Page 130 of Savage Games

"I can see that," I say dryly, smoothing down his unruly hair, so much like mine, but with Naomi's warm, brown eyes."Did you at least say excuse me first?"

He considers this seriously, then shakes his head."Forgot."

Naomi laughs, reaching out to wipe a smudge of dirt from his cheek."You're going to be in trouble when Aunt Maddie catches up."

As if summoned by her name, Maddie appears around the corner, slightly out of breath."There you are, you little monster!"

James giggles, ducking his head against my chest.

Maddie stops at the foot of the porch steps, hands on her hips."Sorry.He bolted the second I turned my back."

"It's fine."I assure her."He just wanted to see what we were up to."

"Well, dinner's almost ready," she says."And someone needs a bath before he eats."She gives James a pointed look that has him burrowing further against me.

"We'll be there in a bit," Naomi promises.

Maddie nods and heads back to the house, where she's been staying since arriving for an extended visit last week.Her work minding the pups keeps her busy at Dean's pack, but she never misses important family events.

Like the arrival of her second niece or nephew.

"No bath," James declares, lower lip jutting out in a stubborn pout that reminds me so much of his mother that I have to fight a smile.

"Yes, bath."I counter, tapping his nose lightly."You smell like you've been rolling in the dirt all day."

"That’s because I have."He admits without shame.

Naomi shifts against me, one hand pressing against her lower back.It's subtle, but I catch it immediately.Her body is sore.She needs to rest.

"You should go rest before dinner," I tell her, concern flickering through me."I'll get this one cleaned up."

She opens her mouth to protest, then seems to think better of it."Maybe just for a few minutes."

I help her to her feet, steadying her with a hand at her waist."Take as long as you need.We'll be fine."

She smiles, leaning up to kiss me softly."I know you will."

I watch her make her way inside, moving more slowly now that she's in her third trimester.My wolf stirs protectively at the sight, never quite able to shake the instinct to guard her, even here, in the heart of our territory.

"Come on, trouble," I say, standing with James still in my arms."Bath time."

"No!"He squeals, but he's laughing as I carry him toward the door.

"Yes."I insist, pretending to growl as I nuzzle up against his neck."Or the big bad wolf will eat you up."

He dissolves into giggles, small hands pushing at my face."Okay.Bath, bath!"

"That's what I thought," I murmur, victorious.

Inside, I pass Naomi in the hallway, already settling onto the couch with her feet up.I bend down for one more kiss, unable to stop myself from lingering to deepen it into more than just a casual peck.

"I can scarcely believe any of this is real sometimes," I tell her quietly.

Her expression softens, understanding in her eyes.She cups my cheek in her palm."It's real.All of it.And you deserve every bit."

I lean into her touch for a moment, grounding myself in the feel of her skin against mine, in the scent of our home and our family around us.

"Daddy!Bath!"James demands, squirming in my arms.

---