It wasn’t that they didn’t see each other. They did. Several times a day at meals and pack functions, but there’d been little to no time alone. Stolen kisses weren’t going to cut it much longer. They were adults, not kids.

  Both of them were walking on eggshells around their parents, giving them time to come to terms with everything that had happened. For the first time in his life, he felt out of step with life here.

  It bothered him.

  But not having Amy in his bed as his mate was driving him crazy. It was past time they talked. With that goal in mind, he set out to find her. Half an hour later, he was frustrated and a little worried. Her momma had told him she’d gone to the workshop with her father. Cole had told him she’d gone to sew with the women. She wasn’t with them either, and they hadn’t seen her. He’d managed to act casual so no one suspected there was anything wrong.

  She hadn’t run. She’d promised she wouldn’t. That was the only thing allowing him to hold it together.

  His wolf was restless. Needing to run off some of the excess energy, he took off his clothes and set them under a tree. Raising his arms to the sky, he stretched and shifted, embracing the change. Bones cracked and reformed. Fur replaced bare skin. Dropping to all fours, he lowered his head and silently loped back to Amy’s home, circling until he picked up her scent.

  Then he began to hunt.

  It was only mid-morning, but it was already hot. The slight breeze and the shade from the trees made for a pleasant run. Usually, he’d have enjoyed every second. Today, he was totally focused on his prey.

  Why had she taken off on her own? Was she feeling hemmed in again?

  He paused, swiveled his head, ears twitching and nose raised. When he caught her scent, he switched directions, loping off to the right. He found her sitting on an outcropping of flat stones that overlooked the valley below. All of it was pack land.

  She sat naked, her long blonde hair streaming down her back. Her legs were bent, and her arms were wrapped around her lower legs. His breath caught in his throat. The sheer beauty of her was breathtaking. She could be a fairy queen looking out over her realm. Even in full sunlight, she was ethereal, as though she might slip away, vanishing into thin air.

  No man would ever be able to claim Amy Blanchard. She either gave herself freely or not at all.

  The sense of her slipping out of reach sent a bolt of fear rocketing through him. He hesitated, not sure if he should join her or slip away before she became aware of his presence. She’d come here to be alone, and he was intruding.

  “I know you’re there.” There was no accusation, only acceptance. She turned her head, looking straight at him. It wasn’t surprising she’d sensed him. They’d become attuned to each other these past days.

  He padded over to her side and sat, remaining in wolf form, letting her know there was no pressure if she didn’t want to talk. Loving someone was hard. He wanted to fix all her problems, smooth away all the ruts in the road ahead of her.

  That wasn’t what she wanted. That was what she’d had her entire life. She needed to discover her strengths, to forge a new path through uncharted wilderness. All he wanted was a chance to be by her side and support her.

  He sat so his shoulder brushed hers. Sighing, she slung her arm around his furry body and rested her head against him. “It’s been impossible to get time alone.”

  He swallowed back the burning need inside himself and went to stand, to give her the time and privacy she craved. Her arm tightened around him. “Don’t go. I’ve been spending all my time with my parents and the pack. I hurt a lot of people when I left.” She rubbed her nose against his fur. “I hurt you.”

  He gave a low growl and gently butted her chin with his head.

  “It’s true. You can’t deny it.”

  Taking this as a sign she wanted to talk, he shifted. To hide his arousal, he sat as she did, arms wrapped around his legs, the heavy muscles in his shoulders bunched and taut. “All I want is for you to be happy. That’s all any of us want.”

  “I know that.” When a breeze blew several strands of hair into her eyes, she shoved them aside. “The guilt is crushing me. I’m aware of how ungrateful I must seem and I’m not. I’m so lucky to have all the support and love that I do.”

  I’m losing her. It was like a fist to the gut. “What will you do?”

  “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I haven’t slept much. Lying awake at night, I’ve done what you suggested and tried to look at my life and skills from another perspective.”

  There were dark circles under her eyes, and she looked thinner. She couldn’t go on like this. Neither of them could.

  He reached out and pulled her into his arms so she was sitting on his lap, facing him. There was no hiding his erection, but it wasn’t anything she hadn’t seen before. He was past hiding his feelings for her.

  She didn’t try to get away. No, she draped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “I’ve missed you.”

  The lump in his throat almost choked him. “I missed you, too.” Sighing, he ran his hand up and down her spine. “I haven’t been sleeping either.”

  “We’re not getting any time together, are we?”

  “We’re together now.” And he was determined to make the most of it. “The thing you need to remember is you don’t need to figure this all out today or tomorrow. Life is an ongoing process, a journey. The destination is death, so there’s no rush.”

  She straightened and smiled at him. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

  Her smile encouraged him, so he kept going. There was no telling when they might be alone again. “You’re stubborn and determined enough to be good at whatever you try. You don’t give up.”

  “I ran away.”

  “When things weren’t working, you tried something different.” He hesitated but forged onward. “I was the catalyst for you leaving. What happened between us pushed you to go. Your world was shaken, and it left you floundering.”

  “I didn’t handle it well.”

  He hated that she was being so hard on herself. “So what?” That startled her and put a frown on her face. “You’re not perfect. No one expects you to be perfect.”

  “That’s not how it feels.” Her eyes took on a faraway expression. “Sweet Amy. Helpful Amy. Perfect Amy. I’ve heard those terms my entire life. It comes with a lot of pressure.”

  That shook him to his core. “You’re right.” He said the words slowly, trying to imagine the pressure that she’d been under.

  “And how could I complain? I love my family and pack, but it gets so damn tiring sometimes trying to live up to the expectations they all have for me.”

  “Ah, chère. I don’t need you to be any particular way. You can yell and scream and run if you want. As long as I can be with you, I’ll be happy. If that means we leave and start over somewhere else, either temporarily or forever, that’s what we’ll do.”

  “But you love it here.” The quiver in her voice almost broke him.

  He took her hand and laid it over his heart. “I can live without the land. I can’t live without my heart. And you, Amy Blanchard, are my heart. There is no other woman for me.”

  With the sun beating down on their bare bodies, he laid his soul bare and told her what was in his heart. There would be no lies, nothing hidden between them.

  With his heart thudding against her palm, she stared into his eyes, seeking, searching.

  On a ragged cry, she threw herself forward, toppling him backward. With her long, lean body spread over his like a blanket, she caught his lips with hers.

  ****

  Every cell inside her was alive and joyous. She hadn’t truly understood how much she’d missed Etienne until he’d joined her. Her body was starved for his touch. Her soul cried out for his. When he was with her, no problem was insurmountable.

  When their lips touched, all the stress of the past week melted away. This was where she was meant to be. Maybe she hadn’t figured everything out yet, but this much was sure. She loved Etienne Rollins.

  Like a lock clicking, the admission set her free and sent her soaring.

  Their tongues tangled in celebration. His big, hard hands skated up and down her spine before cupping her behind and pressing her against his erection. An answering throbbing began between her legs. Her nipples rubbed against his chest, sending ribbons of heat dancing throughout her.

  She peppered his beloved face with kisses. “You’re the only one who truly sees me.” That was a gift beyond price.

  His hand cupped the back of her neck. “I see you and I love every part of you, even the stubborn parts.”

  Laughter bubbled up and spilled out of her lips. “As I’ve told you before, you’re one to talk.”

  Blue eyes twinkling, he gave her a wicked grin. “I’ve never denied it, but you can handle me.”

  His unshakable faith buoyed her, allowed her to see herself in a different light. “I don’t want to change you either.” It needed to be said. “We both have flaws.”

  “Everyone does. That’s what makes us who we are, along with our strengths. I don’t want perfect. I want a partner.” He cupped her breasts and squeezed, making her moan. “Someone stubborn enough to stand beside me, come what may.”

  “You make me believe anything is possible.” She ran her fingers through his thick black hair, loving the caress of the silky strands.

  “Together there isn’t anything we can’t do. God, Amy, I’ve missed you. Let me love you.”

  “Yes.” She feasted on his lips, starved for the taste of him. It seemed like years, not days, since they’d made love. Their tongues tangled. Their breath mingled. She waited for him to take control, but he continued to touch and caress every inch of her until she was hot enough to burst into flames.

  She rubbed her mound over his shaft, stimulating her clit until she was moaning and gasping. She was so close, but it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.

  Like a lightning bolt, it struck her that he was waiting for her to decide how this would go. They could make love or they could mate. It was up to her. His support was unshakable. His belief in her unending.

  Love for him burst through her like the sun blazing to life over the horizon at dawn. This was what mattered the most—the love and connection between them. Everything else was details. Whatever she decided to do, or not do, he’d be beside her all the way. And she wanted the honor of doing the same for him in return. He claimed she brought light and laughter to his life. She’d give him that and so much more.

  Planting her hands on his shoulders, she pushed upright. They were breathing heavily and sweaty, both from the warmth of the sun and the heat generated between them whenever they came together.

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  The endearment settled into her heart for now and always. Rather than answer, she climbed off him and went onto her hands and knees beside him. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she smiled. “What are you waiting for?”

  The raw hunger etched on his face was almost more than she could bear. His throat rippled when he swallowed. “Are you sure?” His voice was hoarse and low.

  “Mate with me.” The words were barely out of her mouth when he was behind her, the head of his cock nudging at her opening. She was wet and ready. Inside, her wolf howled with happiness. There was no fear, only expectation.

  “I love you,” he said as he pushed inward, past the slight resistance, until he was seated to the hilt. She sighed in relief, her body accepting him as easily as her heart already had. His big hands came down beside hers, his torso covering her back. She didn’t feel trapped, but sheltered.

  Then he began to thrust. She pushed back against him with each stroke. They rocked in rhythm, their bodies in perfect harmony. Every muscle in her body tensed. Her orgasm hovered just out of reach.

  “Etienne.” She squeezed her eyes shut, blocking out the world around her. There was nothing else but the heat of the sun, the light kiss of the wind, and the exquisite sensation of his cock powering in and out of her. Her sex contracted. When he kissed her upper shoulder, she tilted her head to one side, bracing for what was coming next.

  His breath was hot on her skin. Sharp fangs scraped the curve of her neck, sending goosebumps racing down her arm. He struck fast, sinking his teeth into her skin. Rather than hurt, it sent a jolt of pure pleasure careening through her. Her sex clenched. She threw her head back and cried out as she orgasmed. He bucked against her, and she felt the flood of his release.

  It was done.

  He withdrew his fangs and lapped at the mating mark. It was permanent, would never fade. They were partners from this moment forward. Her shaky arms gave out and she collapsed forward, but she didn’t end up facedown on the rocky ledge. He caught her and rolled them to the side so his arm cushioned her head. His shaft was locked inside her, pulsing and sending mini orgasms through her.

  “I love you.” It was past time she told him.

  His big body shuddered, and he buried his face against her hair. “Thank you for becoming my mate, for becoming mine.”

  “You’re mine, too,” she reminded him.

  “It’s all I ever wanted.” He licked the mating mark. It was sensitive and sent shivers down her spine.

  “Proud of yourself, are you?”

  His low laugh made her nipples tighten. “I’m a wolf who pursued his prey and caught her.” He carefully withdrew, rolled onto his back, and took her with him so she was comfortably lying on top of him.

  “Hmmm, who’s to say I’m the one who didn’t catch you.”

  His eyes widened, and then his laughter boomed out across the valley. He looked younger and happier than she’d ever seen him. “I’m glad we caught each other.” He rubbed his hand over her behind and squeezed. “As much as I’d like to stay here, there’s a good chance there might be others already looking for us.”

  She rubbed her nose against his and sighed. “As much as I hate to leave, you’re right. We do not want my father to find us like this.” She pushed up and off him and rolled her shoulders. “I don’t think it will come as a shock to anyone, but we need to tell our parents and Jacque.” A thought occurred to her. “Where will we live?” It would have to be with his folks or hers.

  “As long as we’re together, I don’t care.” He sprawled across the rock, sweaty and naked and looking better than any man had a right to. “Scratch that. We’re staying with my folks.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not making love to Cole Blanchard’s baby girl with him down the hallway.” He rolled up and kissed her shoulder. “I’d like to make it to our first anniversary.”

  “He’s not that bad.” When Etienne only stared, she giggled. “Okay, maybe he is, but momma will help.” They wanted her happy, and that meant being mated to Etienne. Her daddy would adjust.

  He got to his feet and held out his hand. When he pulled her up to stand next to him, he draped one arm around her. “Whether we stay here or not, this will always be our home, the special place where you became my mate.”

  Tears pricked her eyes. This place was very special. “Let’s try it here and see what happens.” Being mated to Etienne, she was more settled, more sure of herself. She’d been running from the intense feelings he’d stirred up in her, but no more. Now she embraced them and used them to fire her confidence. Now that she’d faced the future with him, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do.

  “Let’s go home.” He kissed her temple and shifted. The big black wolf waited patiently beside her.

  Wanting to run and play and celebrate with the rest of the pack, she shifted and rubbed her muzzle against his and then took off with him behind her.

  Epilogue

  “I can still kill him.” Her daddy stood beside her, glaring at her mate. Sensing someone watching him, Etienne turned to them and gave a wave and went back to talking with Amy’s momma.

  “I love him, Daddy.” He wouldn’t really kill Etienne. He might think about it, but he wouldn’t do it. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her mate. As he’d told them, “No one is good enough for my girl, but if she has to mate, it might as well be the son of my best friend.” For Cole Blanchard, that was a glowing recommendation.

  It helped that her momma loved Etienne, too. When it came down to it, all her daddy wanted was for his “girls” to be happy.

  The party was in full swing, the entire pack out to celebrate. Nicholas LaForge, the alpha’s son and one of her best friends, after Etienne, pulled her into a hug, swinging her off her feet. “I get to kiss the bride.” He planted one on her cheek before setting her back down.

  “My turn.” Aaron, Nicholas’s younger brother, was right behind him.

  “Making time with my girl.” Etienne growled, his arm banding around her from behind, holding her close. The possessiveness wasn’t unexpected—they were wolves, after all—but it did make her want to roll her eyes.

  “We know better.” Nicholas laughed, but his eyes weren’t smiling. To Amy, he looked sad.

  “Is everything okay?” She touched his shoulder.

  “I’m happy for you both. I’m going to go talk to my folks.” He left them and went over to where Jacque and Gwen were talking with his uncle Louis without really answering her question. Aaron had already drifted off to join another group.

  “Are you happy?” Etienne whispered in her ear before he nuzzled her neck. The man couldn’t seem to stop touching her mating mark, which was unfortunate in mixed company because it was such a sensitive spot.

  She nodded and bit back a moan. “You need to stop that.”

  “Stop what?” He rubbed his thumb over the mark.

  “My daddy already wants to kill you. Don’t give him an excuse.” Etienne’s thumb paused. Then his chest began to shake. “It’s no laughing matter,” she assured him. “He was at least half serious, maybe more.”

  Etienne spun her around so she was facing him. “It’s nothing less than I’d expect. He loves you and your momma. But no one loves you like I do.”

  Her heart fluttered and her sex began to pulse. “Is it too soon to sneak away?” Everyone would notice they were missing and know why, but she was past caring.