“How bad was she injured?” my dad asked Simon while his gaze scanned every inch of me he could see. I’d always downplayed my injuries, so I wasn’t offended he didn’t ask me.
“Scrapes, bruises, a possible concussion, and a cut on her stomach from the claws of the wolf who tried to use her to control Hannibal,” Simon answered. “My bite shared antibodies to help speed up her healing.”
“I’m fine, Dad. And I’m sitting right here. Now, back to my questions.” I moved the conversation away from what had happened with me and back to what I needed to know about mating. Simon had already gone over how my body’s natural ability to heal me would be enhanced. Which brought me to my next thought. “Did any of your senses change after mating?”
My dad nodded. “All of them. Not on the level of Leslie or any other shifter. But for a human? Vastly better. I’ve noted an increase in strength, as well. Plus, the added bonus of not aging as quickly. It wasn’t my genetics that have kept me looking as young as I do.”
I hadn’t thought of that, but it was true. My dad could and did easily pass for a man half his age. All the time. It was weird to realize it was due to his relationship with Leslie. Yet, it made perfect sense at the same time. I couldn’t help but to touch my face. It wasn’t hard to understand that my aging would slow, as well. Or did it halt altogether?
“A lot of this we learn as we go,” my dad offered. “I can see the wheels spinning in your head. Some things are intuitive. Some things are given. And some things we have to learn on our own. That’s the way life is.”
“That settles it then,” I said with a nod.
“Settles what?” Simon asked.
“Dad and Leslie are going to have to come with us. Hannibal will want his mom there, and I need my dad. They’ll have to join the James Pack, too.”
Simon nodded without question. “Absolutely.”
Leslie and my dad shared a look. I had a feeling they were sharing an entire conversation Simon and I weren’t privy to. I was fascinated by their expressions. How had I not noticed to this before? Then I saw the smile light up Leslie’s face. My dad grinned then laughed.
“Looks like we might be moving,” he offered, and I whooped.
“After I speak with Hannibal.” Leslie interrupted my shout of joy. “And the alpha. No offense, Simon, but we’ll want to speak to him first.”
“Understood,” Simon agreed. “I’ll give Bas a heads up. If you give me your number, I’ll have him reach out to you. Raina, as well. She’s his mate.”
“Thank you.” Leslie’s voice was soft, and something on her face had me catching my breath with surprise. I felt her desire to belong. To more than just my dad and our family. To a pack.
I thought of how close Simon was to his pack. Though they weren’t related by blood, they were a family. Their bond was thicker than blood. Maybe, that was the way it was with wolves. I wanted that for Leslie and my dad and Hannibal. And for me. I wanted that for me. A place to completely belong. To feel totally accepted. I wanted everything. With Simon.
“Go call your alpha, Simon,” I ordered, and my mate laughed as he walked off to comply.
Chapter Nine
~Cici~
Watching Simon shift into his wolf had my blood thrumming in ways it shouldn’t with my father standing entirely too close to me. Especially since I now had to worry about things such as him being able to smell the arousal I always felt around Simon. My mate was incredibly sexy, but seeing him in wolf skin? Lord, the man was gorgeous.
I’d seen Hannibal as a wolf, and he’d been beautiful. But nothing compared to Simon. And when he prowled over to me and rubbed against me? When I ran my fingers through his fur then dropped to my knees and buried my face in it? There was nothing in my life that could ever compare to that moment. Touching him. Knowing he belonged to me. That I was his. Realizing that I loved a man I’d known for only a few short days. It was ridiculous, yet it made perfect sense.
“It never gets old,” my dad told me, pulling my gaze to his. “Watching your mate shift. It’s one of the most beautiful visions in the world.”
I agreed with him. Simon swiped his tongue across my face, making me giggle. He nudged me with his nose, and I released him as Leslie streaked past, charging for the woods that edged along the property. Simon watched her then turned back to me.
“Go.” I flicked my hand in the direction Leslie had gone. “Have fun.”
He howled then took off, taking off in a fast flash of fur. God, he was beautiful.
“Walk with me.” My dad shoved his hands in his pockets and walked toward the backyard. I followed at his side, waiting to see what was on his mind.
“The alpha, Bastion James, he said Leslie and I would be welcome to visit any time.” He paused as he turned to face me. “Or we would be welcome to join the James Pack.”
I couldn’t hold back my grin or the whoop of delight.
“I take it you like the idea.” My dad smiled as I crashed into him, hugging him tightly.
“Yes, of course, I want you guys to come. I can’t imagine not being able to pop in for a visit any time I want. And Hannibal will want the same thing.” I paused. “How does Leslie feel about joining a wolf pack?”
“She likes the idea,” my dad told me. “It’s been a long time for her. Hannibal being there, mating the alpha’s sister. She wants to be around for any children that come along.” He glanced at me. “For both of you. We’ve
