His lips brushed her shoulder. Then she felt a sharp burn as his teeth sank into her skin. His cock jerked inside her, hot jets of semen bathing her womb. Goose bumps tickled her arms when he roared, the sound muffled by the skin trapped against his mouth. He didn’t stop moving, pistoning his hips as his cock surged within her a second time and another searing flash of heat followed. She didn’t let go of his hand, gasping for breath as he slowed and finally stopped.
When he pulled his teeth from her shoulder, she winced. He murmured an apology and started lapping at the skin, bathing the aching punctures with his tongue.
She was too tired to move when he shifted their bodies so that she landed on the pillows in a heap. He moved behind her and pulled her into his arms. She smiled and brought his hand to her mouth for a quick kiss. If she got to choose the path of her future, she wanted each day to consist of this. She’d cherish each and every moment, knowing she was fortunate to have the opportunity. Exhaustion sapped what energy she had left and she felt her eyes grow heavy.
“Any regrets?” Emory asked against the top of her head.
She had a lot of regrets, but not about what they’d done. The choices she’d made couldn’t be changed. All she could do was learn from her mistakes. And she intended to enjoy every single minute with the man in her bed. A man who belonged to her just as much as she belonged to him. A peace settled over her knowing that, an awareness that she would never be alone again.
She yawned, blinking to stay awake. “Only that it took us so long to get here.”
“I love you,” he whispered.
Even hearing those words couldn’t prevent sleep from taking her. Still, she managed to echo the sentiment before she closed her eyes.
“I love you.”
Epilogue
One Week Later
“Can I open my eyes now?” Mary asked.
A frown appeared on her beautiful face, her brows coming together. Emory suppressed a grin, holding a squirming bundle in his arms. She’d complained when he made her close her eyes before they went inside the barn situated on the back of Diskant’s property, impatient as he’d retrieved her gift.
He tried to sound irritated by the request, although he was excited as she was. “All right, Ms. Impatient. Go ahead and open them.”
The frown vanished when she saw the puppy he held, replaced by a show-stopping smile. “Really? He’s so adorable. Is he mine?” she exclaimed and reached out to take the wriggling pooch.
“He’s all yours, sweetheart.”
Emory handed the puppy over, relieved he’d made the right choice. When his mate had said she wanted a dog, he hadn’t been sure what she was hoping for. Personally, he didn’t like the idea of something small. He wanted an animal that would protect his mistress, something big and sturdy. The house Diskant purchased was isolated on five acres of land—land that was secured by guards, cameras and fencing. There was plenty of room for a large dog to run, the wooded area perfect for roaming free. Since he also had to keep Ava’s pregnancy in mind, he’d decided to go with a canine intended for a family—a Boxer. Diskant continued to mourn Oscar but Emory hoped he and Ava would eventually come to love the dog with his soft fawn coat and inquisitive brown eyes.
“Come on.” He smiled when the puppy licked Mary’s face and whined. “He’s been cooped up in a stall for long enough. Let’s take him outside.”
“Poor thing,” she murmured in a low croon and followed. “Kept in a dark barn. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. Such a sweet puppy.”
The sunlight hit them but it didn’t alleviate the cold winter air. Mary tried to pull the puppy closer but it struggled to break free. She feigned a sigh and put him down. The dog rushed off immediately, sniffing at random objects as he went. Determined not to leave his female empty-handed, Emory closed the distance and swept her into his arms. She sighed and leaned into him.
“Are you sure Ava and Diskant don’t mind?” she asked quietly.
“This is our home too,” he reminded her. “And no, they don’t mind. I asked.”
“It’s not like we see them much.” Mary snuggled closer, resting her hands on his hips. “The house is so big.”
That was an understatement.
When Diskant had told Emory about the farm, he’d said it was big. Emory had assumed there would be a barn and perhaps a newly remodeled home. He’d never dreamed the house he’d moved into a week ago with his mate was recently built and enormous, complete at over twenty-four thousand square feet. There were so many rooms Ava was grumbling about remodeling, wishing for a smaller space. To Emory’s relief Diskant had put as much distance between the couples as possible, giving Emory plenty of time alone with his mate. Since the kitchen, family and entertainment rooms were located near the center of the home, they were able to inhabit the far ends of the house.
“Are you saying that you’re getting tired of my company?” He brought his hand down until his palm rested on the crest of her lower back and ass.
“No.” She wriggled against him and he growled. “I’m just making an observation.”
“I’d suggest we enjoy it while it lasts. Diskant expects Doc to be here so often the poor bastard might as well move in until Ava delivers.”
In fact, Diskant had already approached the pack doctor about doing just that. Doc continued to decline the offer, insisting Diskant ask one of the midwives in the pack to assist his mate through her pregnancy.
“He’s just worried about Ava. It’s natural.” She shifted to the side and looked at the puppy, who’d found a tree limb to attack. “So what do we call him?”
“That’s up to you.” He tried to place his chin on her head but she kept moving to watch the puppy.
“How about Rocky?”
“Rocky?” He laughed, amused by her choice.
“Think about it. A Boxer named Rocky. It’s perfect.”
He lifted his head when a warning tingle shot down the back of his neck, his eyes darting around the area. Since the attack Diskant had hired lone shifters from out of state to watch his home. The pack needed every member in the city to keep things safe without worrying about the Omega and his mate. Emory knew there was no way someone could breach the perimeter. Motion detectors were installed all around the property line, as well as cameras that were monitored by guards in the security building behind the front gates.
“Emory? Are you okay?” Mary’s concerned question brought his attention back to her. He gave her an encouraging smile, hoping she hadn’t sensed his alarm.
“I’m fine. I was just thinking it’s too cold to stay out here. We should take Rocky and get back to the house. I can start a fire in the den if you want. We can even watch a movie.”
“Really?” She didn’t seem convinced. “What about the pack? I thought you were helping Trey move his things.”
“Get Rocky.” He let her go and stepped back. “We’ll talk when we get inside.”
Knowing her as well as he did now, Emory was aware she was tempted to argue. Thankfully she did as he asked and hurried over to the puppy and his now chewed branch. He took a deep breath and tried not to think about his brother. His hope to have an actual relationship with his sibling wasn’t working out as planned. Trey was too agitated, too fucking short-tempered. At first Emory had attributed the behavior to Trey’s newly appointed status as Alpha. Sadly, as the days passed, it became clear something else was bothering him.