Chapter 21 – Nothing Mother Nature Can't Fix

~ RONAN ~

I lead Lyra inside the elegant little cottage I use when I need time alone, relaxing slightly as I step into the space. I wait until she crosses the threshold before closing the door behind her. I can’t stop myself from assessing her movements or scenting the air for any hint of her emotions. She’s nervous. I can tell.

She twirls slowly, her gaze sweeping over the connected living room and kitchen before roaming up toward the narrow staircase that leads to the bathroom nestled upstairs. The moment I saw this property, I knew I had to have it. It’s not extravagant, but it’s the perfect hideaway—one I only ever visit when I need to clear my head. Aside from Killan, no one else knows about it.

Lyra lets out a soft sneeze and glances up at me, and I immediately wish I’d had time to come air out the place before now. Normally, I visit during the warmer months, keep the back door open to the porch, shift, and explore the twelve acres of peace and trees. But I've only been here twice in the past year. Tensions with the Duskfang Pack, rogue vampires, and the ever growing supernatural community have kept me working around the clock. My life has revolved around leading the Hollowbane Pack and shepherding wolves who turn to me for guidance.

They've been my primary focus. Until her.

"Let me take that," I say, reaching for the bag she’s gripping with her small fist.

The drive up was quiet. Too quiet. Ever since Lyra came downstairs with her disapproving best friend—the one who gave me a glare sharp enough to gut a bear—she’s barely said a word. I know she's probably trying to cope with the things she's learned, as well as accept that this might be her life now.

The comfortable nearness we shared in her stepfather's office is gone, replaced by nerve-wracking silence. She'd allowed my touch in front of her parents and friend but kept glancing at them for reassurance and acceptance. And since their approval means so much to her, I went out of my way to be courteous, promising to care for her, ease her into her transition, and bring her back after the weekend.

And now, it's time for me to live up to my word.

She doesn't argue when I slide the bag from her fingers. I smile because I know that it's a start.

I carry the backpack to the table near the living room couch and rest it on top of the hard surface. When I hear the stairs creak, I glance over my shoulder. Lyra is carefully making her way upstairs. She looks good enough to eat in a snug pair of jeans and a cream camisole visible beneath the thin sweater she's tossed on, her cozy blue leather jacket hugging her curves.

I want to bury my fingers into her curls, whisper my desires in her ear, and fill her up so deeply she can't tell where I end, and she begins. Keeping my distance is slowly killing me, but I bury my itching fingers deep into my pockets.

"We'll have to change the linens." I'm not sure why I state the obvious. Maybe it's due to my quickly swelling cock. The engorged organ is aching for the haven of her tight pussy.

"Where are they?" she asks, peering over the railing. "I can do it."

Damn.

The sound of her voice creeps over my body, and I shiver, drawing a deep breath to keep my lust in check. It's decided. Tonight, when the moon rises, it will send my sweet little mate into the mating heat, preparing her for the full moon that will arrive the next day. I'm going to satisfy both our needs tonight, which will hopefully strengthen our bond because we'll need an established connection to make her shift easier.

I follow behind her, taking the stairs two at a time, but then I freeze when the scent of her arousal lines my nostrils, crashing into me like a coiled fist. The shift in her emotions is unexpected. I lift my head, meeting her gaze. Her eyes are clouded with desire, darkening as I near. There's a light in the iris I identify, the wolf within making itself known.

Double damn.

I want to tap into her wild side and see how untamed she'll be when the animal takes over and the woman holds on for the ride, but first, I have to create a measure of understanding between us. Her lust is easily handled. It's trust I have to establish. Taking her against the wall would only reinforce the sexual nature of our relationship. I want more—the unique connection that brings mates together.

"Here," I answer softly, squeezing past her smaller frame, forcing my hands to my sides so I don't reach out and draw her to me. Now is not the time.

After I retrieve fresh sheets, I go to work stripping the bed. Lyra stands back and watches, feet moving from side to side, revealing her restlessness. I don't ask for help, letting her come to me, giving her space. Eventually, she walks to the other side of the bed to assist. I remain silent, studying her beneath my lashes. By the time we finish and I look at her, the glow in her irises has faded. She sees me staring and lowers her gaze. The blush creeping up her neck is sexy as hell.

"Do you like the outdoors?" I ask and walk to the closet.

"Uh...I guess. Why?"

I take a heavy duvet and comforter from the shelf and look over my shoulder. My female has collected the sheets and is arranging them in a tidy pile. Her movements betray her nervousness, her motions jerky. She's as keyed up as I am, fighting sexual urges and unable to contain the excess energy her wolf is bringing to the table.

"Leave them there," I finally say, tugging the sheets from her other fist as I urge her toward the stairs. She doesn't protest as we return to the living room and walk toward the sliding glass door to the patio outside. I can tell she's curious as we step outside to the rising sun as it breaks through the chilly air, warming us up. I feel her relax and smile.

There's nothing mother nature can't fix.