Page 66 of Howl For Me
“Stop being so impatient,” Gavin grumbled.
He gripped Damara’s hand while guiding her behind him. The past year since she’d returned had been a whirlwind. Not a day didn’t go by that he didn’t show her how much he loved her and how much he was so thankful she’d returned. His wolf was satisfied to have finally mated with the one person who was meant for them.
Immediately after they’d mated, those days weren’t easy. Damara’s Californian pack had been brought up to speed on what had occurred once their alpha and his men’s bodies had been returned to them. The pack had to go through a rebuilding after the loss of Dreven.
Her foster parents, the Burtons, had rushed to Michigan, worried about Damara. To Gavin it seemed to help settle both Damara and them. They had been in shock at the lengths Dreven had been willing to go to mate with Damara. The Jacksons and Burtons would always be connected.
The Burtons were good people and a part of Damara’s life. Gavin would be forever grateful to the couple for taking her in and helping her. Through everything Damara had been experienced, she had gained a second set of parents who loved her. They had left with the promise of staying in contact.
“Really, Gavin? When can I peek?” She laughed.
His heart stumbled at the musical sound. He turned to look at her and found her eyes still closed. Her skin practically glowed, her plump lips curved up in a smile, but what caught his attention the most and had his wolf standing up was the roundness of her belly.
His cock strained at the sight of her tummy. It didn’t matter how many times he’d had her, he wanted her more every day.
“Soon,” he promised.
He knew she still grieved for her friends and had wanted to do something for her that would honor them. They had been a big part of her life before the accident, and his gift for her would ensure they would be forever a part of her.
He guided her through the wooded area near their home, and his heart raced, hoping she loved his surprise. They came to the clearing, and it was perfect.
He pulled Damara in front of him and wrapped his arms around her, laying them on her large bump. Resting his chin on top of her head, he took in their surroundings, and pride filled him.
“Okay, impatient mama,” he murmured, rubbing her belly.
She chuckled, leaning back into his embrace. His son chose that moment to kick Gavin’s hand.
“Open your eyes.”
Damara went still.
Gavin grew worried when she didn’t respond. A choked sob escaped her, and he panicked. She stepped forward, and he wondered if it had been the wrong thing to do.
He’d had a beautiful garden built to honor her friends. There was plush greenery and a fountain in the middle that allowed seating around it. The garden included her favorite flowers that produced a heavenly scent. But it wasn’t the flowers, bushes, or fountain that had her full attention.
It was the marble memorial that had the picture of her three friends engraved into it.
“Oh, Gavin.” She sniffed, twisting around toward him. Tears marred her skin, leaving twin trails on each side of her face.
“Is it much? Too soon?” he asked, running his hand along his jaw. Maybe he’d fucked up. Maybe it wasn’t a great idea.
“Are you kidding me? I love it,” she cried, her body shaking. She turned and walked over to the large monument. She reached out and traced her friends’ faces with her finger.
“Then why are you crying?” he asked, confused. He moved to her, his animal pacing from her distress. He stood behind her, feeling helpless.
She bent forward and rested her head against the structure.
“Because this is the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received.” She spun around and faced him.
He hated to see her tears. She was one of the strongest women he’d ever met, and seeing her like this almost broke him.
“Not only did you create me a beautiful place to enjoy, but you’ve given me a place where I can honor my friends and feel close to them.”
“Why the tears?”
She barked a laugh and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him. He pulled her as close as her belly would allow. His wolf settled now that they had her in his arms.
“They’re tears of joy. You’ve made me so happy over the past year, and this is just icing on the cake.”
