Page 46 of Eclipse Pack

Both females positively bounce with enthusiasm as they rush to tell us how much better things are since that ass has been gone. They reel off some of the activities that have been introduced and how the pup's grades have gone through the roof. I take particular notice when I hear that there is a weekend gardening activity that all the pups willingly attend.

“Very good, ladies. It sounds like you’re doing an excellent job. Remember, if there’s anything you need, see me or Luna Taria here. We will support you fully with your endeavors.” Turning to the pup, Bronze calls out to him, “Coal. Don’t miss the eyes in the mouse hole in the hallway, will you?”

A very sulky pup answers, “No sir, Alpha Bronze. I’m sure my momma will make sure I don’t miss any.”

“Carry on, soon-to-be-a-warrior Coal,” Bronze watches as his words sink in and the pup positively beams at him.

“Yes sir, Alpha Bronze,” he calls out in his best official warrior type voice, and goes back to work with a renewed vigor.

Bronze looks at the two females and winks at them. Winks? Eve looks at Bronze as though he just hung the moon and then at the pup. Seeing the pride there, it has to be her son. Only a momma could look at a pup that way.

Walking away from the nursery and back towards the festivities that we can clearly hear as we get nearer, Bronze explains about Coal, some of his antics, and how Eve is bringing him up alone. When he describes the day he caught Lincoln about to hit Coal, I see Titan's eyes blaze and think how lucky that teacher was that day when Bronze held him back. I’m not in the least concernedwhen I hear that he was sent to the Shifter Council warrior training school.

The story of Coal’s father, his poor behavior and also being sent to the training school, has my blood boiling when I think of how Eve is doing such a good job bringing up that pup on her own. I must speak to Flint when I get a chance and see what’s happening with those two. I wonder if there’s any way to make their life more difficult than it already is?

Chapter 24

BRONZE

The festivities show no signs of drawing to a close and as much as I enjoy seeing the pack so at ease and enjoying themselves, I do have other priorities that need my attention. Top of the list is sitting beside me in her gray suit and she looks amazing. The blue bodysuit she has beneath that, however, is causing me much more physical discomfort than mental. What’s more, I’m sure she is fully aware of my condition.

Turning to look at me, she gives me a smile that is both innocent but pure lust at the same time. Oh yes. She knows exactly what she is doing to me and my wolf. Titan hasn’t stopped pacing since we kissed and Maya has been talking to him without me knowing what she has been saying.

“Bronze, it’s been a very long day for me, what with all the excitement of the two ceremonies. Would you mind if I retired tomy room and got a shower and a good night's rest?” Her eyes tell me that rest is the furthest thing on her mind right now.

“I don’t mind at all, with the exception of going toyourroom. We are now living in the alpha suite. My parents moved their belongings to the cottage last night and this morning, my rooms were transferred to our suite.”

“I’ll get my immediate needs then and see you there.” Taria stands and I see a few furtive glances and knowing looks from those around us.

“I think you’ll find everything of yours is already in the alpha suite, too. I had them moved there after the ceremonies.” I give her what I hope is an innocent grin, but I’m sure by the look she gives me in return, it comes out the complete opposite.

“In that case, perhaps you’d give me a few minutes to allow me to freshen up before you join me. After all, we wouldn’t want you to arrive in, let’s say, five minutes and catch me in the midst of a shower, now would we?”

What was previously just an uncomfortable condition now becomes unbearable, and I can see Taria is fully aware of that fact. Taking off her jacket, she drapes it across my lap, bends to give me a chaste kiss on the lips and then whispers, “Five minutes, my love. Any more and I will be out of the shower, dried, in a nightdress and asleep.”

Watching as she walks away, I have to make a conscious effort to close my mouth and prevent any drool slipping down my chin. Her walk could grace any catwalk and it’s all I can do not to run after her, scoop her up and run to the alpha suite.

Now you know how I feel! That Maya is going to be the death of me by teasing and tempting, I swear to the Goddess.

‘I never expected either of them to have such an intoxicating effect on us, Titan. Taria has had me at a disadvantage all day, and the worst thing is, she’s known it! Life will never be boring with those two around.’

That’s a fact. Four minutes left!

Seeing my mother approach, I cringe as I know she will expect a hug and I so do not want her close to me right now. Having her feelthatpressing against her is the worst thing that could ever happen. Taking a seat beside me, she congratulates me on Chef Ash’s promotion and then talks about how the day has been for her and father.

Three minutes!

“If you’ll excuse me, Mother, I need to see if Taria has everything she needs for the night.”

“Well done, Son. You lasted longer than your father did. He joined me before I’d crossed the dance floor on our first night and all but dragged me upstairs. I was suitably outraged by his behavior until the alpha suite door slammed shut behind us. Go! At least you can walk straight now and can give me a hug!”

“Mother, you are all a son could ask for, and more.” Standing together, I give her a hug and then darn near run across the room to a chorus of cheering and ribald comments. Waving to the pack, I rush upstairs to the alpha suite.

Stopping outside the door, I take a moment to catch my breath and gain some composure. Titan is almost howling at me toget on with it!Walking calmly into the main room, I see a trail of clothes leading to the bedroom. Walking by a shoe, then another, I hear the shower running. A blouse is by the bedroom door, quickly followed by gray pants near the bathroom.

Walking into the bathroom, I’m expecting to see the blue bodysuit, but am not prepared for the way in which it is displayed. Instead of it being strewn across the floor as I expected, it is still very much attached to Taria. She is standing in the shower, facing away from me and her wet hair streaming down her back. If it was at all possible, the bodysuit clings to her shapely form even more when wet than it did before. It envelopes her even more tightly to enhance every muscle and curve of her exquisite body.

As I step closer to the shower, Taria turns, and I’m sure she heard the growl escape from my chest. Seeing the view from the front has me suppressing the howl that Titan wants to bring forth. Stepping into the shower, I grab her and pull her to me. As I wrap my arms around her, she throws her arms behind my neck and her legs around my waist.

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