger.”
His passion is palpable, and I find myself leaning closer, eager to hear more. “What’s it like for you, being a witch?” he asks, turning the conversation back to me.
I take a breath, feeling the magic pulse faintly in my veins. “It’s… complicated,” I admit. “There’s so much power, but with it comes responsibility. I’ve always been taught to respect the craft, to harness it wisely. But sometimes, it feels isolating. Like I’m living on the outskirts of normal life.”
“I can’t imagine how that must feel,” Harrison says softly. “But you’re not alone anymore. You have me, and the pack. We’re all here for you, Little Bird.”
His words wrap around my heart like a warm embrace, and I smile, feeling a sense of belonging I’ve longed for. “Thank you,” I whisper. “That means a lot to me.”
We settle into a comfortable rhythm of conversation, sharing stories about our lives, our dreams, and the challenges we’ve faced. The more we talk, the deeper our connection grows, and I can feel the bond between us strengthening with each shared laugh and whispered secret.
As the night deepens, I find myself drifting closer to Harrison, feeling the steady beat of his heart against mine. He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close, and I bury my face against his tattooed chest, feeling safe and cherished. Shadowshifts at the foot of the bed, his soft purring creating a soothing backdrop to our late-night confessions.
In this moment, I realize that I’ve found something truly special. Harrison isn’t just my mate; he’s my partner, my confidant, and the one who understands me in ways I never thought possible. The world outside may be wild and unpredictable, but in this room, wrapped in warmth and magic, I feel grounded.