Page 58 of Taken By The Wolves
Because they’re not willing to overwhelm my choice and claim what’s rightfully theirs. They’re waiting for me to choose them, too.
28
NIXON
A part of me understands why generations of wolf-shifters have taken their mates by force. The patience required to convince a reluctant human woman to give up her ordinary life to join a wolf-pack and bear wolf children is enough to try the patience of even the most patient man, and I am not a patient man.
But when Scarlet falls asleep in my arms, her red hair cascading around her, and her pretty pink lips parted, my wolf is quiet. She’s everything I hoped our mate would be. Beautiful, of course, but not only on the outside. Her heart is sweet and open enough to love a child who isn’t her own. She works with us, finding a role in whatever task we need to tackle. She’s down to earth, not pretentious, and as in love with the forest and the craftsmanship that shapes its trees as we are. She challenges us, and holds her own, even against the strength of my will, with its alpha stubbornness.
Finn told me about how she helped sell some of his furniture. It warmed my heart to know that when we claimher, she’ll be able to continue the life she loves. The goddess is wise to send us a mate who could find happiness and contentment in our lives.
She’s bright and clever, challenging us and bringing new light to our world.
And in bed, she’s fire, accepting her place between the three of us, bringing us more pleasure than we could have hoped for.
All we have to do now is convince her that this life is better than what she could have if she returns home. No human man could give her what we can.
“Nixon,” Reed whispers, interrupting my thoughts. His arm is around Scarlet’s waist, and he was breathing so evenly, I was convinced he was asleep.
“Yeah.”
“You think she’s going to choose us?” he asks.
“Of course.” It’s my role, as alpha, to be strong and sure. My brothers are relying on me for confidence and guidance.
“I’m not so sure,” he says. “There’s still doubt in her mind. She’s holding back. Isn’t she?”
She is, but I was hoping he would be too overwhelmed by her to notice.
“I think you should give her your knot.”
I flinch at his suggestion, and Scarlet stirs, burrowing closer to my chest, arching her back in the process, and Reed groans as her naked ass grinds against his dick.
“She’s not ready,” I say. “That’s only for after the claim.”
“There’s no rule against it,” Reed counters. “Nothing to say you can’t breed her before the claim. Maybe, if you prove to her that the doctors were wrong, she’ll believe that this is where she belongs.”
His words reverberate in my mind. The thought of tyingher to us irrevocably is potent and dangerous. But also… beautiful.
The image of Scarlet swollen with our pups is what fills my mind as Reed finally drifts off to sleep, and I’m left to keep watch over my pack.
***
In the morning, we load ourselves and sweet Ahya into the truck. Scarlet cradles the baby in her arms as I close the door. Her red curls peek from under a wool cap, and her cheeks are rosy and eyes bright with wonder at the trees rustling overhead. Everything in me stills to watch them together; two strangers, but so bonded, there’s no longer an inch of space between them.
As we drive toward town, the cab is quiet. Finn and Reed seem as lost in thought as I am, our wolves’ desire for the claim almost overwhelming. I picture a future filled with mornings like this, of quiet roads, family contentment, and anticipation of a day spent happily.
But that will only happen if Scarlet can see that this future is her destiny.
At the baby store, the light is stark with bright overhead panels illuminating cribs, colorful toys, and walls lined with pastel clothing. Reed positions himself near the exit, alert, while I stay close to Scarlet and Ahya. Braysville Town isn’t strictly our territory, and there is always a chance we can come across other shifters, wolves, or otherwise, while we’re surrounded by humans.
We move through the aisles following Scarlet, who lifts tiny socks from the rack, her eyes soft. She smiles when she finds a onesie printed with woodland creatures and a forest scene. She picks up organic formula packs, passing them to Finn.
I imagine returning to this store again when she’s swollen with our cubs. I guide her gently from rack to rack, pointing out items I know Ahya will grow into, and boys’ clothing I like, too.For our sons, I think. I wonder if she understands.
At the register, I pay and am presented with the purchases in two large bags. Finn carries the box containing the stroller and another containing a car seat, and we flank Scarlet and Ahya as we approach Reed to leave the store.
Glancing left and right, I observe the townsfolk going about their days. A couple passes us, and the woman smiles as Ahya waves her arms up and down, clearly excited to see so many people. I stick close, my wolf senses on high alert.
