Page 80 of Wolves & Watercolors
My attempt to scowl at her makes her laugh as she tugs me down for a kiss. It’s sweet and innocent, but heat sparks between us. She gasps for air and grabs my shirt, clinging to me.
Scooping under her thighs, I lift her up to sit on the kitchen counter. After another deep kiss, I break off. “Are you really happy here?”
“Stop asking me that. I’m so happy I feel like I’ll wake up and it was all just a fantasy.” She tucks her calves behind mythighs and pulls me closer until my hips bump the edge of the countertop. “Now let’s break in this trailer.”
My eyebrows shoot up, and she throws her head back with a soft laugh that causes my stomach to lurch. She’s gorgeous, light painting her dark hair into shades of burnt caramel. I’m busy admiring the line of her jaw and the way her lips part when she straightens and slides off the counter with a shrug, pushing me back.
“If you’re not interested, that’s fine.” Her teasing tone invites argument, so I give it to her.
“There’s no time I’m not interested in you,” I murmur, threading my fingers into her hair. Lowering my head, I let my breath ghost over the shell of her ear before I nip at her earlobe.
“Yeah? I think I need a demonstration. You know, for science.” Her smirk taunts me.
She meets my kisses hungrily, tugging my shirt up until she can run her hands over the tattoos across my ribs. We break apart long enough to shed clothing, and then I walk her back to the mattress.
I’ll never get enough of this woman. She groans when I drag my teeth over the claim mark and her hips buck. Soon, I’m lost to her, unable to tell which direction is up or what my own name is if it wasn’t for the reverent way she repeats it as I sink into her.
Later, she lays across my chest and nuzzles against my skin as my breathing slows. “You really liked seeing me holding a baby,” I say, the thought escaping me unfiltered.
She grins. “Yeah, it’s kinda hot. I love the idea of you with a baby.”
“So you want kids?” I ask, clarifying.
Her fingers trail over my stomach. “Yeah, I always imagined having a whole bunch of kids. Please tell me you want kids too.”
“Yeah.” My smile is indulgent. I want to give this woman anything and everything she desires. If she wants a pack of kids, I am on board. “I liked having a brother and sister growing up, and Slate and Marigold were always there too. It was like a big family.”
“I love that. And not to put any pressure on us, but it would be cool if our kids had cousins close to their age to play with. I’m thinking Hazel and Slate will have more kids eventually, so maybe we will be ready by then.” Her smile is sunshine and warmth.
“I’m ready when you are.”
A beautiful flush paints her cheeks. “Maybe a couple of years? We’ll see.”
“Sounds good,” I say, lifting her hand to my mouth so I can kiss her fingers and bite the meat of her palm. Her nose scrunches up as she grins at me.
“We should finish unpacking,” she says, her eyes drifting closed. “At some point.”
“We have all the time we want,” I say, brushing my hand down her back. There’s nowhere else I want to be. Everything is perfect. Aurora’s contentment purrs through our mate bond, reassuring me that she’s happy. Peace settles on me, and my eyes drift closed too.
Epilogue
Cedar
Panic filters through our mate bond. I drop my tools, and sprint out of my garden, moving north until I reach the trailer that has been our home for the last few weeks. Hazel and Slate granted us land to build a cabin on, close to my garden, but it will take months to build.
Aurora isn’t in the living room or kitchen when I enter. “Love?” I call out.
A startled little noise comes from the bedroom. I waste no time striding across our small home and pulling the bedroom door open. Aurora sits cross legged on our bed, holding one hand behind her back.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, squatting in front of her and looking up into her eyes. Moisture wells in the corners, piercing my heart. Gently, I wipe the tears away. “I’ll fix whatever it is.”
She lets out a shaky laugh. “I don’t think this is something that needs fixing. Or I hope not.” Her chin wobbles.
“What is it?” My voice drops low.
“Please don’t be mad.”
Frowning, I go to my knees and lean against the bed, placing my hands on the side of her thighs. “Never.”
