Page 35 of Shifted Existence

“As long as it’s the head with ears and not balls, I can be okay with that.”

The chuckle became a laugh as he ran one hand up and down her spine and fondled her ass with the other. When there was a light rapping on the tent, Talon looked down at her. “I think I’m about to get lectured on the proper care of a mate recovering from transition.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her hurt anything vital.”

Laughing, Talon pulled the sheet over the both of them and then called for whoever it was to enter. Bailey knew she ought to move, ought to feel embarrassed to be caught in a compromising position, but she didn’t. There was something freeing about being a she-wolf. Talon wanted to ensure she was covered but didn’t seem to mind that it would be obvious what they’d been doing.

Glancing over her shoulder, Bailey was glad to see it was Melea. “Just tell me the whole village didn’t hear me screaming his name.”

“Too late for that,” said Melea with a knowing smile. “Let’s just say that the entire village is feeling much more settled knowing that our new mistress has accepted her place at our alpha’s side. And you,” she said, pointing at Talon, “what do you have to say for yourself?”

“What I have to say is I, too, am much more settled knowing my mate will now willingly take her vows, won’t you, mate?”

“What are my options?” she teased.

“A spanking in front of our ranking pack members until you capitulate,” said Talon with just enough growl that she knew he wasn’t truly joking.

“What’s my second choice?”

“You say yes, you take your vows, and I shall knot and tie you to celebrate.”

“Hmm. You drive a hard bargain… a rather large, hard bargain.”

Melea giggled at the obvious bond being forged between them. “You must let her rest,” she chided Talon.

“Don’t listen to her,” said Bailey. “I can’t remember a time I felt more alive.”

Talon kissed the tip of her nose and eased her from his body. “Melea is right. You rest while I speak to Blitz and Artemis. Melea, ask the guard at the door to join us on your way out.” When the young wolf entered their tent, Bailey was sure he blushed. She knew for damn sure he couldn’t meet her eyes.

Bailey groaned. “So not just the whole village…”

“Probably and you have ruined him for life, for no wolf ever had a she-wolf such as you.”

“Okay, I’m just getting over this whole transition thing, can you ratchet down the drivel for a few days?”

The smack to her backside was just this side of painful. “Watch your sass, mate.” To the guard, he said, “Reynard, find and send Artemis and Blitz to me. Check with Blitz, but it may be beneficial to have Dani here.”

“Yes, Alpha,” he said, scurrying back out the door.

“Do not tease him. He is young and you intimidate him,” said Talon.

“Me? I’m just lying here having fucked his alpha’s brains out. What’s to be intimidated by?” she said with a certain amount of glee.

“Behave, lest you find yourself getting spanked with an audience.”

“Tell me is he always this cranky right after he gets laid? Because honestly, all the times before it seemed to put him in a better mood. Maybe I did something wrong, and we ought to do it again so I can improve.”

Talon could maintain neither his composure nor his frustration with her. He fisted her mane and dragged her to him, lowering his head and whispering, “If you do it any better, you might just kill me.” His mouth came down hard on hers, fusing their lips together before his tongue swept through her mouth and promised more—more of everything.

When he lifted his head, she grinned at him before wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body into his, “Yeah, but what a way to go.”

Before she could kiss him, Artemis, Dani, and Blitz entered.

“Didn’t I tell you the sex was even more amazing?” quipped Dani.

Artemis laughed. “I’m not so sure these two being friends is a good idea.”

“Fortunately, you don’t get a vote. Besides Dani and I were friends before becoming she-wolves.”

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