Caden gives me space, going back to digging. I appreciate how patient and considerate he’s been.

I want this. I do, but the intense bouts of need that throw taking anything slow out the window make me hesitate. I’m questioning if I can trust that my feelings are truly my own because of it. Or if he genuinely wants me.

It shouldn’t matter this much to me. A fated mate is a shifter’s perfect match. My wolf doesn’t see the problem either. The complicated history between us doesn’t make sense to her. He’s our mate and she wants him, end of story.

Deep down I think part of me is still afraid to fully open my heart again so quickly after it’s been fractured too many times.

I’m not in heat yet and he doesn’t seem in danger of falling into a rut, but I’m worried if I resist for too long the bond will push us together in any way it can to appease the Fates. Hopefully we still have time before it comes to that. I wouldn’t want to be lost to the insatiable lust of a mating frenzy our first time.

Once I’ve calmed down, I lean against the edge of the porch to watch him work. “What are you doing out here?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m expanding your garden for you.”

I laugh, gesturing with the clippings. “The winter months are almost here. I already planted what little will grow.”

He frowns, surveying the trenches he’s dug. “What do you do if you need something out of season?”

“I dry it and store as much of it as I can.”

He strokes his chin with a hum, then leans on the hoe. “Then you’ll have a greenhouse so you never have to rely on seasons to grow whatever you want.”

My eyes widen and I fight a delighted smile. I’ve thought about building a greenhouse. The cottage sits over an innate pocket of magic in the earth that connects to a ley line. With a greenhouse, I could really capitalize on my output, maybe try to extract more complex, higher quality oils because I’d have enough plants to work with. I wouldn’t have to make the blessing circle Jade showed me around the edge of the garden to keep the dirt healthy and workable during the cold months.

“Aren’t there more important things the alpha should be doing rather than building me greenhouses and restoring my cottage? You have a pack to run.”

He pins me with his gaze. My stomach dips at the sincerity and affection he doesn’t hide as he closes the distance between us and takes my chin. My worries fade whenever he looks at me like that.

“There’s nothing more important than this.”

Good mate, my wolf interjects. She’s all about the attention and devotion he’s showing us with.

I lick my lips, breath hitching when his eyes hood and his thumb traces the curve of my mouth. I inch closer, heart beating faster.

“Let me take care of you,” he murmurs.

“I’ve gotten good at taking care of myself,” I whisper.

He searches my eyes with remorseful anguish. “I know. You’re strong. But let me anyway. You don’t have to rely on yourself anymore. You have me.”

A lump forms in my throat. I nod shakily, closing my eyes when he rumbles and kisses my forehead. He cups my face, thumb caressing my cheek. His lips skate down, then hover. Tingles erupt in my belly.

He releases a strained sound and brushes his mouth over mine. My heart soars and a sense of rightness echoes within me unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. He is my mate and he’s kissing me.

Before I’m ready, the chaste kiss ends. My body sways towards him and the briefest flash of disappointment zips through me. I was hoping for a different kiss. One that I feel to the depths of my being.

He studies me, rubbing at his chest. “I’ll be back soon. I’m going to get what I need to build your greenhouse.”

I watch him until his truck disappears, then step onto the porch and lean against the new beams he added to extend the repaired roof.

This place was once my punishment. Then it became my pride when I made it my own. New possibilities spring to mind when I survey the sloping mountainside and dream about what the future might hold. In all of them, he’s there at my side.

25CADEN

“Okay, that should do it. Fire it up,” I tell Ford from the rafters.

He throws the breaker we installed yesterday and Avery’s cottage illuminates with the brand new electric we’ve wired the house with. Satisfaction expands in my chest. This is how it should’ve been for her and her sisters. Lights and hot water whenever they want it, not dependent on finding kindling for the wood stove or fireplace.

I can’t replace the home and its memories I stole from her, only restore this one if she refuses to leave it. If she’s ever ready to, I’ve already made space for her family at the lodge with me and Callie, and saved one of the newly built empty cabins. Whatever she needs, I will give it to her.

I’ve taken out the rusted stove and antique hand pump sink, replacing them with new appliances. The beds have been updated with fresh mattresses and sturdy frames I constructed. I’m building a table and chairs next, then I’ll create another workbench for the greenhouse I finished. There’s only so much space to work with. I’m considering an addition because I’d like to give all the girls their own rooms, and give Avery a bigger space for her work.

My wolf is pleased with the improvement to our mate’s shelter. Providing for her fills him with pride.

I didn’t deserve her three weeks ago. I’m working to be the mate worthy of treasuring her. Wanting her every day hasn’t stopped. Not since I realized what I was stupid enough to try throwing away.

Last week when she touched the bond for the first time, I nearly claimed her right there. I’m dying to kiss her for far longer than the too brief peck I stole. Her mouth needs to be savored for hours on end.

It’s hell sufficing on kissing any inch of skin I can get away with every time my need for her is too great to bear. Whenever I have her in my arms, I remind myself that it’s up to her if she forgives and accepts me or not, no matter how much every fiber of my being craves her.

I jump from the rafters and set my tool bag on the table. “Thanks for helping me finish it. It was overdue. We should’ve made sure all the cabins were up to date a long time ago.”

“Yeah, that’s why this was a top priority project.” Gabe elbows me with a grin.

I toss him a harassed look. Ford slings an arm over his mate’s shoulder.

“You can be honest with us. We get it. There’s not much you wouldn’t do for your mate.”

“This isn’t only because⁠—”

Liam bumps my shoulder with his. “Even I know it is. Just like I know that since this is done, you’re about to go look for Avery to show her.”

“I—” A breath blows out of me. “Yeah, you got me there. She can’t be far off. Report if there’s anything urgent.”

I’m already shedding my clothes to shift so I can track her faster. She left an hour ago to venture into the forest while her sisters spend the weekend with Callie at the lodge. Maybe I can convince her wolf to come out when she’s done foraging. I haven’t met her yet and I’m eager to know that side of her.

“We’ve got everything under control,” Liam promises. “Go.”

When I make no move, he lifts his brow. Ford shakes his head with a snicker, whispering to Gabe. They head out. My wolf eases up, but if my beta doesn’t get his ass in gear this is about to get awkward.

“You can’t be here without me,” I explain when Liam’s at a loss. “This is part of my wolf’s territory. My mate’s home. I don’t want any other males around here alone, even you.”

“Oh. My bad.” He grins. “So everything they say about mate madness tracks? It never bothered you before if I was around the lodge.”

I incline my head wryly. “Try me and find out. My wolf doesn’t care that you’re my best friend and I trust you with my life. Still don’t want you stinking up the place.”