Hope

Four Years Later....

I try to rock the chair quietly so I don't wake up Connor. He finally fell asleep for what I think is the first time since Jace was born. I peer down at our perfect little boy as he eats, his eyes wide and observing me. They are still blue, but I'm hoping they change to Connor's green when he gets a little older. Connor hasn't left our side in the two weeks since we brought Jace home. It got to the point where I had him and Kade put a bed in the nursery so he wasn't laying on the floor next to me.

I watch as Jace fights sleep. He is always so alert, always aware. Already a little Alpha. When his eyes finally close, I detach him from my breast and lay him carefully in his crib. He doesn't wake and I let out a small sigh of relief. I love the boy more than life, but a girl needs sleep.

I was grateful when Connor didn't push for pups right away. I know it's typical of mates, especially alphas to start popping out pups right away. But we were both young and I wanted to enjoy some time with just the two of us. We were able to travel, strengthen our pack and our alliances. I practiced my abilities until I felt strong and confident with them. The look on Connor's face any time he feels my shield over him is worth the effort. He is always so proud of me, so supportive. He has never stopped being the incredible mate I knew he would be.

I pad quietly across the nursery and slip into bed beside Connor. He instinctively rolls closer to me and wraps his arms around me.

"Little bug finally pass out?" He asks, his voice husky from sleep. My wolf purrs at the sound making him chuckle.

"Not yet, stóirín. You're still healing." He says kissing my forehead and tucking me into his chest.

"I'm a wolf, Connor. I'm already healed." I huff in annoyance. I feel his chest rumble with laughter and tuck my face into him.

"We have plenty of time for that. Sleep, my love. That boy will wake up much too soon." He says with a large yawn.

"Fine. But you can still kiss me." I say not bothering to take the whine out of my voice.

"You never have to ask." He says moving his lips over mine in a sweet, slow kiss. I shove my tongue in his mouth and writhe my body against him, making him groan.

"You fight dirty." He says smiling.

"Only with you." I smile back kissing his lips again.

"You're mine, Hope." He growls tightening his arms around me.

"Forever." I say holding him tightly and drifting off effortlessly to sleep.

"Forever." He repeats, kissing the top of my head, the sounds of his contented rumbles lulling me into darkness.

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