Page 60 of Rejected Bullied Mate

The words sent a jolt through me, like electricity. I swept her into my arms, kissed her hard—I couldn't help it; the animal inside me needed to be close to her, to claim her. To claim her words and the love she'd given me.

"I love you too," I whispered against her lips, pressing my forehead against hers, "I love you so damn much, Kiera."

She laughed, her eyes alight with happiness. "I'm so glad to hear that."

"You're mine," I said, holding her tight, "You're my mate, and I'm never letting you go again."

She grinned. "I hope not. Kit would be pissed." Then, softer, she repeated, "I love you, Samson.

Her words, her touch, her mere presence...was as close to heaven as an asshole like me would ever get.

Epilogue - Kiera

Three months later

The forest was alive under my paws, leaves crunching, sticks cracking, the scent of pine and damp earth surrounding me. Kit dodged and weaved through the trees ahead of me, his form lithe, dark, and full of the boundless energy that could only come with youth.

Samson probably could have kept pace with his longer stride, but he stuck close to me. When we ran, we were a pack of three, and our Alpha would never leave us behind.

We bounded across a stream, splashing water everywhere, and I reveled in the feel of the chill droplets against my nose. Samson howled, and Kit followed suit. I didn't howl, but I laughed inside, feeling happy. Content. Complete.

Kit had come a long way, and his wolf was strong and steady. I didn't classify myself as strong, but my shift was easier and easier, and Samson assured me that strength would come with time.

While Kit chased sparkling fish through the water, Samson slowed to a trot, and I did the same. We followed our son at a more comfortable pace, walking so closely together that we were touching, white-gray fur melding with dark. In wolf form, we had a different language, but it was no less meaningful.

Samson bumped his muzzle against mine, and I looked up at him. My mate, husband, and Alpha. It was like the world around us faded, leaving just us and our little family during moments like these.

I loved him. Desperately. And I knew he felt the same.

After a few hours of playing and running, we headed home. Nayeli was taking Kit to the new exhibit at the museum, and I didn't want to make her run late. Kit shifted back and ran upstairs to shower and change. Nayeli pulled into the driveway just as Kit emerged, squeaky clean and ready for his second adventure of the day.

"Nayeli! Are you ready to go?"

Nayeli grinned and opened the passenger door. "I was born ready."

"Me too!" Kit laughed and climbed into the car.

I walked up to Nayeli's window. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"I'm positive," Nayeli said, smiling warmly. "We're going to have fun."

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine." Kit was grinning from ear to ear. "I love going to the museum. Nayeli said they have REAL mummies this time."

"Alright, alright. Have fun." I waved at them as they took off, feeling a pang of sadness. I still wasn't totally comfortable letting him out of my sight, but after Samson, Nayeli was the person I trusted most in the pack.

Samson came and stood next to me, his hand on my lower back. "How does he have the energy? I swear I wasn't that bad as a pup."

I snorted. "Are you kidding? I've seen you run around with him. You're just as bad NOW."

Samson chuckled, pulling me close. "That's true. I'm a bad influence."

"The worst," I agreed. "I'm not sure how I got stuck with both of you."

He kissed me gently, unhurried. "It's fate."

I kissed him back, smiling against his mouth. We had been together for months now, and he still gave me butterflies. I wondered if that would ever go away.

"I have a lot to do today. I promised Gwen I'd help her finish unpacking at her new apartment, and Nayeli found me a few spell books to look over—"

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