Reese I awoke in the morning feeling better than I had any other day of my life, the difference being Scarlett had allowed me to ensconce her in my arms for the remainder of the night as we found the land of dreams together. The pleasant feeling coursing through my blood put an extra pep in my step as Scarlett and I set off for the bears’ territory. I had rigged up a bag I would be able to carry on my shoulders as we traversed the country, but I needed my mate to secure it in place before she shifted. I didn’t let myself admire her mile-long legs or other desirable assets, knowing we would never make it to the bears before the elder if I started down that path. I was thrilled with the progress I made in getting my other half to fully accept me, but my wolf was antsy to advance to the claiming stage. I couldn’t say I blamed him, it had been over a month at this point, and there were times when I thought I would go mad with the

Reese I felt more secure here in Jace’s den than I ever thought I would, and I could grant this was the first time I had the chance to let my shield slip a little since we had departed the Western Province. My tired state had me feeling worn out down to my very bones, and our relative safety had my eyes drooping as my mind analyzed Jace’s behavior from prior in the forest where he found us and afterwards here in his concealed cave. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind he’d had designs on making Scarlett his before I came into the picture, and who could blame him? Pairings molded by Luna had been extremely rare up until now, so it was reasonable to believe Scarlett would remain unattached, especially knowing she had already rejected her true mate. Anger trickled through my system as I was reminded about the trauma my mate had endured at his hands, not to mention the fact that he might still be alive. I forced myself to focus on Jace

  Scarlett We sprinted through the trees for an hour or two. I wasn’t paying attention to the distance travelled. Instead, I was busy relishing the fresh morning air and the chirping of birds waking up as it began to brighten around us. The brilliant orb of light was still climbing higher in the sky when we halted right before exiting the tree line. Reese blocked my path, but I didn’t need his explanation to know we had arrived. I could hear Theo waiting with the radio playing from the work truck he’d brought to disguise our movements throughout the territory. Reese didn’t wait before shifting shapes, untangling himself from the bag and digging his clothes out. He passed mine over to me before shrugging his pants on, and he briefly met my gaze as he hoisted the strap of the bag onto his shoulder after. He didn’t say anything, but I was left feeling confused when he rotated on his heel and left me alone to get dres

Reese My wolf was balanced precariously close to my tipping point. I wasn’t used to being cooped up, and every fiber of my being wanted to be out there, monitoring the area and making sure my mate remained safe. Be that as it may, I knew the smartest thing I could do was remain right where I was. Scarlett was still sleeping after the emotional toll yesterday had taken on her, and I spent a few minutes going through the contents of our bag while I had a free period of time. I was dismayed when I noticed how low we were on rations, as well as the fact Scarlett only had one clean t-shirt left. I was confused by the bundle of herbs that fell out from Scarlett’s stack of clothes, but it escaped my mind as Scarlett moaned, rolling over as she stretched her arms wide and peeked open her eyes. Accordingly, we consumed what was left of our food, bantering back and forth, but I didn’t get to the heart of the matter until after we had sated our

Reese Relief spread through me with Scarlett’s assertion, though my wolf was distressed instead, and our opposing reactions both stemmed from that one pesky little word: yet. She had gone from wanting to outright reject me to accepting I would inevitably be her future, so I was more than thrilled with how things were progressing. My wolf begrudgingly agreed, but that didn’t necessarily mean he would end his efforts to take the reins. Nevertheless, the raging inferno of my arousal was dulled to a weak simmering when my mate clothed her delectable body, and any traces of the sensual smoke disappeared as she dived headfirst into delicate matters. I wasn’t pleased with the plan for the meeting, but I knew I couldn’t go charging in like I wanted either. I had doubts whether I would be able to keep my word in the heat of the moment, but I would try my damnedest. The hours flew by as we strategized, and she proceeded to pour