Together, they left the lounge behind, stepping into whatever future waited—together, whole and unbroken.
Chapter Thirteen
The sunlight filteredthrough the curtains, warm and golden, casting soft light across Willow’s skin.She lay back on the bed, breath shallow, anticipation thrumming in her veins.This was different.Everything that had come before—the fear, the pain, the confusion—had led to this moment.She had her mates, truly and wholly and she would bind them to her in every way she could.
When Jacob and Liam began to undress her, their hands reverent and unhurried, they froze at the sight of her stomach.Willow’s breath hitched.The tattoo that had haunted and protected her for weeks—the wolves etched into her skin—had returned to her.It shimmered faintly, alive, eternal, a mark of their claiming.Jacob reached out with a trembling hand and brushed his thumb across the ink, awe in his eyes.
“It’s us,” he quavered.“Not just as guardians, but forever.This is eternal.”
Liam bent low, pressing his lips to her belly, right over the tattoo.“The Goddess herself blessed you, love.You carry us not just in your heart, but in your very skin.”
Jacob leaned back on his heels, eyes shining with mischief and meaning.“And speaking of skin, I think it’s time we marked ours too.Ink for ink, love for love.”
Willow blinked, curiosity and delight sparking.“Oh?And what exactly are you thinking?”
Liam shared a glance with his brother and they both chuckled.“Something Celtic,” Liam said.“Knotwork that covers the shoulder and down the left side of our chests.And over the heart—your name.”
Jacob nodded firmly.“Yeah.I want your name written where it matters most.Where it beats.”
Emotion clogged Willow’s throat, but she found her voice.“Then add Libby too.She’s a part of us, of this story.She deserves to be carried forward.”
Both men nodded solemnly, love and fierce pride blazing in their eyes.Jacob reached to cup her cheek.“Done.Both names over our hearts.Yours in fire, hers in memory.”
Willow sighed."I love the sound of that, we will talk to Ursula about that soon."
Liam kissed her again, softer this time, reverent.“Forever marked, love.Inside and out.Jacob and I are yours my love, our wolves yours to command.”
Tears pricked Willow’s eyes.“Then show me,” she whispered.“Show me your wolves.”
For a moment, neither man moved.Then, as though driven by the same heartbeat, they stepped back and stripped.Then their bodies shimmered, bones shifting, muscles rippling.The air grew charged, electric, as fur burst across their skin.In the space of a breath, two magnificent wolves stood before her.Both were larger than any natural wolf, black-furred beasts whose sheer size spoke of their power.Yet even in their mirrored forms she could tell them apart—Liam’s massive frame carried eyes of vivid green, Jacob’s equally imposing body held eyes of brilliant blue, their gazes locking onto her with devotion and feral pride.
Willow gasped, wonder tightening her chest.They were stunning.Alive, proud, fierce—and hers.She slid off the bed and dropped to her knees, reaching out trembling hands.The first touch stole her breath: heat and strength beneath thick fur, muscle that shifted like living steel.Liam pushed his great head against her palm and she buried her fingers in his fur, pressing her forehead to his muzzle.Jacob butted his head against her shoulder, insistent and she wrapped her arms around both their necks, sinking into their warmth.
“You’re beautiful,” she whispered.“Both of you.My wolves.”
They made low sounds—half growls, half whines—pressing closer.Their bond was more than physical.It was spirit-deep.She felt their joy, their protectiveness, the love that burned hot and true.
