But for now, I let Hunter have this moment—because he earned it. And because Willow deserves someone looking at her like she’s the only thing in the world that matters.
She glances at me, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, afraid of what I’ll say.
So I give her the truth.
“Looks good on you,” I murmur, nodding toward the mark. “He did it right.”
She exhales, her shoulders relaxing. Hunter’s arm tightens around her waist.
I move back toward the kitchen, not because I’m avoiding them, but because I need a second to ground myself. I grip the counter with one hand, jaw tight. I’ve never been the jealous type, but something about seeing that mark on her…knowing Hunter got there first…
It stirs something deep.
Something primal.
But I breathe through it, squeezing my eyes shut, because this isn’t about me.
It’s about her.
Footsteps pad softly behind me, and I don’t have to turn to know it’s her. The soft scent of peaches and warm sugar wraps around me, sweeter than it’s ever been. Bonded. She’s bonded now. To one of my pack mates.
I glance over my shoulder just as she stops beside me, a faint nervousness in her expression.
“I didn’t plan it,” she says quietly, as if she owes me an explanation.
She doesn’t..
“I know.” I study her face, the way her lips tug to one side, and the way she can’t quite hold my gaze.
“It just…felt right. In the moment.”
I nod. “I’m glad you didn’t hesitate.”
Her brows lift slightly, surprised. “You are?”
“Willow…” I exhale and face her fully. “I want you marked. I want you protected. I want you cared for in the way you deserve. I’d be a hypocrite to be angry that it wasn’t me first.”
Her mouth parts slightly, something unspoken hanging between us. “You’re okay with this?”
My voice is low, steady. “More than okay.”
A quiet beat passes between us. Her fingers twitch at her sides. I close the distance and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, watching the way her lashes flutter at the touch.
“You’re still mine,” I murmur. “Even if it takes time. Even if we’re building thisforeverpack one bond at a time.”
Her breath catches. “Forever pack?”
“Forever and always, sweetheart.”
Behind her, Carson whistles—low and exaggerated. “Okay, okay, if this turns into a kissing contest, I’m gonna need popcorn. And a turn…because we all know I’m the best kisser.”
Willow laughs softly, glancing over her shoulder at him.
I let my fingers brush down her arm as I step back to lean against the counter. But not too far.
Never too far.
Because now, the scent of her bond lingers in the air—sweet and warm, threaded through with Hunter’s alpha musk—and it only makes me want mine all the more.
