Chapter Twenty-Four

Jax

I glanced down at Willow after the door had shut completely. She still appeared to be doing alright, but my wolf and I would continue to worry until we completed the mating bond.

I still had the overwhelming urge to claim Willow; it was nearly unbearable to resist, in fact, despite my exhausted state. The only thing that allowed me to abstain was knowing that her fragile mental state could not handle it yet. Her needs would always come before my own, and she just was not ready.

I was thankful she allowed me to hold her, cradled in my lap as she did, but I suspected that had more to do with her alarm when I had first arrived in the room earlier.

Nevertheless, I could see the clear adoration in her eyes as she gazed up into mine. I could also see the hesitation, unfortunately.

I knew that was