Page 69 of Wolf Bound

"Good idea," Forrester agrees, making the whole room go quiet for a moment. "What? I'm capable of agreeing with Drayton."

"We weren't sure you were capable of agreeing with anyone," Penn teases. "You're not exactly an easy going guy. Well, except for with Talia."

"Well, maybe if all of you were as smart as her, I would agree with you more often," Forr shoots back, and winks at me. "Plus, she's hot and you all look like a pile of dogshit."

The guys start throwing insults at each other in jest, their bonds with each other growing deeper every day. They lost so many years with each other while Forrester was being poisoned against Drayton. Our mate bonds brought them back to each other, and I don't think anything will break them apart again.

We're a family. Something I don't quite understand, but something I seem to be able to recognize all the same.

I hope one day, when we're through the chaos and the war, we can maybe add a few additions to this little family.

"Okay, okay," I finally interrupt when Drayton tosses Forr into a headlock. "We have actual work to do guys."

Alaric chuckles and pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head. "Always looking out for us, beautiful."

"You guys do the same for me." I kiss him softly, enjoying the feel of his facial hair under my hand as I cup his cheek. "I love you."

The confession tumbles out like the most natural thing in the world. Honestly, it really is. I love him. I love all of them.

"I love you, too, beautiful. I've got a few things to do, but I'll be sure to show you just how much later, okay?" Alaric kisses me again and the noise of the guys still goofing around fades from existence. Soon I'll have experienced mating with all of my men. The butterflies in my stomach dance at the prospect and I can't help the sigh of contentment that comes out as Alaric pulls away.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Alaric

Iglance around the room, taking in all the little details I've set up for Tal. Admittedly, I may have gone a little overboard on setting the mood. We probably could have done without the pink rose petals scattered across the bed or the newly bought and freshly cleaned silk bed sheets that I know are going to look incredible against her skin. This many candles is most definitely a fire hazard, but it’ll add a glow to the room that is going to look absolutely delectable across her flawless, sweat-glistened skin.

The clock says I have about twenty minutes before she's supposed to be here, which leaves me with just enough time to freshen up.

Tossing my dirty shirt into the hamper in the corner of my bathroom, I stop and grab my brush from my counter. With a few strokes through my dark blonde hair and a little pomade, I slick the hair back on the top of my head and add a little to my beard to keep it from flying away too much.

I probably shouldn’t put too much into my appearance since my first hope for the evening is to shift and run. Tal has had few chances in her life to run free as her other half and I want her to become more comfortable with it.

We should have been doing more to foster this for her, but between the attack and this impending war, none of us have prioritized it. It’s not an excuse, just the reality of it. So, before I officially mate my girl, I want to run. Two animals running free, not a care between them.

After that we’ll have some dinner before I sweep her away to the room and show her how much being her mate means to me.

I dress comfortably, but nice. Some black jeans and a grey button down shirt. Easy enough to strip off for running, and other activities, but looks good for a candle lit dinner.

Taking a glance around the room, I place the lighter beside the bed for Penn to light the candles later. I check my hair, my clothes, and finally the bed to make sure everything is in place.

Especially the ties in each corner of the bed.

Will Talia trust me enough to tie her up? Goddess, I fucking hope so. If she doesn’t, that’s okay, too. I won’t push it and I don’t need it, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to do it with her. The image of her trussed up on my bed, giving me all of her love and trust as I give her every ounce of pleasure I can draw out haunts my every dream.

My cock hardens at the thought, pushing uncomfortably against the zipper of my jeans. I adjust it and think long and hard about the least sexy thing I can come up with. The guys, the latest patrol routes, and finally, the group of drunk shiftersloudly singing the most annoying songs they could think of last night. I can tell you I do not give a fuck where he came from or where he went, that Cotton eyed bitch.

Checking the time, I curse and head out the door. I’m a couple minutes later than I said I would be and that’s not something I’m comfortable with. My word is ironclad and I’ve worked hard to maintain that in all aspects of my life. Am I a control freak? Yeah, a bit. Do people trust me and my word? Abso-fucking-lutely they do, and that’s important to me.

The walk to Talia’s room is mercifully quick as I rap my knuckles against her door ten seconds later.

Her door swings open, her bright jade eyes meeting mine instantly. “Hi,” she says softly, her smile stealing my breath for a moment. “Is what I’m wearing okay? You didn’t tell me what we were doing. Well, other than— you know…”

The shy blush spreading across her cheeks distracts me before I give her outfit a slow, deep once-over. She’s in a red dress that ends just above her knees, with a long white cardigan over top. She looks like a fucking five-course meal.

“You look perfect, kitten,” I answer, grabbing her chin lightly between my thumb and index finger. “Utterly and completely delectable.”

My lips touch hers in a slow, seductive kiss. I take my time, teasing and tasting, willing her to open up to me and let me take everything. It’s not long before Talia pushes against me, trying to deepen the kiss, but I still hold her chin, completely in control.

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