Page 17 of Becoming the Alpha
I watched as he swung off the bed and padded into the bathroom. I watched his muscles ripple under his shoulders, ass and every other part of his body. When he came back out, carrying what looked like a wet washcloth, my heart swooned. My wolf crooned at the care her mate was providing and curled up, giving me a momentary reprieve. He gently cleaned me off before climbing into bed, wrapping me in his arms. I drifted off to sleep, safe and feeling loved.
Despite our exhaustion, my wolf’s heat woke up three more times throughout the night.
19
Jason
The sun beat down on the bed, warming me up to the point where it felt like my skin was on fire. I wanted to cool off, but didn’t want to move at the risk of waking Lily up. She was exhausted after a long night and my wolf was content to stay right where we were. I didn’t want her to run away after everything we had experienced and shared last night. I looked down at her, still not believing that I was blessed with such an amazing mate. I couldn’t believe I had gotten so lucky.
Lily shifted in her sleep, rolling off of my arm and giving me a chance to get off the bed without waking her. I eased myself off the bed as silently as I could, taking time to stretch, my muscles popping as I did. I went to the restroom and by the time I got out, Lily had rolled onto her back and was watching me. I stopped, clearing my throat. I knew she hadn’t forgiven me yet, but I couldn’t have her disappearing again. I didn’t know if my wolf could take her being out of his sight after last night. I needed some time to wrestle my control back, but I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable or do anything that would upset her. I shifted my weight, glancing around the room, sweating while I waited for her to say something - anything.
“You’re cute when you’re uncomfortable.”
My gaze snapped to her, noting the soft, seductive smile that made her lips curl up in an ever tempting manner. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Thanks?”
“Come here,” She laughed, patting the space next to her. I swallowed thickly and walked over. I eased myself onto the side of the bed, careful not to touch her. I didn’t know how she was handling the whole morning after, then cringed as that thought crossed my mind.
“What?” She asked, tilting her head.
“Uh…you don’t want to know.”
“Says who?”
“I’m assuming you don’t, because it’s not the best thought.”
Lily smiled, reaching a hand out to run her finger down my chest. I shuddered under her touch and grabbed her hand before it went too low. I brought it up to my lips and kissed each one of her fingers, enjoying the way I madehershudder. “I was just thinking how I didn’t know how you were handling the whole morning after and then cringed because it made you sound like a meaningless fling or one-night stand and you’re anything but. I wish you had seen me when I was wondering what I had done to be worthy of being blessed by the Goddess with you as a mate.”
Lily laughed, pulling her hand out of my grip and then wrapping it around the back of my neck. She pulled me toward her and I went eagerly, willing to take anything my mate would give me. She kissed me, no hesitation or hangups in the way she pressed her lips against mine. I reached out, grabbing her hips and plopped her into my lap. She laughed as I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing tightly. When we pulled apart, I rested my forehead against hers, my wolf and I both in awe of how amazing our mate was.
“I know you haven’t forgiven me and I know I haven’t earned your trust back, but I just want you to know that I will do anything you ask of me. You are it, Lily. You’re my mate and while we didn’t go about it the traditional way - or the right way - I am so damn glad to have you by my side. I hope you feel the same,” I whispered into Lily’s ear.
“Oh, Jason, I do. I am not upset at being claimed by you. I was upset that you didn’t ask me - you didn’t tell me the whole story of what it means to be claimed.”
“Was? You’re not anymore?” I asked, straightening up and looking at her, afraid this was too good to be true. I held my breath, waiting for her answer.
“Oh, I’m still upset, but I’m not furious. I miss you and I want to be near you, so even though I’m not the happiest with what you did, I am willing to overlook that right now,” Lily smiled, giving me a pointed look. I tilted my head back and howled loudly, the joy of my mate wanting to be with me too much to try to contain. Lily’s magical laugh rang out as I dimly heard my pack mates return with their own howls. I stood up, shifting Lily into my arms. I walked toward the door when it burst open, Dean and Amara standing in the doorway.
“What the hell is going on with you two?” Lily asked, sounding amused. I tore my gaze away from her face to focus on the two of them. They both had their arms crossed and were angling slightly away from each other. They both looked pissed and Dean’s wolf was showing in his eyes. Amara huffed, throwing her arms up and stomping into the room. I set Lily down on the ground, but wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, not ready to let go of her yet.
“This asshole is being controlling and stupid,” Amara snapped, gesturing to Dean. I frowned over at him, wondering what the hell had happened now.
“I’m not being controlling. I’m trying to look out for the safety of our friends. Maybe it’s something you don’t care about, but it’s important to me,” Dean snarled. He took a step into the room, but kept near the door. I knew his wolf was riding him hard because he blocked the entire doorway with his body. I figured his wolf had chosen Amara to put under his protection and now his focus was entirely on that.
“Of course, I care about it. Everyone around here keeps getting into dangerous situations themselves and I’m helping. You can’t keep me locked up and out of the way! I’m a person with my own mind! You don’t get to control me!” Amara yelled.
“I will do whatever it takes to keep everyone around you safe, you infuriating woman!” Dean roared. Lily glanced at me, amused with a tinge of alarm. She walked over to Amara, slinging an arm around her shoulders.
“Hey, so want to fill us in on the argument?” Lily asked, shrugging. She sounded so nonchalant that I threw my head back and laughed. Dean glared at me. “Oh, keep laughing. You’ll know exactly how I feel in a second,” He promised.
My laugh cut short as I glanced between the two of them, raising an eyebrow. “The rebels have summoned us for a meeting,” Amara rolled her eyes.
“Not going to happen,” I snarled. Dean crossed his arms and smirked at me.
“Told you.”
20
Lily