Traditions
SHADE
I awoke to find myself wrapped in heavy arms with a large leg draped over mine.
Caelan.
I turned to face him. I needed to look upon the man I’d come to love so deeply. The one who intended to mark me and wear my mark as well.
I brushed my fingers through his hair, wondering how it would all feel when we were finally one. When no one could take me away from him ever again. The bond between us was already so strong. How intense would it become once it was complete?
“Mmm, that feels nice,” Caelan purred as he pulled me closer, his voice still rough with sleep.
“Sorry if I woke you,” I apologized softly.
“You don’t have to apologize if you wake me up like this,” he murmured, burying his face in my neck and planting a soft kiss against my skin.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I giggled.
We grew quiet for a few moments, just basking in each other’s presence.
“Are you sure you’re still ready to do this tomorrow?” he asked quietly. “You’ve got a lot going on. I mean, between everything about your father and the unknowns about your sister, if you wanted to wait, I would understand.”
I sighed, resting my forehead against his.
“I’m worried that we haven’t been able to confirm if anything those Dark Moon wolves said was true, but I still want to go ahead,” I replied. “Plus, as long as I’m unmarked, Alpha Huxley is still a threat. Once we’ve completed the marking ceremony, he won’t be able to force a mating with me.”
He nodded, and I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his.
“But more than that, I want to be your mate. I want everyone to know I’m yours and you are mine. I don’t ever want to worry that someone is going to take you away from me again,” I declared, causing him to smile before he kissed me again.
“I can’t wait to finally mark you,” he groaned, his hands roaming over my curves. “Tomorrow night can’t come fast enough.”
“Feeling a little impatient?” I teased.
“You have no idea,” he said, grinding himself against me for emphasis.
I could feel how hard he was, and I couldn’t fight the blush burning my cheeks.
“Aww, there’s my second favorite color,” he chuckled, only causing the color to deepen.
I playfully slapped his bare chest, shaking my head at his antics. I didn’t mind his teasing one bit though.
“Um, speaking of tomorrow. Your mom thinks we should sleep separately tonight,” I said with a sigh. “It’s supposed to make everything more special, I guess.”
“I know,” he replied, sullenly. “She said something to me as well. They don’t want us seeing each other at all tomorrow until it’s time for the party. Says it’s part of the tradition.” He grabbed my ass, squeezing it gently. “I suddenly hate these traditions.”
“You don’t mean that.” “I do,” he countered, pulling me impossibly closer. “Anything that makes it so I can’t sleep with you wrapped up in my arms is a bad thing.”
“It’s only for one night. I think we’ll survive.”
“You might,” he whined, causing me to laugh. “I won’t be able to get any sleep tonight. I’m going to spend the whole time pacing the floors and counting down the hours until I can hold you again.”
“You don’t want to be exhausted for our party tomorrow. Wolves from all over will be coming to see the alpha’s mate,” I replied. “I’m going to be counting on you to be sharp.”
“I couldn’t give a damn when it comes to the guests, my love,” he grumbled, peppering me with kisses again. “But I can promise I’ll beveryenergetic for you.”
His hands started traveling across my body again, one cupping my breast as the other teased between my thighs, slipping between them as I opened for him.
