The Runaway Breeder

Chapter 34

My paws carry me through the forest around our house first, leading me to the lake with the floating gazebo where I take a drink of the crisp and clean-tasting water. My eyes scan the area, watching ducks and geese swim across the crystal-clear water and I think about how good their tender flesh would feel between my canines before taking off again. I explore as far as I feel comfortable with, linking Tate every now and then of the areas I pass and which pack members I cross paths with. The wind rushes through my fur, and the scents of our territory bring a sense of belonging through me, causing my heart to swell with pride and happiness. Each pine tree holds a unique scent that brings a touch of never-ending life, while the oak, maple, and birch trees slowly have their leaves falling and decaying onto the cold forest floor below.

Another hour passes by while I push my body as far as I can, leaping over fallen logs and splashing through puddles and small streams, but I know I have to head back soon. With a sigh, I loop back towards home as two hours have passed with the run in wolf form, leaving me feeling refreshed and renewed with all that has weighed my mind and body down the last few weeks. Taking a shortcut Tate and I would normally take on our walks I reach home in about thirty minutes, seeing Tate with his phone out just in time to snap a picture of me.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” Tate asks as I shift and put the large shirt back on, crawling into his lap to snuggle with him on the lounge chair.

“Yes. When you’re better, let’s go for a run together.” I reply, kissing his jaw and resting my head on his shoulder.

“Sounds like a plan. Eeva texted me just a few minutes ago. She is bringing Julia home and should be here soon.” I groan slightly at this information. Part of me is enjoying have Tate to myself, and I didn’t want anyone coming over today. But I missed my pup too much and wanted Julia safe and sound at home.

"Does this mean our quiet time is over?" I ask, getting a chuckle from my mate. He tilts my head back gently to plant a long kiss on my lips, pulling away with a smirk and leaving me breathless after a few minutes.

“We can have quiet time to ourselves later tonight, so don’t worry.” He promises causing a blush on my cheeks once again. I have a feeling it would be hard to not make love to my mate so that he can heal properly over these next few days. With a sigh, I climb off Tate and stretch before helping him to his feet. Once he is steadily standing, we walk back into our house and Tate goes to sit in the living room while I make my way upstairs to put on a pair of leggings, keeping Tate’s shirt on. Heading back downstairs, I catch Tate holding the front door open while Eeva pushes a stroller inside.

"Hey, Eev-” I start to greet my sister-in-law and friend.

"Shh, my niece is sleeping." Eeva scolds, parking the stroller beside the bench in our entranceway to take off her shoes. I roll my eyes at her and quietly walk over to peer inside to see the angelic face of Julia deep in her sleep. I missed my little girl so much and couldn’t help but run a finger gently across her chubby cheeks.

"I'll bring her to her room.” Tate whispers as I straighten up, letting him pull the stroller closer to where he stands. Carefully he bends down to unstrap Julia from her stroller and cradle her in his arms. I feel grateful that I can watch him pick up our pup inside our home again, no longer confined to a hospital bed and unable to do anything with our daughter.

"Do you need help?" I ask, stepping closer to plant a soft kiss on Julia’s forehead and getting ready to assist Tate up the stairs.

"No, I'll just take my time." He reassures his eyes focused on the sleeping baby in his arms. A soft smile plays on my lips, and I step back to give Tate room to turn around.

"Okay then. Call out if you need help.” I agree. He smiles at me and kisses my forehead before making his way upstairs. I know better than to wait for him and hurt his Alpha pride, so I turn to Eeva, who has a smile on her lips and a knowing glint in her eyes.

"So, how does it feel to be completely his?" I blush at her words, my face becoming a heated crimson.

"I don't know what you mean?" I feign ignorance and turn, heading towards the kitchen with my growling stomach protest because of the lack of food.

"Please, I can smell my brother all over you and inside you. Plus, the house reeks of… you know what.” She practically laughs out as she follows after me.

“Did you guys do it in the hallway or something?" I feel my cheeks heat up even more as I busy myself with turning on the oven, grabbing a box of Delissio frozen pizza from the fridge and popping the pepperoni party size into the hot oven. I just ignore my friend and turn on the kettle to make some tea to sip on.

"C'mon, I know you're fully mated to him now. I can see the mark peeking out from under the collar of that shirt you’re wearing."

I didn't know how red my face is, but I smile, my hand reaching for the sensitive spot on my neck. I turn to face my friend, finally conceding to spill the details.

"It feels amazing, and it was amazing, and Eeva, I can't wait to fee-"

"Okay, too many details." I laugh at her reaction, a look of horror on her face as I was about to spill all the details of how amazing sex with Tate was last night.

"Well, you asked." I come back with, smirking at the look of horror still plastered on her face.

"But that’s my brother!” She practically yells, running her hand through her hair.

"You still asked." I shrug, pouring a cup of tea for us. She sighs in defeat and sits down at the table and after checking the pizza, I join her, bringing the mugs over.

"So, when do you want to go shopping for some new clothes?" I laugh at the random question - at Eeva’s attempt to change the subject - when the sounds of the front door opening and closing reach us.