Page 111 of Shifted Desire

I turn to my mother, the woman that I tried so hard to keep out. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

She shakes her head, and wraps her arms around me. “Oh sweetheart, there’s nothing to apologize for.”

“I s-should’ve told you.”

With my defenses down, I know she understands I’m not talking about Nathan. Her arms bundle me tighter and her chest shudders with the pain I finally let her see. She whispers apologies and soothing words as her own tears fall.

“Whoa, who died?”

I pull back and Mom very reluctantly lets me go at the sound of Maggie’s voice.

“We were having a moment,” I grumble.

“Excuse me for trying to find the bathroom and not walking past all four of you crying.”

Dad chuckles. “We’re fine. It’s just the emotions of a wedding.”

Maggie narrows her eyes. “Then why is Uncle Nathan’s fly undone?”

He jolts, hurrying to zip back up and I laugh as I move back over to his side. Maggie’s eyes go as wide as saucers as I thread my hand through Nathan’s.

“Come on, I want to dance some more with my boyfriend.”

“Your what?!”

I tug on Nathan’s hand and he follows me, giving Mom and Dad a questioning look.

“Go ahead. I think the bouquet toss is happening soon,” Mom says with a wink.

Dad, Nathan, and Maggie all gape at her, but I pull my man away with a laugh as Maggie demands someone tells her what’s going on.

When we’re around the corner and out of sight, I pull Nathan to me.

“You alright?”

“Are you okay?”

We laugh as we speak at the same time.

Nathan nods. “We survived. Shane might still hex me, but it’s worth it.”

I kiss him hard, grinning as I pull back. “Fuck yes it is. Now take me home before I make even more of a scene by jumping you on the dance floor.”

He chuckles. “What about the bouquet?”

“I don’t need a bunch of flowers to tell me you’re going to be mine. After all, I’m your mate.”

Nathan’s chest rumbles and he steals another quick kiss. “Yes, you fucking are. I can’t wait to show you exactly what that means.”

41

Waking up with Samantha in my arms after a night of making her come so many times she passes out is my new favorite thing in the world. She’s so warm and soft and right nestled against my chest, the sound of her breathing and the gentle fluttering of her lashes giving my wolf a profound sense of relief.

My mate is here with me, and she’s mine. Not just for stolen nights and hidden moments, but for everything.

I want to rip the blackout curtains open and bathe us in the morning light to match this sense of openness and brightness that I’ve craved, but there’s no way I’m getting up. I settle for breathing in Samantha’s comforting scent and holding her closer, letting the light of her presence wash over me instead, a purr rumbling softly in my chest.

“I can feel you staring at me,” Samantha mumbles, stirring.