Page 52 of Howl For A Kiss
ELENA
The bright morning sunlight streamed through the small bedroom window, casting golden rays across the tangled sheets where Elena lay wrapped in her mate's powerful arms. She stirred slowly, her naked body nestled perfectly against Damon's warm chest, every nerve ending still humming from the intensity of their completed mate bond.
The sensation was overwhelming in the most beautiful way possible. Elena could feel their connection pulsing through her like a second heartbeat—deeper than physical touch and more intimate than shared breath. It was as if their souls had merged into something greater than either could be alone.
This is what it means to be claimed, she thought, her fingertips tracing lazy patterns across Damon's chest. The mate mark throbbed with a pleasant warmth, a constant reminder of the moment their bond had solidified completely.
She remembered the exact instant his canines had pierced her skin—the sharp pain that transformed instantly into the most profound pleasure she'd ever experienced. It hadn't just been passion. It had been reverent and deeply primal, as if their wolves had joined as one in that sacred claiming that transformed them both.
Through their new connection, she could sense Damon's emotions even in sleep—his contentment, his fierce protectiveness, and the way his wolf constantly monitored her wellbeing. The intimacy of feeling his thoughts and emotions flowing through her was intense but wonderful, like discovering a new language that spoke directly to her soul.
Damon's green eyes opened slowly, immediately finding hers with laser focus. The smile that spread across his features was pure satisfaction mixed with tender adoration.
"Good morning, my beautiful mate," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep and possession.
Elena's heart fluttered at the formal acknowledgment. "Good morning." She shifted closer, marveling at how different everything felt now. "Damon, I feel so different today. The completed mate bond—it's like I can sense everything about you. Your thoughts, your feelings..."
His arms tightened around her possessively. "I know exactly what you mean. I can feel your pain and hope in my bones now, like they've become part of my own DNA."
Elena nodded, pressing a soft kiss to his collarbone. "And I can feel the truth of your regret about your past, and your genuine desire to change and be better. It's not just words anymore—I can actuallyfeelthat it's real."
"Last night wasn't just claiming," Damon said, his fingers stroking through her blonde hair. "It was a mutual promise of partnership for eternity. What we have now, Elena—no pack law or tradition can define it. It's shared consciousness, a mutual healing through the power of love."
The profound truth of his words settled into Elena's chest like a warm glow. Their connection transcended anything she'd ever imagined possible between two people.
"I want to take Fiona to see my father today," Elena said suddenly, the words surprising even her. "I'm finally ready toconfront him and heal that part of my past. If that's even possible after all the years of lies and overprotection."
Damon's eyes searched her face with characteristic intensity. "I think it's more than possible. You might be surprised by the outcome, especially now that you understand why he felt he had to deceive you."
Elena sat up, pulling the sheet around her torso. "Will you come with me? I know it's asking a lot, but I don't think I can face him alone. Not yet."
"Elena, you never have to ask me to stand beside you," Damon said, his authority evident even in his gentle tone. "I'll be there for whatever you need."
They dressed quickly—Elena in dark jeans, combat boots, and a fitted black sweater that hugged her curves, while Damon donned tactical pants and a thermal henley that showcased his muscular frame. Even the simple act of getting dressed felt different now, each movement charged with new awareness of their connection.
Elena knocked softly on her bedroom door where Fiona had slept. "Fiona? Are you awake?"
The door opened to reveal her sister looking much better after a full night's rest, though still fragile around the edges. "Elena! Good morning."
"How are you feeling?" Elena asked, studying Fiona's face for signs of lingering trauma.
"Better. Thank you for everything." Fiona's gaze moved to Damon, gratitude shining in her hazel eyes. "I still can't believe you came to rescue me."
"So, we're going to visit our father today," Elena said gently. "I think it's time I faced some things from my past, and I want you there with me. If you're up for it."
Fiona's eyes widened with surprise and what looked like relief. "Yes, I'd like that. I've missed him, even after everything that happened with the forced mating."
They turned and headed out of their cabin and made their way to Cade's cabin next door. He answered the door before they even had a chance to knock.
"Morning," Cade called out, his weather-beaten face creasing into a smile. "Heard you three are planning a family reunion?"
"Word travels fast," Elena replied wryly.
"In a rebel compound?" Cade chuckled. "Everything travels fast. Listen, I'd feel better driving you over there in my truck. There still might be trackers out looking for Fiona or any of you after last night's rescue mission."
Damon nodded approvingly. "That's smart thinking. We should gear up just in case we meet resistance."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Elena agreed, already mentally cataloging the weapons she'd need.
