*Annabelle's POV*

"I love you, mate."

I was so thrown off and surprised by those words that I didn't see the kiss coming. Suddenly, Cade's lips were on mine. The kiss itself was a surprise too. I figured that, him being the more animalistic side, Cade's kisses would be rough and passionate, but his lips were incredibly gentle. As if all his emotions were being conveyed in the short kiss. It felt magical, the sparks started slowly spreading through my body and the gentleness of the kiss made me feel all warm inside.

When he broke the kiss he had his eyes closed, and I knew that Adam would be back if he opened them again.

"I love you, mate." Those words were echoing through my mind. Already? Isn't that going a bit fast?

I mean, he was talking about having kids with me.

"Hey" I heard Adam's voice again as he opened his eyes.

"H-hey" I stuttered, mentally scolding myself for it.

Adam chuckled, "Sorry, Cade is a bit much at times."

I shook my head, "It's fine. I-it's just a bit fast paced."

Adam sighed, "For Cade, there is no barrier. He's an animal. As soon as he saw you he knew you were his mate. No questions asked, no answers needed. He started loving you the moment we met and won't stop loving you until the day we die. You could probably stab us in the heart and Cade could still forgive you. That's the power of the mate bond." He explained.

"Oh... um..." I was figuring out what to say to him. He just proclaimed his love for us and I didn't say anything back.

Adam seemingly read my mind and chuckled, "Don't worry about it. You don't have to say anything back. Like I said, Cade is an animal, for him there is no barrier. For humans it's much more difficult. I don't think I could say it yet either. Those three words."

"But aren't you the same person in a way?" I asked.

Adam nodded, "Yes, but for me the barrier of humanity gets in the way. From the moment we saw you I knew you would be the one, which sounds crazy by itself. But the mate bond doesn't automatically make me love you, only my wolf side. If I had to describe my feelings for you right now I'd probably say that I'm falling in love with you, but I'm not there yet."

I blushed, he's so certain of everything it's kind of scary.

"But, keep in mind that we've known you are our mate for two weeks already. You have just found out. For us the mating process is clear. Don't feel pressured into saying anything just because we are further along. Take your time, we'll wait for as long as it takes." Adam reassured me.

I smiled, trying to get rid of the blush that was still very apparent on my face, "O-ok. Thank you for being so patient with me."

Adam smiled, "No, thank you for being so accepting. Any other female would have probably run for the hills when someone starts talking about having kids with them before even taking them out on a date first."

I giggled, "It was tempting, but I decided that I'd give you a chance."

"Good," Adam pulled me close, "Thank you."

---

The next morning, I left with the house with my 'dog' on the leash. Once we reached the forest Adam shifted and put on clothes and we headed into town for a shopping session. We decided that Adam probably needed a good pair of pants and shoes and Adam wanted to get a haircut as well. Apparently he used to have short hair before he started living in the forest.

I didn't mind Adam's shoulder length hair, it was kind of cute and it gave him that wild look. But I was excited to see him with well-trimmed hair as well.

The shopping itself went quickly. Adam bought some clothes at target. Some pants and shoes like we had planned, and some work-out clothes as well. Apparently Adam wanted to start getting back into shape.

I had frowned at that statement. He was already in shape! But according to Adam he used to be much more muscular and his stamina had faltered while he was at the pet shelter.

Needless to say I didn't complain about it one bit. If he wanted to start looking even more like a God, he sure as hell could.

When we went to buy groceries as well, Cade fought until he managed to take Adam's body. He wanted to pick groceries for us since both Adam and I told him he didn't have to hunt for them. After explaining to him that I didn't need more meat that I could ever consume in my lifetime, we left the meat isle with some steaks, chicken and bacon. Cade told me that he and Adam could make a killer steak, which I was already excited for.

We were now on our way to the barber shop. Adam was carrying all of the shopping bags, making me wonder how strong the guy really is. I noticed him pause in front of a window. I turned and looked. Adam was looking through the window of a boxing and fitness club. I made my way towards him, "Do you know how to box?" I asked him.

Adam nodded, "Used to be my favorite. I actually helped the pups out with their training as well."

"Look at us being the ultimate teacher duo!" I giggled, "That's awesome though. How often did you work out?"

"Every day," my eyes widened and Adam shrugged, "As Alpha you have to be in shape. Strongest in the pack and all that. I love working out so I didn't mind."

"Damn, the most I do is walk you to the forest and back." I spoke up.

Adam chuckled, "You're lucky we're not at the pack anymore. Otherwise you would have started self-defense training by now. All people in my pack used to learn some form of combat. We wanted to make sure that even the females could defend themselves in case of emergency..." he trailed off.

Emergencies like a group of rogues attacking your pack... I decided to give Adam a smile, "You can still teach me if you want. I want to be a good Luna."

Adam smiled, "You already are, love."

---

My mouth hung open as I saw Adam thank the hairdresser and walk back over to me. Fuck he looks good with his hair short. His hair was neatly trimmed but still long enough for me to put my hands through it and play with it.

"You clean up nice." I told him when he reached me.

Adam chuckled, "Thanks, since when is long hair popular? The hairdresser told me many guys would kill for my long hair and she advised me to keep it."

"The man bun has gotten quite popular yes." I told him.

"What would you prefer?" he asked.

I laughed, "Both looked great. I think you look handsome like this though."

"You said the same thing when I had long hair. Which one do you like better?" Adam pushed.

"Adam I like both. I like that I can still run my fingers through your hair now." I told him as I rustled it.

Adam laughed and gave a playful growl before grabbing the shopping bags and walking towards the forest again. The hairdresser was the last stop so we were heading back home again.

When we reached the forest, Adam turned to me, "Do you have anything planned this Tuesday?"

I raised an eyebrow, "No?"

Adam smiled, "Then, will you do me the honor of going on a date with me that day?"

I blinked. Adam and Cade have asked me this before. But they said that, since they don't have any money, they would wait before officially asking me. I guess his plans changed. "Sure!" I replied.

Adam beamed and walked over to me, engulfing me in a tight hug, "Thank you." He spoke into my neck and he gave my sweet spot a gentle kiss. I shivered as the tingles made their way through my body, making Adam chuckle. "You know," he started as he backed away from my neck, "usually, that spot will become even more sensitive once marked."

"What?! Even more sensitive!?" I yelled. Jesus Christ, I can't even control myself now let alone when he marks me.

Adam let out a full laugh, "Indeed my little mate. I can't wait to see how you will respond to every touch after we've marked you." He spoke huskily with a dangerously hot looking smirk on his face.

I don't think I have ever blushed this deeply before. Why does he have to be so incredibly hot?

"D-don't you have to shift or s-something?" I asked, trying desperately to change the subject.

"Did we make you flustered?" Adam asked as his smirk grew even wider.

I huffed, "Sure! I'll admit it! You made me flustered. Now, go change into a dog so I can punish you for it by collaring you!"

Adam chuckled and pulled me close. "Kinky, I like it."

I blushed even deeper. Thankfully, Adam stepped away from me and took his clothes off to shift. I turned around in embarrassment. Once I heard his bones crack I turned around again, being met with Cade.

I didn't dare say anything, as I could clearly see the hungry look in Cade's eyes. I just put on his collar and picked up the shopping backs before heading home.

---

I sighed as I looked at myself in the mirror. Adam hadn't specified what we'd be doing on our date, just that I should wear casual clothes. And so, on this Tuesday afternoon, I stood in front of the mirror in a cute knee height fall dress. It was a dark green dress with long sleeves, perfect for the early October weather. I was also wearing some boots and a light scarf, complimenting the look.

I turned myself in the mirror again, would this be ok? I sighed, I've been in here for a full hour now. I wonder if Adam is scared I died.

As if on cue, someone knocked on the door, scaring the living daylights out of me.

"Jesus!" I yelled as I tried to calm my rapidly beating heart. I heard a chuckle from the other side of the door.

"Sorry, love. Are you ready?" Adam asked.

I looked in the mirror once more before deciding that I couldn't back out now. I then opened the door of the bathroom.

Adam was wearing a simple black t-shirt and his newly bought pants. He was also wearing shoes for once. When he saw me a breathtaking smile spread across his face, "You look beautiful."

I blushed, "Thanks, you don't look bad yourself."

Adam chuckled, "Thank you, though I'll have to take it off to shift."

I nodded, "I'll put your clothes in my bag."

With that Adam shifted and we headed out to the forest. Once Adam had shifted back and put on his clothes I figured we'd head back into town but instead Adam grabbed my hand and led me deeper into the forest.

"Ah, I see. The moment has finally come where you lead me into the forest to kill me." I joked.

Adam laughed, "I wouldn't dream of it, love."

After around 20 minutes of hiking we reached a beautiful clearing next to the stream. In the clearing laid a blanket and a basket. "Did you prepare a picnic?"

Adam scratched his head, "Yeah, I would do something more fancy but I'm currently living off your money."

I smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "I think I like this better." I spoke before heading towards the blanket and sitting down. Adam followed and opened the basket.

A wide variety of food came out, most of which I recognized from my own fridge. "When did you set this all up?" I asked.

"When you were in the shower. I snuck out." Adam explained as he handed me a sandwich. I thanked him and gladly took it.

We talked about various things. I realized that even though we had been living together and we had talked a lot about how things were different between humans and werewolves, we hadn't actually gotten the time to get to know each other.

Adam talked about his life back at his pack and when he lived in the forest. He talked about how him and his best friend Noah used to prank a lot of the teachers in school and how they often went on camping trips.

I learned that, behind the calm and controlled base that Adam sets up, he is full of mischief and sarcasm. He's also incredibly caring and protective of his friends and family.

I told Adam about my friends and family. About how our sisters would prank teachers by switching places. And that eventually they refused to put us in classes together because people couldn't keep us apart. This of course caused us to take it a step further and switch classes to mess with our teachers. We even went as far as switching places while taking tests. I don't think I would have passed math without Isa.

Eventually, we just ended up asking each other random questions. I called him out on it being a cliché date thing but he just shrugged.

"Favorite food?" I asked him.

"Steak." Was his simple reply.

"You're such a guy." I laughed.

Adam chuckled too, "What can I say. When the BBQ comes out I'm all in. How about you?"

"Hmm... probably cauliflower soup." I answered.

"Cauliflower soup?" Adam asked with a raised eyebrow.

I nodded, "My grandma makes the best soup in the country. I can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving this year and have some."

Adam hummed in response, "Sounds interesting."

I nodded. "Well, your turn to ask a question."

"Um... Favorite season?" he asked.

"Lame question, and spring!" I answered.

Adam chuckled, "Well, I'm sorry for lacking creativity. For me it's fall." He answered.

I smiled, my next question already thought of, "Would you like to meet with Alpha Thomas again?"

Adam blinked and frowned, "What?"

"When you were talking to Jasper I noticed that you liked talking to someone of the same species. I was wondering if you'd be willing to meet up with Alpha Thomas. He was a friend right?" I elaborated.

Adam looked away for a second, lost in thought, "I suppose it would be nice to see an old friend. I don't know, Cade and I have been alone for so long. The idea of going to a pack is daunting."

"It's not like you're gonna join the pack though right?" I asked.

He nodded, "I guess. I think it's also daunting because the last time I saw a pack it was one that had been burned to the ground." He spoke softly.

I froze. Right, maybe this question was a bit personal. I reached over and grabbed his hand, knowing that physical contact would provide a calming effect. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

Adam gave me a sad smile, "No, it's fine. And you're right in a way, I did enjoy talking to another werewolf. Maybe it would be good for us to visit a pack. It might even help with Cade not being used to other people anymore as well."

I gave his hand a squeeze, "Just let me know. I can text Jasper to set up a meeting if you want."

Adam pulled my arm and engulfed me into a hug, making me freeze. "Thank you." He mumbled into my neck. I smiled and placed my hand in his hair, softly playing with his strands.

We stayed like that for a bit, until Adam pulled away. "Is it time for the next question?" he asked me.

I nodded, "Sure."

Adam pulled me a bit closer, making my face heat up as I felt his breaths on my cheek, "Can I kiss you?" he asked.

I was completely flustered. So, not trusting my voice, I gave him a nod. He wasted no time before pulling his lips to mine. It was a gentle kiss, but the tingles that exploded all over my body as his lips met mine were indescribable. For a while though, it was just that. A soft, gentle kiss. A careful kiss, one that was testing the waters. I softly played with his hair and Adam had his hands on my lower back and behind my neck.

Eventually, I felt Adam pull me even closer to him, so that my breasts were pressed up to his chest. He let out a groan and his kiss became rougher. I tried to keep up the best I could as we slowly became more passionate. Adam changed my position so that I was straddling him and broke the kiss. We looked into each other's eyes for a bit before Adam started peppering kisses along my jawline. I felt him slowly take off my scarf so he had access to my neck, and he didn't waste any time before placing butterfly kisses all along my neck and shoulder.

As per usual, when he reached my soft spot I moaned and melted into his body. A warm tingling feeling spread through my body and I pushed myself closer to him. Adam's hold on me tightened as he started sucking and nibbling the spot. I was a mess at this point, breathing heavily and moaning without restraint. I felt Adam's chest rumble as he let out another groan before he moved from my neck back to my lips and kissed me again full force.

My hands left his neck and hair and I placed them on his broad shoulders and arms, feeling the muscles ripple underneath my fingers. I felt Adam's hands leave my neck and lower back too, slowly sliding down my body until he was holding my bare thighs. He pulled me up even closer to him, and I placed my hands on his back.

When we finally broke the kiss, we were both breathing heavily. We looked each other in the eye for a bit, catching our breaths, before Adam placed a soft kiss on my forehead,

"God. You're perfect."

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Thanks for reading!