wind through trees in the woods, and I get used to using four legs. My feet are quick, and I’m so amazed at my agility that I begin to hop over things. When I figure out how powerful I am, I gallop and play a game of tag with Ergan.
I’m reminded of soccer and wonder if we could do this with a ball. When we slow down, he walks us toward a house. My mate says, “Welcome to your new home.”
I watch as Ergan repeats the same process he used to shift, and then I do the same. This time I imagine my human form, and the change happens quickly. I shake out my muscles. “That didn’t hurt at all.”
“You’re a natural,” he says.
I glance at the home before me. It’s white wood with dark-green shutters that have a wolf cutout on them, and the screen door has the same design on the push bar. “I love it.”
Ergan takes my hand. “Come see the inside.”
When we enter, he hands me a large button-down shirt, and the cotton is soft on my skin when I put it on. The scent of my mate travels to my nose, and my wolf lets out a content sigh. The layout of Ergan’s house is similar to mine, and I wander over to his sliding glass door to gaze out over the water. I ask, “Where are we in relation to where I live?”
He comes behind me and wraps an arm around my waist as he points off to the left. “You’re right around that corner.”
“It’s not that far.”
“No. It’s too far. But now that we’re bonded, I’m not going to be able to handle many nights without you by my side.” He’s still naked, and his erection presses against my back. I detect the sweet odor of my arousal, and I’m slightly horrified knowing that he’s been aware of my attraction all this time. But I push the revelation out of my head.
“I suspect I won’t be able to, either, will I?”
Ergan kisses the back of my neck. “Probably not.”
I only fastened one button on the shirt, and it’s slippery in my fingers as I release it while I turn around and face my mate. Ergan slips his hand under the fabric and around my waist to pull me against his body. I whisper, “Show me your room.”
----
A large woman squeezes me tight enough that I think my ribs crack. “Goodness, you have no idea how happy I am to meet you, Kayla.”
She releases me, and I step back. “It’s so wonderful to meet you, too, Mrs. Wakefield.”
She waves a finger at me, and I’m reminded of the day on the bus when Ergan did the same when he warned the players about kissing. She says, “You’ll be calling me Betsy.”
“Betsy.”
She grabs my hand and yanks me along as I shoot a glance at Ergan. He grins at me, and I think he’s proud to be showing me off. Our feet thump over the hardwood floor as she brings me to the back. The deck is more like a porch and wraps around either side of the house.
The aroma of ribs grilling makes my stomach growl, and Betsy turns to me. “Isn’t food so much fun now?”
I smile. “I liked it well enough before, but yeah. It tastes so amazing in this state.”
We approach a man that gives me a glimpse into what Ergan will look like when he’s older. Silver fox comes to mind, because his dad is strikingly handsome. He holds out a large hand. “Kayla, I’m Ted.”
I reach for it, and he traps me in his grip as I say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Ergan has disappeared, but I’m comfortable with his parents.
Betsy asks, “What can I get you to drink? Wine? Beer?”
“A beer would be great, thank you.”
Ted hasn’t let go of my hand, and I return my attention to him. He says, “Betsy’s going to be a bit much to take, but you’re going to be her first daughter-in-law.” He speaks low, although I’m sure all the wolf ears can hear us. “She’ll be asking for grandchildren next spring, so watch out.”
I give him a wink. “Got it. I’ll be prepared.”
Ergan returns to me with two guys that are slight variations of him. “You trying to steal my girl, Dad?”
Ted chuckles and lets go of
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