Ash
Ash lifted Patrick into his bed and pulled out the book for him to read. Clover had stayed in the living room, she said to give them space but Ash didn’t really believe the excuse. Ash didn’t know why he needed space, but he didn’t question his mate. The woman had a way with kids, especially Patrick.
“Once upon a time…” Ash started but Patrick covered the words so he had to stop.
“Remember to do different voices for the boy and girl and the witch.” Patrick lifted his little hand and Ash started again, trying his best to do make his voice sound different for the characters he named. After a few pages, Patrick leaned against Ash. A warmth filled his heart restoring peace to his wolf since he found Patrick crying in the kitchen. Being a new parent was tough but he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Plus, in a few days, Clover would go into heat and another little pup would join the family. Family, I’ve always wanted a family. His wolf grinned at the idea of finally settling down. The steps creaked and Clover’s scent grew stronger.
The pup’s eyes fluttered closed and Ash stopped which had been a mistake on his part because Patrick’s eyes snapped open seconds later.
“More.” He lifted his gaze and Ash kept reading from where he stopped. Patrick wiggled in his bed and after a few pages more his eye closed. This time he kept reading till a soft snore came from the pup’s lips. He made a mental note to never stop reading when Patrick closed his eyes.
Carefully, Ash slipped away and placed the book on the stand. When he strolled out, Clover leaned on the wall with a smile on her lips.
“What? Are you spying on me?” Ash raised a brow and she giggled while he closed the door. Clover pushed off the wall and sauntered down the steps to the living room. Her ass bounced in her jeans and his wolf pushed ideas of taking her from behind into his mind. His fingers itched to touch her and bring her close to his body.
“No, I was listening to you read. I don’t have super wolf hearing like you, but I was quiet enough to sneak up the steps.” Clover smiled at him over her shoulder. He didn’t want to correct her, so he sat down next to her. Instead, he let his wolf play out a hundred ways he wanted to make Clover scream his name. They didn’t have a little person blocking them any longer.
“I see. Checking up on me then.” He couldn’t help looking at her round tits when she turned to face him in the living room. Hesitation filled her gaze giving him pause instead of taking off her clothes and taking her on the couch.
“Something like that. I know having Patrick in your life has thrown everything off kilter and I don’t want to mess your life up any more.” She adjusted her hair, not meeting his gaze.
“What are you saying, Clover?” He didn’t like where this was heading. His wolf howled at the idea of seeing her leave him.
“I think we should take this mating bond slow. I mean we have three days before we have to make a final decision.” She licked her lower lip and he resisted the urge to pull her closer. His wolf paced in his mind, wanting to be with her, on her, and even inside her warm body.
“What if I’ve already made my choice?” Ash studied her carefully. He didn’t want to scare her off, but he also didn’t want to be a pussy and let her walk away when he wanted her.
“And what’s your answer then?” She pushed some of her hair back from her face. Instead of using words, he leaned closer and pulled her into a kiss. Her soft lips were heavenly and sweet.
“I think you know my answer.” Ash rubbed his thumb over her jawline. “What’s yours?” Being so close made him harden quickly.
Clover’s eyes met his, hesitation filling her soft gaze. Before he had a chance to think of anything, she pushed him back onto the couch and climbed on top of him. Her lips were on his in seconds and he knew what she wanted.
“Crap.” She fumbled off him. “We should be talking not…” He pressed his fingers onto her lips.
“What else do we need to talk about?” His cock throbbed with need and her chest heaved making her supple breasts bounce. Oh, the things I’m going to do to her.
“Well, for starters, me leaving this house without you going crazy.” She tried to pull back but he kept her in place.
“As long as you promise to tell me where you’re headed for the next few weeks then I won’t flip out.”
“Weeks?” Clover’s eyes widened and anger tinted her scent. He shoved his fingers through her soft curls.
“Until the hunter threat is over to you and Patrick.” Ash didn’t want to put either of them in unnecessary danger. The anger vanished from her eyes and faded from her scent.
“Oh, right.” Clover sighed heavily. “Do you really think they’ll try to get him again?” This time when she pulled away he let her go.
“They tried with the last two kids who escaped them. But I’ll keep you and him safe.” Ash stood pulling her up with him.
“Where are we going?” Her eyes roamed down his body and his cock bounced against his clothes.
“To my room. I can’t keep focused with my cock throbbing in my jeans.” Ash liked the light blush covering her cheeks.
“Such naughty words, Ash Taylor.” She giggled.
“Where did you find my last name?” They climbed the steps quietly. He didn’t want Patrick waking up right now and he hoped the kid slept like a rock.
“Tara told me.” Clover smiled.
“Of course, she did.” He entered his room and she scanned over the bed. Hesitation returned to her stance.
“Before we mate, I need to tell you one thing.”
“What?” He took off his shirt and her eyes focused on his chest before she blinked a few times.
“I…um…Right now I want to stay a human. I don’t want to become a wolf.” She didn’t meet his gaze and Ash didn’t like it.
“Is there a reason behind this?” He closed the gap and forced her to meet his gaze.
“I’m scared of dying. Tara told me I could if I don’t have the gene thing.” She bit down on her lower lip and he kissed her head.
“We’ll talk about it later. Right now, I want you in my bed. Get undressed and I’ll be right back.” He walked into the bathroom and pulled out his phone. With as much speed as possible, he sent a quick text to the alpha about him imprinting with Clover and that they would be completing the bond.
‘Congrats. I knew it would happen. Text me tomorrow if you have a lead about the hunters.’ The alpha reminded him what he had to prioritize tomorrow.
‘Will do.’
He rocked on his toes and then tapped out a message to Tara. ‘Why the fuck would you tell Clover the change could kill her?’
Ash glanced at the door, he didn’t want to make her wait but he needed a fucking answer.
‘She deserved the truth. Until she actually imprinted with someone, I didn’t want her going out and dying because she doesn’t have a wolf mate.’
‘Well, I’m her fucking mate! And you scared the hell out of her not to become a wolf.’
He wanted to yell at Tara for jumping the damn shift but he didn’t want to worry Clover.
‘Yes! I was right. Why are you talking to me and not with her?’
‘You better explain shit tomorrow.’ He placed his phone on the counter and shoved off his jeans, leaving him in his briefs.
When he opened the door he liked finding Clover naked on his bed, but her arm covered her chest and a hand covered her core. Red tinted her cheeks and rolled down her beautiful chest.
“Don’t cover yourself. I want to see every inch of you.” He spoke low and met her gaze. She inched her hands away from her body and his cock lifted to attention. The problems with not wanting to change would have to wait. He needed to claim every inch of her perfect body.