Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Jude must sense my anxiety, because the moment my heart starts to race with worry and trepidation, his large arm wraps around my waist and pulls me into his warmth. My wolf rubs against my side, closest to our mate. She loves the way our bodies press together. She pushes against his hard body and the act calms me. I feel nothing but at peace in his embrace. The approving rumble that vibrates through him stirs my wolf and makes my heart swell with devotion.
As I settle in his embrace, my eyes find an older woman resting against the side wall. Her gray hair has streaks of white in it and thick wire-framed glasses shield her pale blue eyes. A small smile slowly grows on her face. As she walks toward us, I expect my wolf’s hackles to raise or for her to whimper in fear, instead she stretches lazily and rests sweetly against my side once again.
Jude kisses my hair and whispers in my ear. “You look beautiful, baby.” His warm breath makes me wriggle away as it tickles the crook of my neck. His low, sexy chuckle in my ear makes me want to nip his bottom lip in admonishment and lick that dip in his throat. A wave of unexpected arousal heats my core and has me practically panting for his touch. I clear my throat, straightening and moving slightly away from him as I try to avoid concentrating on how good his hands feel on me. My heat must be coming soon. I look into my mate’s eyes and wonder if we’ll have another.
The older woman stops in front of us and smiles sweetly before scenting the air and cocking a brow. The knowing smirk on her lips makes me blush. But thankfully, she doesn’t comment. “I just wanted to tell you both how happy I am that Jude’s back.” Her small, wrinkled hand pats mine. “And that he’s found such a sweet mate.” I can’t help but to smile at her kindness.
“I’m happy to be home Marci.” He bends down and gives the older woman a kiss on the cheek. A happiness clouded with a bit of grief flashes in her eyes as she pats my hand once again and then walks away.
“Who is she?” I look up at Jude and find a sad smile on his lips.
“She was my mother’s friend.”
“I’m sorry.” I don’t know what else to say. It must be very hard for him to come home after all these years. Especially given the circumstance. It’s a dark tale that lacked a happily ever after, but hopefully with Jude back, we can ease the pain that came with such a tragedy.
“We aren’t that far away from each other.” Emma’s soft voice breaks the sad moment and I’m grateful for it. “Your packs could still do that mind talking couldn’t you?”
Jude huffs a deep laugh. “Too far. Way too far for that.”
“So you’d lose the connection?”
Jude clucks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “We wouldn’t lose it. Not unless we break the pack bond.”
Devin speaks up, “I don’t have any intention of breaking our bond. Not with you and not with Luke and Owen either.”
All four Alphas are a sight to behold on their own, but seeing them all at once, all in agreement is an intimidating sight. It reminds me of what the seers told me long ago. About how our pack would bond and strengthen ties to be an unstoppable force. It makes me wonder what we would need to be preventing, what we’d be fighting against. The vampires flash into mind, but they’re gone instantly. It would be foolish of them to fight against us. Three strong packs aligned together and close in proximity. It would mean death to them if they even considered approaching us.
For now, there is peace, or at least a stalemate. I look down at my son and back up to my mate and hope it will stay that way. But somewhere, deep in my soul. I know it won’t.
Veronica
Months Later…
Vince’s hand travels along my belly with care. His fingertips barely touch my skin, leaving a tickle of goosebumps in his path. His silver eyes look up at me in awe as he bends to kiss my belly. I can’t believe what he told me. I can’t imagine it’s true...after all this time. Miracles and second chances aren’t meant for people like me…but then again I have Vince. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” He closes his eyes and rubs his nose against my belly and down lower before humming with satisfaction. “You are most certainly pregnant with my pup.” His words bring a heat of love through my blood. My eyes close to push down the emotions and I lean my head against the pillow. His hands grab my hips and tilt them so he can bury his nose between my legs. A warmth of a blush travels through my chest and into my cheeks as I let out a short laugh.