Page 52 of Once You Go Pack
The crowd erupted as Mila broke free from the stands, running toward him with tears of joy streaming down her face. When she reached him, Cade swept her into his arms and kissed her with all the passion and relief burning in his chest, claiming her before every wolf in the territory.
NINETEEN
MILA
Finally back in Cade’s chambers, Mila couldn’t stop her hands from trembling as she watched him collapse into the leather chair by the fireplace. Blood streaked his muscled torso from Zarik’s claws, and dark bruises were already forming along his ribs where the Shadow Moon king’s jaws had found purchase.
“You really need to clean those wounds,” she said, moving toward him with concern etched across her features. “And get some rest.”
Cade’s green eyes tracked her movements with piercing intensity despite his obvious exhaustion. “I’m fine, Mila. Nothing that won’t heal by morning.”
“You’re not fine.” She stopped in front of him, putting her hands on her hips in a gesture that brooked no argument. “You’re bleeding, you’re bruised, and you just fought for your life. At least let me help you clean up and bandage the worst of it.”
A slow, dangerous smile curved his lips as he leaned back in the chair, his gaze raking over her body with unmistakable hunger. “I’ll consider it, but only if you join me in the shower first.”
Heat flooded Mila at the raw desire burning in his voice. “Cade, you should be resting and recuperating, not?—“
“Not what?” He stood slowly, every movement controlled despite his injuries, and stepped closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his skin. “Not celebrating the fact that I’m still alive? That I won? That I secured our future together?”
His fingers traced along her jawline with gentle reverence, but his eyes held the wild gleam of a wolf who’d just claimed his territory. “I’ve been fighting for control and duty my entire life, Mila. Today, I fought for something far more important—for you, for us. And now that the battle’s over, I want to feel alive with my mate.”
His raw honesty caused shivers throughout her entire body. She could see it now—the way victory and adrenaline and relief were combining into something primal and overwhelming. This wasn’t just about desire; it was about affirming life after facing death.
He could have died today,the thought hit her with sudden force.When Zarik had him pinned against that wall, I thought I was going to lose him before we’d even had a chance to really begin.
“Fine,” she whispered, her body betraying her practical instincts. “I’ll join you. But only because you’re clearly too stubborn to take care of yourself properly.”
His triumphant grin transformed his entire face, banishing the shadows of exhaustion and revealing the playful side he rarely let anyone see. “I knew you couldn’t resist my charm.”
Cade led her into his expansive bathroom. The space felt like a private grotto with natural rock formations and subtle lighting that created an atmosphere of intimate luxury.
As they began undressing, Mila’s breath hitched at the sight of his powerful body in the soft light. Even battered andbloodied, he was gorgeous—all corded muscle and masculine grace.
He’s not just my mate,she thought as her eyes traced his body.He’s my protector… my wolf.
The magnitude of what that really meant settled over her like a mantle of responsibility and privilege combined. She wasn’t just in love with any man; she had bound herself to a leader, a legend, a force of nature who commanded the loyalty of an entire territory.
“Second thoughts?” Cade asked, misreading her expression as doubt rather than awe.
“Never,” she replied firmly, stepping out of her dress with confidence. “I’m just... processing everything. A few hours ago, I was terrified I might lose you. Now you’re the undisputed High Sovereign, and I’m about to become queen of not just the Ice Moon pack, but all three territories.”
Steam swirled around them as they entered the shower together, the warm water immediately sluicing away the blood and grime from his skin. Mila reached for the soap, her touch reverent as she began washing his wounds with careful attention.
“Does this hurt?” she asked, her fingers ghosting over a particularly deep scratch along his shoulder.
“Everything hurts,” he admitted with characteristic honesty. “But having you here, touching me, taking care of me—it makes the pain irrelevant.”
His vulnerability made her heart clench with emotion. This powerful Alpha wolf, this king who commanded respect through sheer force of will, was letting her see him at his most human and fragile.
“I was so scared today,” she confessed as she worked soap across his broad chest. “When I saw Zarik’s wolf overpoweringyou, when you were pressed against that wall and bleeding... I thought my heart was going to stop.”
Cade’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer under the cascading water. “I felt you. Your strength, your faith in me—that’s what turned the tide. I was fighting for our future, for the right to wake up next to you every morning for the rest of my life.”
Before Mila could respond, Cade lifted her effortlessly, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he pressed her against the cold stone wall. The contrast of the cool surface against her heated skin sent a shiver down her spine. His arousal pressed against her, unmistakable and unrelenting, and her breath hitched as she felt the sheer power of him.
“I need you,” he said, his voice thick with desire and something deeper—something raw and unspoken. His green eyes burned into hers, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, water cascading around them, and their bodies entwined in a primal embrace.
“I need you too,” Mila whispered. Her hands slid up his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle beneath her fingertips. “Cade…” She paused for a moment. “I love you.”
