Chapter 181 With You

Chapter 181 With You
Riley

I woke up feeling warm and comfortable. My body felt heavy with healing, and I could sense Nia in my mind, still weak but working to recover her strength.

Through our mental connection, I encouraged her: Heal yourself, Nia. I'll be here when you return. I love you.

I could feel her acknowledging my words, her presence a faint flicker in my consciousness. Beyond our bond, I sensed the pack's mental energy flowing toward Nia, supporting her recovery like countless invisible threads of strength.

Beside me, Kairos still slept, his breathing deep and even. Through our mate bond, I caught glimpses of his dreams—Finn, the pack territories, and images of me. His mind was peaceful for once, not turbulent with anger or fear.

Kieran, his wolf, rumbled in my mind: Alpha worried about these things most.

Kairos stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist. His eyes opened, immediately finding mine.

"How do you feel?" he asked through our mind link, his mental voice warm with concern.

His hand skimmed down to my still-flat belly, resting there with a gentleness that seemed at odds with his usual strength. "My Little One's pup," he whispered, his face softening. "Your stomach isn't as flat as it was. Our child is growing."

I placed my hand over his, feeling the subtle change he'd noticed. My stomach had indeed gained the slightest curve, barely perceptible but there.

"Is Nia still trying to come back?" Kairos asked, his eyes studying my face.

I nodded. "Yes, she's fluttering at the edges of my consciousness, trying to find her way back to me. I know she'll return. She's a strong, beautiful wolf."

"I can still feel your weakness. How do you feel?" Kairos replied.

"Weak," I admitted. "But I want to shower. Maybe my mom can help me."

Kairos shook his head firmly. "You are my mate. I will care for you."

There was something in his tone—not commanding, but resolute. His eyes held mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

"Nothing is more important than you, Riley. Nothing." His voice deepened. "Being my mate means you are the one I love, the one I cherish, the one I protect, and the one I care for. I will not give that responsibility to anyone, not even your mother."

I turned to face him fully, placing my hand on his cheek. "You already are everything I need and want, Kairos. You are you. That's all I've ever wanted."

I opened myself through our bond, letting him feel the love I had for him—pure, uncompromising, and complete.

"Goddess, your love feels so good, so pure, so perfect," he whispered.

I leaned forward and kissed him gently. "That's because it is pure. It's just love, Kairos. Simple love."

He held me for a moment longer before speaking again. "We both need a shower. I'd like your mother to check on you and the baby later. I have a meeting with your father this morning."

"About what?" I asked, curious.

"Pack business. Also, Nolan and Hayden will be leaving soon. Do you want to say goodbye to them?"

"Let's see how I feel after the shower."

Kairos slipped out of bed and came around to my side. With gentle hands, he lifted me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as he carried me to the bathroom. Once inside, he set me down carefully, keeping one arm around my waist to steady me while he turned on the shower with his free hand.

I smiled at his attentiveness. This powerful Alpha, who could tear enemies apart with his bare hands, was adjusting the water temperature to make sure it wouldn't be too hot or cold for me.

He helped me remove the T-shirt he'd put on me the night before. My hands slid over his chest, tracing the scars that covered his skin. I felt him shiver under my touch.

"I've imagined for years that you would be the father of my children," I said softly. "Even when I was young and thought you hated me, I would sometimes imagine what you would be like as a father."

"And what did you think?" he asked, his voice low.

"That you would be kind and gentle with our children, just as you are with me. That you would be stern when needed but never cruel. The perfect father for our children—strict but loving and gentle."

Kairos's expression softened. "I never thought about having children before you. Not until Kieran recognized you as my mate. Then I wanted them desperately—with you."

"How many children do you want?" I asked. "Are you hoping I'll be like my mother?"

Kairos chuckled. "Are you saying you want a litter of pups like your parents have?"

"At least two," I replied. "Maybe a boy and a girl."

"Two I can handle," he said, his eyes twinkling with rare humor.

"How about we start with one?" I suggested, smiling up at him.

"Perfect," he replied, leaning down to kiss the tip of my nose. "Just like you."

He helped me into the shower, his hands steady and supportive.

As he shampooed my hair, his fingers massaging my scalp, he spoke again. "I talked to your father yesterday. He's going to stay. Both your parents will."

"He's staying? Both of them will stay?"

Kairos nodded. "Your father suggested building a house for your family on the borders. That way they can come and go as they please. And your mother mentioned helping you finish your medical studies."

Tears sprang to my eyes at his words. "You really are the most amazing man in the world," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my wet body against his, and kissed him deeply. Through our bond, I let him feel every ounce of love and gratitude I felt.

Kairos growled possessively, pressing me against the shower wall. His kiss turned hungry, claiming. When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard.

"Damn it, Riley! I love the way you love me," he panted. "You don't have enough strength yet for me to fully show you how wonderful your feelings for me are. But when you're recovered, I won't hold back anymore. I'll give you everything, just as you give me everything."

"I hope that day comes soon," I whispered.

"Not soon enough," he replied, kissing me again with such passion and possession that my toes curled against the shower floor.