15. Lena
The little yawn JJ gives me as I pat his bottom and he rests his sleeping head on my shoulder melts my heart. We decided on Jeremiah James, but JJ for short. Jude’s eyes lit up at the nickname when I asked him. The memory fills me with warmth; every small thought of my mate does. I’d hoped that he would love it and I wasn’t disappointed at all by his reaction.
The soft pat pat is in time with my body as I gently rock and shush him with the warmth of the sun coming through the open window in the great room of the main cabin. In only a month, this place has changed so much. Jude and his brothers gave me and Emma creative control… which I fully handed off to Emma. I’m growing to love her and the pack. She actually helped me come up with JJ’s name. For the first time in so long I can truly say I have a family and that I’m a member of a pack. Truly and in every way. As is my little pup.
Jude’s connection with JJ is undeniable. Although everyone knows JJ isn’t Jude’s biological son, he’s accepted by the pack as his. Never in my life did I think I could feel this way. There’s nothing but warmth and welcome from everyone surrounding us. For once, my heart is open and that scares me more than anything. When I’m closed off, I at least have armor. But here, I can’t be guarded. The feeling of belonging is far too overwhelming.
I don’t doubt that there’s spittle and drool all over the top of this beautiful dress Jude gave me. It’s made of pale, pink chiffon and ends just above my knees. He said he loves the way the color makes my skin glow. I happen to think it’s Jude who makes me glow, and Emma and Grace agree, but I keep that little tidbit from my mate.
JJ coos and I rub my cheek against his soft little head and inhale deeply. Babies have this smell that makes me flush with happiness and a sense of peace. I rest my cheek gently on him and hum softly as Jude continues his conversation with Devin. I haven’t been paying attention to what they’re talking about, but the loud bark of laughter from Jude and the playful slap from Grace onto Devin’s arm makes me happy. A bright smile lights quickly across my face.
I can’t believe this is my pack. We’re sheltered and safe with Devin and his pack surrounding us, but they’re leaving soon and this morning’s meeting has been all about the details of the packs’ union. Even Reece and Addy have bonded to both packs although they’ll stay with us. Together we’re stronger, so we shall remain imprinted. I’m not ready for them to go, though. We’re protected here, but it’s not about that. It’s more the simple fact that I’ll miss them. No matter how much Grace promises they’ll visit, I don’t want them to leave.
Jude must sense my anxiety, because the moment my heart starts to race with worry and trepidation, his large arm wraps around my waist and pulls me into his warmth. My wolf rubs against my side, closest to our mate. She loves the way our bodies press together. She pushes against his hard body and the act calms me. I feel nothing but at peace in his embrace. The approving rumble that vibrates through him stirs my wolf and makes my heart swell with devotion.
As I settle in his embrace, my eyes find an older woman resting against the side wall. Her gray hair has streaks of white in it and thick wire-framed glasses shield her pale blue eyes. A small smile slowly grows on her face. As she walks toward us, I expect my wolf’s hackles to raise or for her to whimper in fear, instead she stretches lazily and rests sweetly against my side once again.
Jude kisses my hair and whispers in my ear. “You look beautiful, baby.” His warm breath makes me wriggle away as it tickles the crook of my neck. His low, sexy chuckle in my ear makes me want to nip his bottom lip in admonishment and lick that dip in his throat. A wave of unexpected arousal heats my core and has me practically panting for his touch. I clear my throat, straightening and moving slightly away from him as I try to avoid concentrating on how good his hands feel on me. My heat must be coming soon. I look into my mate’s eyes and wonder if we’ll have another.
The older woman stops in front of us and smiles sweetly before scenting the air and cocking a brow. The knowing smirk on her lips makes me blush. But thankfully, she doesn’t comment. “I just wanted to tell you both how happy I am that Jude’s back.” Her small, wrinkled hand pats mine. “And that he’s found such a sweet mate.” I can’t help but to smile at her kindness.
“I’m happy to be home Marci.” He bends down and gives the older woman a kiss on the cheek. A happiness clouded with a bit of grief flashes in her eyes as she pats my hand once again and then walks away.
“Who is she?” I look up at Jude and find a sad smile on his lips.
“She was my mother’s friend.”
“I’m sorry.” I don’t know what else to say. It must be very hard for him to come home after all these years. Especially given the circumstance. It’s a dark tale that lacked a happily ever after, but hopefully with Jude back, we can ease the pain that came with such a tragedy.
“We aren’t that far away from each other.” Emma’s soft voice breaks the sad moment and I’m grateful for it. “Your packs could still do that mind talking couldn’t you?”
Jude huffs a deep laugh. “Too far. Way too far for that.”
“So you’d lose the connection?”
Jude clucks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “We wouldn’t lose it. Not unless we break the pack bond.”
Devin speaks up, “I don’t have any intention of breaking our bond. Not with you and not with Luke and Owen either.”
All four Alphas are a sight to behold on their own, but seeing them all at once, all in agreement is an intimidating sight. It reminds me of what the seers told me long ago. About how our pack would bond and strengthen ties to be an unstoppable force. It makes me wonder what we would need to be preventing, what we’d be fighting against. The vampires flash into mind, but they’re gone instantly. It would be foolish of them to fight against us. Three strong packs aligned together and close in proximity. It would mean death to them if they even considered approaching us.
For now, there is peace, or at least a stalemate. I look down at my son and back up to my mate and hope it will stay that way. But somewhere, deep in my soul. I know it won’t.