“Kirsty,” he started but her hand shot up silencing him.
She took a great gulping breath in, her face turning up with a look of utter compassion. “I had no idea that’s what would happen. I can’t even fathom what that would mean to someone as strong and powerful as you. You’re obviously dedicated to your Pack and to not be able to do that would be awful but to be disabled and . . . and . . . mutilated like that. I have no words. It sounds barbaric and like something out of the dark ages.”
Reaching up, her hand cupped the side of his face. He leaned into it, her touch soothing his soul and his beast. “It may sound barbaric but it’s the only solution that ensures others’ safety and that’s the most important point for any of us. I, for one, would rather die than cause harm to anyone whilst lost to the frenzy that would overtake me if my mate was taken from me before we could bond.”
Kirsty’s head tilted back, her lips parting in invitation, her soft words igniting his passion. “Kiss me.”
His mouth covered hers quickly, tongues tangling, his strong arms moving her onto his lap, holding her tightly against him as he devoured her. Her scent invading him, her taste like summer strawberries and wild heather in full bloom, ingraining itself inside him. His heart and soul soaring to heights he’d only heard tales of.
She was his. His mate. The one and only woman made for him and he would never let her go.
Her hands snuck beneath his clothes, a moan escaping him when her fingers danced across his bare skin. His cock throbbed with a need so great he wasn’t sure he’d be able to contain himself much longer. A soft mewling from Kirsty was almost his undoing, her teeth nipping at his lip sending him over the edge.
Kade tightened his hold on her, cradling her in his arms and standing, ready to whisk her to his room to worship her body. That was the plan until his front door flew open, banging loudly a moment before a large furry body barreled into him, knocking him on his ass.
Luckily, said ass landed back on the sofa, Kirsty still in his arms, albeit their lips were no longer locked together. “What the hell?”
“Leia!” Kirsty gasped, giggling as the Shepherd jumped all over them excitedly.
“Sorry, Alpha, she got away fae me.” Little Jimmy flew through the door, face flushed, his freckles bright and shiny as he slid to a stop. “She’s had two full rabbits, ate all oh them, fur, guts, the lot. Then we took her for a run and played chase for a while but she suddenly just took off wae her nose tae the ground and found her way here. Guess she wanted tae get back to her master.”
Jimmy stopped, scratching his head. “Nae, that’s no right. Mistress, ain’t it, Alpha?”
“Aye, Jimmy, Kirsty is her owner. Thank you for looking after her for us.”
Jimmy beamed with pride, his wee chest puffing out. “Nae bother, Alpha. Can I come and play wae her tomorrow?”
“That’s not my decision, Jimmy. You’ll need to ask Kirsty.”
Jimmy frowned, looking at Kade then Kirsty. “Sorry, I thought I did. Is Kirsty no Alpha tae? Or should I call her Mistress Alpha?”
Kade fought to control himself, knowing the laddie was being deadly serious. “Mistress Alpha isn’t required, no, Jimmy. Kirsty, is it all right if Leia goes out to play tomorrow?”
Before she could answer Jimmy butted in. “I’ll make sure she’s fed and I’ll introduce her to everyone and I’ll tell them all that she’s tae be protected, just like the Alpha said earlier. I promise tae look after her. Honest.”
Kirsty looked very solemn as she addressed the boy. “If you promise to take good care of her. She’s very precious to me, Jimmy, so it’s a big responsibility.”
“I promise,” Jimmy said quickly, making a cross over his heart.
“All right, you can come get her in the morning. Thank you for looking after her for me today.”
“Nae problem, Alpha Kirsty.” Jimmy looked behind him, checking there was nobody listening. “I’ve always wanted a dog but my da keeps saying what did I want a dog fur when I’ve got a Pack of Wolves. He disnae understand, ya know?”
“I do know.” Kirsty nodded, smiling. “She’s a very special dog too, she’s smart and loyal. She’s also lots of fun, so enjoy her as much as I do and you’re welcome to play with her anytime you like. Just remember to let me know so I don’t worry. Okay?”
“Aye!” Jimmy nodded vigorously. “Bye, see you in the morning, Leia.”
Leia jumped down from the sofa, licking Jimmy’s face and wagging her tail before Jimmy reluctantly left. “I better go. Nite.”
“Goodnight, lad.” Kade waved the youngster away, waiting until he’d closed the door before snuggling against Kirsty, chuckling. “Looks like Leia has joined the Pack just fine.”
“Yes, seems like it.” Kirsty ran a hand through Leia’s fur before the Shepherd wandered off to settle down on the rug beside the front door.
“Now, where were we?” Kade leaned in for another kiss but Kirsty pushed her hands against his chest, shaking her head.
“I think I was getting carried away earlier,” she said, raising an eyebrow and piercing him with those impossibly green eyes. “You make it far too easy to forget my ‘never on the first night’ rule, Kade.”
Damn. His cock still throbbed beneath her backside but he certainly wasn’t going to push her. “I think you feel it too, Princess. The mating call isn’t just on my side or you wouldn’t feel as you do, but I respect your feelings. Why don’t I show you to your room?”
“That’s a good idea.” She
