Page 25 of Love in the Forest
She felt his need to claim her fully and to forge the final mating bond.
What fascinated her was that she felt the need as well.
As the celebration began to wind down, and the hour wasn’t even past midnight, the wolves returned to their pack duties. Whether in the kitchen, or on building and yard maintenance or in the security center, everyone had a job to do.
When the last of the wolves had gone about their business, she took Braden’s arm.
“I don’t expect you to stop working in Crescent,” he said. “I know what a critical role you play in your territory. I just want you to know that.”
She squeezed his arm. “It means a lot.”
“And of course, the chalice can stay in Crescent. No question. But right now, there’s something else we need to do.”
She was rewarded with a smile and a warm light in his eye. “I thought we’d head back to my burrow.” He lowered his voice, “For privacy.”
“Good thinking.” She recalled how he had howled the last time they’d made love and suspected that forming the bond might require a lot more of it.
She couldn’t wait.
As he led her outside, her thoughts were drawn elsewhere, to the stars visible above the pine forest. She still couldn’t believe she was here, in Savage Territory and more than ready to bond with an alpha wolf.
She sighed deeply. She had never thought to find love or a measure of peace in Five Bridges. Yet that was exactly what she’d found with Braden.
When she sighed again, he drew her into his arms. “Everything okay?”
He was worried about her. She smiled. “Everything is wonderful. Have I told you that I love you, Braden? I do. So much.”
“It’s the same for me. You’re a miracle in myalterlife that I never expected to have.”
He kissed her and for a long moment, all she could feel was his lips pressed to hers, and the comfort of his powerful arms holding her fast. She savored the moment, giving thanks for the forces that had brought her such an amazing gift. Her life in Five Bridges would never be the same.
~ ~ ~
Much later, Braden could feel Abby’s slow, deep breaths and knew she’d fallen asleep. Dawn had come and gone.
He’d taken her back to his burrow and completed the wolf bond with her. Only this time, with his teeth on the back of her neck and holding her firmly in place, she’d fed from his wrist.
He lay on his back, smiling up at the rough rock ceiling of his burrow. Okay, maybe he was grinning.
Somehow, in this pit of hell called Five Bridges, love had found him.
Love. Searing, passionate, extraordinary love, the kind that made him feel whole for the first time since he’d come to this Godforsaken place.
He smiled a little more.
“You’re smiling.”
He glanced at Abby. She still had her back to him. “I thought you were asleep.”
“Your smiling woke me up.” She turned slowly to face him.
“You’re smiling, too.”
“I am.” She reached up to caress his face with her hand. “I love you, Braden.”
He caught her hand and turned it to place a kiss on her palm. He then held her hand tight to his chest. “I’m so grateful you came hunting for your chalice. What if I’d never found you?”
“But you did.”
