"You may all pay your respects now. Xavier wanted her burial to be private and we hope you understand that," I said.
A few members nodded their heads in return.
I faced Xavier as the pack lined up to see Olivia and wish her spirit well.
"You did good," I told him.
"I'm a mess, Sophia. I know that. But I'll get better after I put her to rest."
Blaine patted his back. "And we'll be here for you if you need us."
"Thanks man."
Once everyone paid their respects, they left. We carried her coffin into the forest next to the pre-dug hole we had prepared and gave Xavier a few minutes alone with her.
Once he was ready, we buried her in the forest and sprinkled wolfsbane over the dirt to protect her grave. Xavier broke down once we buried her. His mom cradled him as he sobbed uncontrollably, and his dad rubbed his back. It was the most heartbreaking sight to see.
Riley placed a hand on his back and told him she loved him before leaving with her mate. Blaine and I stayed behind to bless her grave and help comfort him, but it was no use. He was broken; he had just buried his soulmate. His parents assured us they would take care of him and insisted we go.
Blaine and I found ourselves back at our cottage, in bed with our bodies entangled together. Not in a whim of passionate sex, but in an everlasting embrace of assurance and love. I couldn't bear to be apart from him after today. I craved skin-to-skin contact.
His lips brushed against my forehead. "I'm so grateful to have you in my arms."
I snuggled into his chest and planted a kiss above his heart. "I know what you mean."
He held me tighter. "I've never had such an overwhelming urge to keep someone safe. All I want to do is to keep you safe, but it's so hard when you're an Alpha too. I constantly worry about you."
I adjusted myself to where I was facing him and cupped his cheek with my free hand. "I know how you feel. I feel the same way about you, but I can't help the fact that I have a dangerous title. You have the same title, and if anything, it makes us stronger."
"You're right but you're so fucking stubborn."
I grinned and trailed my fingers down his jawline. "Teach me a lesson then."
His eyes danced with amusement before he flashed me a smile. "I would love to." He pushed me down and hovered over me. My hands were pinned above my head and I tilted my head back to show him my mark.
"Don't hold back from me," I murmured.
A moan escaped my lips as he bent down and grazed my mark with his teeth. His hands skimmed over my waist, and I wrapped my legs around him, lifting my hips slightly to feel his hardened cock against me.
"I love you," he said, lowering his lips to mine. I pressed my lips against him, pouring all my love into the kiss.
I pulled back slightly. "I love you."
He looked at me with soft eyes, grabbing my hips and guiding his cock inside of me slowly. My walls clenched around him, making him moan. He pushed deeper and my back arched, vibrations of ecstasy moving through my body. I moaned as he pushed himself even deeper.
With each thrust I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort. My arms draped around his neck and we buried our faces into each other's marks. We kissed the marks we held for one another; our bodies wrapped tightly against each other as an earth-shattering orgasm exploded inside of me. He went tense, coming right after me.
He kissed my lips. "I never want to lose you."
"You won't," I said, smiling up at him.
I prayed that the fates had blessed us with long, happy lives together. They owed me that much.
Olivia's death affected the pack in more ways than one. My members feared Lockhart, they were wary of our agreement, and concerned for their Gamma's wellbeing—not that I could blame them. I had let Xavier choose whether to retaliate. Olivia was his mate. He deserved to make that decision.
The past couple weeks I'd been cooped up in my office filling out paperwork and talking to concerned members. Blaine convinced me this morning to take some time away to clear my head, and I was glad I did.
My feet crunched the assortment of sticks and leaves as we walked through the forest. The crisp air skimmed against my skin and it felt serene.
"You were right. I needed to relax," I said as I turned my head toward him. My breath caught in my throat as I caught the intensity of his gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He stopped walking, edging closer. He rested his thumb on my cheek. "Do you not like it when I look at you like that?"
I shook my head. "No—I do."
His smile made my knees weak, and I grabbed his arms for support.
"Kiss me," he murmured.
I didn't need to be told twice. My hands fisted themselves in his hair and I placed my lips against his. He tugged me closer, and my tongue slipped into his mouth, making him groan.
"You're a fucking Goddess."
"I love you," I said in between kisses.
"I love you." He pulled away, cupping my face. "I've been wanting to talk to you about something."
"Oh?"
"I've been meaning for us to talk about our future. I can't leave my Gamma in charge of my pack forever." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I've been thinking a lot about that too, and I've decided." I chewed on my bottom lip. "I want to go with you to your pack."
He hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Ever since Nolan rejected me, I felt like an outcast in my pack. Few took the time out of their days to come and talk to me after that. I'm their
