Hawthorn's wolf turned and started back the way we'd come. I followed. We moved faster now, back through the trees, retracing our path through the snow until we were close to the edge of the woods where we'd left our clothes.
My heart and my wolf’s thumped in unison as we reached the tree line. Our discarded clothing lay scattered in the snow where we'd stripped to shift.
I shifted first. The change rippled through me and suddenly I was on two legs, naked and freezing in the winter air. But I didn't care about the cold. I only cared about the man shifting in front of me.
Hawthorn’s dark hair was sprinkled with snow as his eyes locked on mine.
"Zale.”
"I lied." The words tumbled out before I could stop them. "About wanting to keep things simple. I lied because I was scared and I thought that's what you wanted."
"I lied too." His voice wavered. "I pushed you away because I was terrified of how much I wanted and needed you."
"Your wolf knew."
"So did yours."
We stood three feet apart, both of us shaking from cold, emotion or anticipation, I couldn't tell.
"They're right, aren't they?"
“Yes, we’re mates." The word felt right. "We're fated mates."
"Is that what you want?" His hands flexed at his sides. "Because once we mark each other, there's no going back. You'd be tied to me, the bakery and the town. And I know you ran from your family because they wanted you to mate someone else."
They’d insisted I mate an alpha I didn’t love but who had pots of money and an ancient pedigree. But that was the past and this was real.
I stepped closer. "I want it and you."
"You're sure?" His voice cracked. "I can't lose you after this."
"You won't." I closed the distance between us. "I'm not going anywhere. Not anymore."
"Wait. I need to apologize." He fell to his knees. "I was so scared and I hurt you."
"You did but I forgive you. But we need to be honest with one another in future." There was a lot more to say but not here and not now.
Hawthorn cupped my face with both hands. His touch was gentle despite the claws that extended from his fingertips. "I love you. I should have said it days ago instead of being a coward."
"I love you too." I never expected to say those words to him. "Mark me, please."
He pulled me close and I tilted my head, exposing my throat. Offering myself completely.
Hawthorn's mouth was hot against my neck. His tongue traced over my pulse point to my shoulder, making me shiver. The sharp edge of his wolf’s teeth grazed my skin.
"This will hurt," he warned.
"I don't care."
He bit down.
Pain lanced through me, but underneath it was pleasure and connection. He was pouring in love and need through the bite. I was his.
The mark burned as he released me. The clear imprint of his teeth marked my shoulder and it was already beginning to scar. It was permanent and forever.
"Your turn." My voice shook but my hands were steady as I reached for him.
Hawthorn bared his throat without hesitation.
