“I could have kept her,” Maia protested.
“She needs to become used to all of us,” Henry said.“We want her to gain confidence.”
Jacey stroked the puppy’s head, and she settled quickly under his calming influence.His werewolf heritage eased the puppy’s fears, but Henry could hardly tell Maia that.Not yet.He wanted to make this a permanent relationship and hoped Maia felt the same.
“She might want a toilet break,” Henry said.
“I’ll take care of it while you get Maia sorted.”His stepfather’s brows rose with silent questions, and Henry shook his head.He received a quick nod of acknowledgment, telling Henry his stepfather understood.Curtail all shifter talk and behavior for now.
Henry guided Maia down the passage, not stopping to say hello to his family.A sense of urgency drove him—a compulsive need to see Maia in his rooms amongst his possessions.Perhaps the wolf in him pushing the mate bond?He wasn’t sure and merely followed his instincts.
Henry opened his suite door and ushered Maia inside, his breath easing out when no one came chasing after them.
“This is beautiful,” Maia said, her surprise evident.“I didn’t expect this gorgeous teal focus wall.”
“London helped with the decor,” Henry said.“I told her what I wanted—comfortable furniture and open spaces.I wanted stained wood floors, and she suggested the enormous rug.”
“It’s so tidy.”
“Army training.Gerard is the same.”
“Which is your room?”
“We’re still sharing?”
“Yes.”
The faint band of pressure around his chest dispersed, leaving happiness in its wake.
“This way.”His steps were lighter as he guided her to his bedroom.Henry’s room was at the rear of the house with views over the valley.He’d chosen floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view, but no one outside could see him.A sliding door opened onto a private verandah with a wooden table, bench seat, and two matching chairs to relax in while savoring nature.Juno was already there, snoozing in the sun.Two steps led down to a grassy plateau where he’d sometimes play with his dogs or let them run around while he watched.It was also the site of his vegetable garden.
His bed was massive since he was large and enjoyed his comfort.The covers were cream, while his pillows were a steel gray.He also had a gray rug draped across the end of his bed, which his mother had purchased during her travels before his birth.His mother had been a keen photographer, and he’d framed three of his favorite photos of him in his wolf form and him and Jacey, also in their wolf forms, in a forest.They hung above his bed.
“Which side of the bed do you sleep on?”she asked.
“The middle,” Henry replied.
“Works for me.I’ll take this side.Bathroom?”
“Through that door over there.”His gaze affixed to her arse, faithfully outlined in tight black denim.Ah, this woman.Despite already making love with her, he wanted her with an intensity that vibrated through him.Not that he could act on that need now.His dad and the others would expect them and…
“Wow!I love it.”Maia appeared in the doorway.“Your shower is decadent.I’ll disappear in there and never come out.And your hot tub.That must be amazing, sitting in that and watching the view.”
“We get stunning sunsets.The hot tub is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.”
“Ooh!I can’t wait for that.The heat should help my leg.Where is your kitchen?”
“This property comprises three accommodation suites and a shared kitchen and den—where we ate dinner the other night.We take turns cooking, and that’s where we entertain if we have dinner guests or visitors.Our suites are private, and we’ve decorated them to suit our individual tastes.”
“How does that work for you?Most people wouldn’t want to live so close to their parents.”
“Gerard and I set up the business, and Dad came to help.We work well together, and the housing situation suits us.Gerard is my best friend.The soundproofed suites are entirely private.Once I step into my room, I don’t hear or see anyone.We’ve lived here for a few years, and it works.”
Maia smiled, her blue eyes as bright as Jacey’s.“I think it’s fantastic.”
Henry reached for her hand.“How is your head?”
“The pain is a dull ache.I’ll take another tablet to help shift it.”
