Page 46 of Rejected Wolf Mate

“But—”

I held her at arm’s length, making sure her blue eyes stayed locked on me. “I love you,” I said. “That’s all that matters right now. We can worry about the rest later.”

A wide smile spread across her face at those words. She pressed her lips to mine again, then nuzzled against me.

“I love you, too,” she said.

Hearing the words was music to my ears. I kissed her forehead, relishing her scent.

“Let’s go home,” I said.

Chapter 21 - Astrid

“You can kiss the bride,” Jameson said, standing between Rand and me.

Rand pulled me toward him, pressing his lips to mine, his large hand going to the small of my back as he held me in place. I melted into him, relishing the sensation of his lips on mine, the warmth of them and the passion communicated in the way he gripped me.

The small crowd—mostly the Silver Wolves and their mates—applauded and cheered as the ceremony concluded. Thea beamed, clapping happily in the crowd, sitting with the rest of the girls. She had moved in with Rand and me for the time being but had already begun to make a name for herself both in the group and in the town at large. They had accepted her immediately, not treating her any differently for being an absent, and always making an effort to make sure she felt included. A year ago, I never would have thought it possible. But seeing her this happy and in a town that so clearly wanted her to thrive was more than I could have dreamed of. It felt as though things were finally coming together.

After the ceremony, the party started. I wandered the crowd, checking on Thea periodically. But every time I saw her, she was surrounded by people, laughing and chatting. I don’t think I’d ever seen her flourish this way before.

As I was replenishing my drink, I felt a large figure loom over me from behind, and a moment later, a hand went to the small of my back.

“How’re you doing?” Rand murmured in my ear. His thumb ran up and down my spine, sending small, delightful shivers running through my whole body. I let out a soft sigh and leaned into it.

“Mmm. Better.” My wolf reveled in his scent, wanting to rub up against him. I leaned back, pressing myself against him. “It’s a nice party.”

“You mean you don’t miss your old life of crime?” he teased.

I craned my neck up to look at him and stuck out my tongue. He chuckled.

“I did my community service,” I said. “Though I’m pretty sure I got off light, considering how much damage I could have done.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Jameson decided to play nice,” he agreed. “I think he understands how ambiguous and not black and white these things can be.” He wrapped his arm around me, holding me tighter against him.

After things had died down and the whole story had come out, I’d insisted on doing something to pay for my crimes. Jameson had gotten me off lightly with the Wolf’s Council, telling them that I had helped uncover the Gray Wolf and had turned on him, so I didn’t have to serve time like most of the old crew. But I’d remained adamant that I needed some sort of punishment. Both because I thought I deserved it, and because I wanted to make sure that no one in the pack thought I got off lightly because of my relationship with Rand.

I still think it could have been more than two weeks of community service, but when I tried to argue, Jameson had gone conveniently deaf.

“Anyway, I just wanted to see if you didn’t need some fresh air or a breather,” Rand said.

“I think I’m all right.”

“Are you sure?” One hand went to my hip, and I noticed something stiffening against my back. I looked up again to see him staring down hungrily. “You don’t think you need to take a break?” He raised his eyebrows knowingly.

My own stomach lurched and squirmed with interest as my wolf growled in excitement. Something began smoldering between my legs.

“On second thought, I think I could definitely use some peace and quiet.”

His grin turned feral, and his eyes glinted with undisguised lust.

“I think I’m going to go enjoy the rest of the party,” Thea said, rolling her eyes as her knowing smile grew. “You two have fun, doing whatever it is you’re about to do.”

“We will.” Rand winked at Thea before she walked over to where Mark and Tannen stood chatting. The two immediately opened up a space for her.

“She’s doing well,” Rand said, watching the three of them chatting.

I nodded, smiling. “I haven’t seen her this happy in years.”