As his breathing began to return to normal Kaiden slowly picked up her trembling frame holding her against him as he backed them up before sitting on the sofa, bringing her down with him so she straddled his lap. His hands were soothing and gentle as he stroked her thighs and back working to bring her back down. She let herself lean into the hard plains of his chest her eyes fluttering closed as she nestled her face into him listening to the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat as she fought to get her own to calm inhaling the intoxicating scent of her mate with every breath.

The whole while he murmured soft words of comfort and love into her hair, soothing her as he urged her to breathe and relax into him. His lips pressing gentle kisses into her hair in between his words as his hands left trails of sparks over her body.

Slowly the tingling and shocks began to recede and the consuming need ebbed as she let him settle her. As her mind came back she felt herself begin to panic. Desperately she reached for the walls that had toppled trying to throw them back up, clawed to fix her blocks to put them back in place. Before she could be consumed by the building panic and fear that she was blindly running through in her mind however, she felt herself being moved. Kaiden's large warm hands stilled against her thighs moving to cup her face urging her to sit up as he pulled her face so she was forced to look at him.

To her horror she knew her face showed every one of her emotions. It would be clear, all of it.

Soft blue eyes met hers. Filled with such earnest compassion and tender worry that she had to take in a shuddering breath.

"Shh, it's okay just breath you're okay. Just look at me. I'm right here" His voice was soft and gentle as he cooed to her as if she was a terrified animal on the verge of bolting, which was pretty on the nose. His thumbs were gently caressing her cheeks as he watched her face.

She took another deep breath her senses filling again with his scent, instantly helping to calm her at least a little.

"That's it." smiling kindly at her as his thumb traced softly over her lips. "Just keep breathing. You're okay I promise. I'm right here." With that Kaiden gently pressed his lips ever so slightly to her own, just brushing the swollen flesh in a sweet kiss before moving to cover every inch of her face similarly. His hands held her as if she was the most precious thing on the planet. While his lips covered her in such soft feelings of tenderness and affection. All of it mixed with the feel of his body under hers so strong and solid, wrapping her in a blanket of warmth and protection, was enough to ease the rest of her panic and fear. She felt herself calming and for the first time in thirteen years she didn't have a single barrier up in her mind or heart.

Pulling back when he felt her surrender completely Kaiden let his hands fall from her face so they were once more on her thighs moving in slow soft strokes up and down her creamy skin as he truly looked at his mate for the first time. He took her in, the true her and what he saw looking back at him floored him.

The depth of her empathy, her fears, the sheer strength and integrity of the woman in his arms brought tears to his eyes. The bond was so open so raw they saw it all. He didn't hold anything back, let her see and feel every part of him. Every insecurity, fear, weakness, mistake, dream, hope, and self-doubt that made him who he was. And to his amazement she did the same. He saw it all. Every good, bad and ugly moment of her life. It hurt him deeply, how many more bad then good there were. Vowing to himself that he would spend the rest of his life filling hers with good. His heart leapt when he saw the memories of the last few days, the joy and love that he found there. Happy that he had begun to be able to give his mate something other than pain to define her life by.

Pulling out of the bond Aislinn felt as the tears fell freely down her cheeks. He had seen it all; had seen the heart that had been so destroyed she wasn't sure it would ever be able to be mended. The shame and hurt she had felt for so long. Every scar and imperfection that covered not only her body but her mind and soul. All of them and not once did he flinch. Not once did he pull back or look at her with anything but absolute love and acceptance. She couldn't find a hint of disgust or repulsion on his face, she couldn't find any fear or judgement. Not one trace of any of the things that she herself had felt for so long.

"Aislinn, there is nothing in your past and there is nothing that could have been done to you that would change how I see you or would make me not want you. You are my mate, always. You are the person in the entire world destined wholly for me. I love every scar, tear, pain, loss and fear that you are because I love you. I hate every single person that has ever hurt you or would dare to hurt you and I will kill them for what they did to you. But what they did, it would never ever change what I think, what I feel about you. And I will not let you reject this. I refuse to live my life without you. I refuse to not stand at your side and I refuse to not have you at mine. You are mine, and I am yours."

It didn't heal everything. This didn't instantly repair her heart that had been so utterly and absolutely shattered. She was not suddenly, magically unbroken. No simple words however amazing and beautiful would be able to give her back everything she had lost nor would they be able to undo all that had happened, but for the first time in so very long Aislinn found herself with hope.

Through the tears still blurring her vision she felt a small smile grow as she nodded her head, her wolf and soul howling in ecstasy as she finally fully acknowledged and accepted the mate bond. The grin that split his face made her heart stutter as he let out a relieved breath. Wrapping his arms securely around her he pulled her back into his chest tucking her head under his chin as he chuckled softly.

"So no more thoughts of rejection, right?"

Nodding again she felt her own small laugh bubble in her chest, tears still streaming from her eyes soaking into the soft fabric of his grey t-shirt. No she thought, letting him feel as she vowed silently it would take death itself to pull her from this man.

"Good, because I'm yours, and you are mine."

Letting her eyes close she melted into him, "Yours" she answered on a sigh.

.

.

Kaiden let her doze softly for a few minutes his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. For the first time in a long time Aislinn felt herself gently stir awake as the feel of his large hand moving so softly and gently roused her. Keeping her eyes closed she felt her body relax even more, savoring the moment. She had never felt as content in her life as she did then with his arms and warmth surrounding her. She let out a sigh as she nuzzled further into his chest burying her face into him, inhaling his scent.

"We didn't know you had shifted." His voice was soft barely above a whisper as he spoke. His hand never stopping its motion on her back.

"Mhmm ... I shifted when I was 7"

His hand paused for a moment his body tensing under her before she felt him let out a shuddering breath and his hand once more picking up its circuit from hip to shoulder. Round and round.

"Are you okay?" She asked without lifting her head.

"Of course." She heard something in his tone though so she didn't speak hoping he would continue. Forcing himself to relax again she felt as his breath stirred her hair as he pressed his lips to the crown of her head. "That's very young" was all he said.

"Oh, yeah I guess" she mumbled, "It was part of training."

His arm tightened around her at her words.

"Training" his voice was tight now.

"They forced me to shift. Started when they first got me but I wasn't able to for almost a year." She let out a yawn, the words running together as she snuggled closer to him.

He let out a broken chuckle but it felt forced and she could feel the spike of anger and pain that her words brought him through their bond.

"I'm sorry" she sighed, feeling guilt spike in her along with a low burn of anger that her past caused him such pain.

"Don't be sorry luv." He soothed nuzzling his face into her neck, hand still rubbing her back.

Changing the subject she pulled back a bit so she could look up at him. Suddenly nervous she found herself not able to look him in the eye, "I-I m-might not b-be able to do th-this later." She finally got out brokenly as her hands laid limply against his hard chest.

She could feel his eyes on her and risking a glance she found him looking at her with confusion. She looked away wishing now that she hadn't said anything. It's just whatever had just happened, being with him, feeling all of this was not something she was good at or used to and she felt like she had to explain to him. She owed him that at least.

She felt him begin to laugh his chest shaking under her hands and when she finally looked back at him she found pure amusement. Her eyes narrowed and she decided she was willing to seriously reconsider her whole not killing him idea.

"Are you laughing at me?"

He choked out another sputtering round of laughter his hands clamping on her thighs to hold her still when she moved to untangle herself from him.

"No I'm not."

Glaring at him she crossed her arms over her chest, "Yes you are."

To her horror he started laughing again. Okay that was it he was going to die, screw what she said before she did not like this man.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, love." He said earnestly seeing her face, "It's just you looked so adorable all embarrassed and then you pouted ... like actually pouted." Remembering her face he had to choke back another burst of laughter.

Throwing her hands in the air she let out a strangled sound as she tried unsuccessfully to escape the man she was now plotting to murder.

"Okay I'm stopping I swear I'm sorry. No more laughter promise." He looked at her pleadingly. His face so hopeful and earnest.

She tried to hold onto her anger but she felt it melting easily under his eyes. She let out a humph at him, which only caused him to grin as he wrapped his arms around her. She held out for a minute before she let him pull her back into his chest, nuzzling in she breathed in his scent as he began stroking her hair this time. His fingers running from her scalp to the ends.

"You don't need to worry about what happens after this Aislinn. If tomorrow you wake up and can't even speak to me that's okay, I told you before I will wait for you till forever and that hasn't changed. I don't expect anything from you after this, all I ask is that you continue to trust me and when you're ready you come back to me."

It amazed her that she wasn't scared or even surprised that he knew exactly what she was talking about. He knew exactly what she was feeling and that alone should have terrified her. That it didn't should have had her bolting for the hills.

.

.

2am

He'd be lying if he said he had hoped this may have been one of the changes that would come from her opening up to him finally. However from the sound of her clothing softly ruffling and the patter of her bare feet against the floor proved otherwise. He wasn't mad though and he had meant every word he had said to her early that night. He didn't care if she went back to how she was the day before or even to when he had first met her. As long as she was in his life he was happy. If the price he had to pay to have his mate was waking up at two in the morning he would gladly pay it with a grin on his face.

He knew it had been a risk to kiss her, to push her like he had but the absolute terror that he had felt when he realized she had decided to break their bond and reject him was like nothing he had ever experienced. Remembering the feel of her silky lips and the way her soft body had fit so effortlessly against his as her curves pressed deliciously against him had him instantly hard. Groaning to himself he tried to push the memories off and shake himself from his lust filled thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her especially after their intense make out session. That had him smiling again, she was so responsive to him and he knew he had never responded to anyone like he had to the feel of her in his arms.

He sat up as he watched her move to the door, he was hit with a sudden truth. He loved her. Head over heels, unquestionable, full blown in love with her. It wasn't just because of the bond anymore, not just his wolf, no every part of him loved her, every little thing. He grinned to himself as he swung his legs over and padded lightly after her. He couldn't stop himself from wishing for the day when he could say the words to her. For now though he would just have to show her.

Where the hell was she going? His previous good mood was dampened when he followed Aislinn out the back door and into the dark forest surrounding the house. He was not impressed that she was wandering around out here with such hostile territory all around. He let out a growl thinking about how close they were to threats. He would kill anyone who would think to harm her.

Okay that was it, he was over this. They had been walking for nearly ten minutes and he had had enough.

"Aislinn what the hell? Where are you going?"

He felt his eyes roll when she didn't even look at him and just kept walking as if she actually knew where she was going.

Cursing under his breath Kaiden prodded Clay and Austin, happy that they were both still awake as they were both on watch at the moment. Asking them to grab Richard and head out to them. Admittedly he was actually surprised that the man had been absent as they had left their room. He promptly shut the link when their own grumbling started at the orders.

He tried again, "Aislinn? Why are we traipsing through the woods? We don't have any clothes?"

He loved her, but fuck she was infuriating. He knew she heard him, the bond between them was still open, her emotions still free as last night - she was simply choosing to ignore him. Perfect. Just brilliant.

She seemed determined though, her mind set as if she had to do something. He decided that he'd just trust that whatever it was she wanted was important and that she would let him in on it when it was needed.

Finally she paused. Her head moving as she intently searched the dark shadows around them. Kaiden could pick up nothing remarkable or especially unique about where they had stopped. But something had called to her.

He felt as the others began to catch up to them. Letting down the block he opened the link back up ushering them over while cautioning them to not disturb whatever it was she was doing.

"Yo man, what are you guys doing out here?" Austin asked lowly when the three men emerged from the dense trees.

Kaiden merely shrugged his shoulders never taking his eyes from his mate.

"Awww ... I see. Another 'Aislinn secret mission'. Gotcha." Clayton let out a low chuckle at Austin's commentary, and Kaiden had to admit he felt his own smirk at the words. She definitely kept them on their toes.

"You let her come out here?" Richard's voice was dark. Kaiden turned to the man his eyebrow raising.

"You think she could have been stopped? Neither of us have had any success in that regard so I don't see why you would think this would be any different." He snapped had waving in her direction.

Richard eyed him a minute more before shaking his head muttering under his breath about 'stubborn royals'. Kaiden couldn't help but chuckle at the man's obvious irritation. It was good to see he wasn't the only one feeling the effects of his mate.

As if both realizing it the same time their heads whipped round. She was gone.

Richard let out a string of curses as Kaiden growled lowly. Before they could react further however they heard soft footsteps approaching.

Kaiden just stared at her. Austin broke out into fits of laughter.

"Seriously? You have got to be kidding me?" Clayton asked to no one in particular.

Richard didn't seem to particularly care only focusing on the fact that she was unhurt.

"As?" She looked up at him. "What is that?"

Aislinn looked down at her arms again, to where she was cuddling a small bundle of grey and white fur. Smiling happily she nuzzled the fluff ball closer to her before looking up at him.

"I found him."

"I see that, love. What I'm wondering; is why, or how?"

To this she just shrugged her shoulders looking down at the small wolf pup now licking at her neck.

Austin took a hesitant step closer to her, pausing carefully when Kaiden let out a growl of warning as he got too close to her. When Aislinn didn't react to his closeness he reached out a hand his fingers scratching behind the pups ear.

"He's small probably the runt, born off season and left to die."

Well that got a reaction. Aislinn let out a harsh hiss as she moved away from him, her hands wrapping protectively around the ball of fur as if to shield him from Aus's words. Kaiden grabbed the front of his Beta's shirt another growl growing in his chest as his eyes narrowed. Austin threw his hands up in surrender his face instantly guilty.

Trying to break the tension and keep himself from having his throat ripped out by his own alpha Austin looked over at the girl and wolf, his voice light and curious as he attempted to ignore the extremely unimpressed male still holding him in a death grip. "Are you going to keep him?"

Her face lifted and Austin felt himself blown away as he witnessed her truly smile for the first time, it was a stunning sight. A shake from Kaiden had him pulling his eyes off of her his face turning sheepish as he offered her mate a shrug. Kaiden let out a groan at his best friend before finally releasing him.

"Of course." Her cool voice was filled with wonder as she moved the pup so he hung in her hands his face level with hers, his little tail wagging happily as girl and wolf evaluated each other.

"Well then, this has been interesting." Clayton interjected sarcasm thick in his tone, earning eye rolls from them all. To which he let out a grumble under his breath.

Aislinn turned around leading them back to the main house the small bundle still wrapped in her arms.

"I'm going to call him Kio."

Kaiden just shook his head in amusement a grin on his face.