Page 29 of Link with Me
Alex, momentarily lost for words, could only marvel at the speed with which the conversation had veered into territory he hadn’t dared to contemplate yet. He glanced at Lena now laughing openly, her eyes shining with love and amusement.
The playful interrogation continued, each question more absurd than the last, pushing Alex further into the warm embrace of Lena’s family dynamic. The air was thick with the scent of delicious food and underpinned by a constant stream of laughter, primarily at his expense, yet Alex found he didn’t mind in the least.
Tara, ever the instigator, leaned in, her voice laced with feigned seriousness. “And what about the children? If they inherit Alex’s... tendencies, I suppose we’ll need to puppy-proof the house?” The table erupted into laughter, Lena shaking her head at her sister’s antics while trying to stifle her own giggles.
“Puppy-proofing might not be necessary,” Alex countered, the absurdity of the conversation making it easier for him to join in the jest. “But we might consider some extra running space in the backyard. Just in case.”
The laughter that followed was light and carefree, and Alex felt the warmth of their acceptance wrapping around him like a comforting blanket.
The topic of their honeymoon was not spared from the family’s humorous scrutiny. Lena’s brother-in-law, with a perfectly straight face, suggested, “You know, for the honeymoon, there’s always Transylvania. Romantic, historic, and you’d feel right at home among the legends of the night.”
“Transylvania does have its charms,” Alex played along, his arm wrapping tighter around Lena, pulling her into his side. “But I was thinking somewhere a bit less... vampiric for our honeymoon.”
“You’re right,” Nancy agreed, “I think you two need somewhere with less clothes and more conducive to reproduction.”
“Mom!”
“Honey, it seems I’m the only one trying to get you pregnant,” Nancy blinked pointedly at Alex. “You’re up, wolfman.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Alex nodded and winked at Lena. “You heard her.”
Lena rubbed her hand up his thigh, the scent of her desire filling his lungs. “I did. I don’t know if I’m ready for kids yet.”
Tara cleared her throat and waggled her brows. “Practice, sis. A lot. Right, hon?”
Wesley kissed Tara’s hand and nodded. “That’s the best part.”
If Alex had it his way, he wouldn’t let Lena out of his bed at all, but he could tell she needed some time to get used to the idea of having children. He was happy to just have Lena as his mate. Kids could wait. She’s who he wanted.
TWENTY-TWO
The morning air was crisp and cool against Lena’s skin as she and Alex jogged through the dense forest. She wasn’t one to be out in nature a ton, but being with Alex made her want to spend time doing the things she knew he enjoyed. Running through the forest was one of them. Though she’d rather be stuffing her face with bear claws or donuts, she could be healthy and fit for a day. Her stomach grumbled. Maybe they could grab some donuts after.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the trail ahead. Lena inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of pine and earth, a smile playing on her lips as she glanced at Alex, his strong form moving with effortless grace beside her.
“You’re being slow because of me, aren’t you?” She laughed.
“Are you kidding? I love sprinting in the forest.” He grinned and winked at her.
“Gee, thanks. Next time I’ll just let you run by yourself while I stay in bed sleeping.”
He blinked and licked his lips. The intimate move made her swallow hard. “If you stay in bed, I will too. And there won’t be any sleep going on.”
“Alex,” she shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Yeah, so?”
She giggled. “Nothing. You’re lucky I like you. But you’re gonna have to get me some donuts after this. I can’t believe I’m running on an empty stomach.”
“Running? More like fast walking.” He chuckled.
“Jogging, fast walking, whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “Jerk.”
Suddenly, Alex tensed, his head snapping up, nostrils flaring. “Lena, wait,” he cautioned, his voice low and urgent. Lena froze, her heart beginning to race as she scanned the trees around them.
A twig snapped, and then they were there - five wolves, their fur bristling, teeth bared in vicious snarls. Lena’s blood ran cold as she recognized them – the same wolves from before. The Hillside Pack.
“Stay behind me,” Alex growled, his body already beginning to shift, bones cracking and reforming, fur sprouting from his skin. In seconds, he stood before her in his wolf form, a massive, black-furred beast with gleaming fangs and eyes that glowed with fierce protectiveness.