Chapter 34 Better Than Okay
Alec POV
Her head is soft against my chest. I can always tell when she falls asleep; she used to always hold her head just slightly off my chest, almost as though she’s worried she’ll be too heavy. She’s stopped doing it as often now since I told her the truth about everything.
Her breaths are even and soft, her arm tightly wrapping around my waist as though I might disappear while she’s asleep. Her legs are wrapped around mine, effectively trapping me in place. Not that I mind she could trap me with her forever, and I would die a happy man.
Her long brown hair tickles my arm every time she moves, but I don’t dare move a muscle. All I want is her. If I wake her, she’ll have to leave, again. She’s wearing one of my shirts again, making her smell even more like me, which makes my wolf side rejoice greatly. Her long eyelashes rest against her pale cheeks; they flutter ever so slightly as she dreams about who knows what.
She is the most perfectly beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. Everything about her is perfect, even when she tries to hide parts of herself. I haven’t seen a single thing about her that I dislike. I love the way she gets nervous at my random touches. I love the way she tries to hide how much the bond affects her. Although I’ve made it clear and obvious how much being soulmates affects me as well. I love how great she is with my friends, especially Noah. Those two have become extremely close in such a short amount of time. But it’s nice. Noah will be a part of our lives forever, so it’s a good thing they don’t hate each other.
But considering how much that has been thrown at her in such a short time, she has handled it so wonderfully. I thank whoever paired us together because she has been nothing short of wonderful with everything that has happened. I truly believe that she’ll make a great Luna for the pack someday. I know it bothers her, and she already feels the pressure, but I will never leave her to deal with this on her own. She will always have my support.
Hopefully, in the near future, she can meet my family and also have their support. They won’t stop pestering me to meet her. But they’ve respected my denials, understanding that she’s been through enough; they don’t need to add to it. However, I do sometimes worry they might just show up here one day, coming through the door to see her. I know she would handle it like a pro, but she isn’t even ready to see Cassie yet, let alone my family.
She moves slightly, nuzzling her head impossibly further into my chest. I run my hand ever so slowly up and down her back, trying to help her fall back into her deep sleep.
I feel so content and at peace like this. It’s a relief to know the brunt of everything has been handled. I know there are still many things that will change and happen, but the biggest and worst part of it all is over. I take a deep breath, moving her head up and down slightly.
I finally have my soulmate. If I were asked a year ago, even six months ago, I would’ve denied ever even wanting one. I saw every day how great it was to have a soulmate, but I only saw it as a disadvantage. Even if my soulmate were a werewolf. I would still fear for her safety every minute of the day. So why would someone willingly choose to be tied down to a random person they just met, without their own free will?
I didn’t have a choice when I met Anneliese. The moment our eyes met and I smelt her true scent, I was done. I was permanently hers forever, even if she hates me or tells me to leave, I will always belong to her.
Now that I’ve experienced it myself, I can acknowledge the gift it is. Even though I may not have had a choice, and even though she didn’t, I know she was picked for me, and I was picked for her. And we are the best pair ever made.
A pot clunks loudly on the oven, signalling Noah’s awakeness. I look over at the clock; it’s mid-morning, and I need to wake her up. I almost have to physically force myself to grab her shoulder and move her slightly, saying her name in a soft tone.
She groans, rolling away from me. Her back now to be, I sit up, letting the comforter fall off my body. I don’t really need the blankets, given how hot we run, but I know she still needs them.
“Anneliese, it’s time to get up.” I push her hair away from her face.
“I’m tired.” She’s made it a habit to sleep over here. According to her, the beds at the camp are the worst, so she’s always begging for more sleep in my bed.
“I know, but it’s almost ten o’clock.”
She opens her eyes, rolling onto her back, looking up at me. Her bottom lip is jutted out as she pouts, trying to convince me. I chuckle at her.
“You’re so mean.” She whines, pushing the blankets off herself, getting out of bed.
My shirt hangs loosely from her body, almost completely covering the shorts she has on. My eyes trail down her bare legs as my mind wanders to the fact that she doesn’t look like she has any pants on. I’ve been so horny for her, I don’t quite know what to do with myself sometimes. I will never push her, but damn, do I have the hottest girlfriend possible. She moves around the room putting on her socks from last night. This distracts me from my dirty thoughts.
“Noah’s making breakfast, I’m sure there is enough for you.” I try to offer up food in hopes she’ll be less annoyed.
She perks up at my words. She’s gotten used to our werewolf appetites, but we always make sure she’s full before we eat more.
“Fine. I’m not mad at you anymore.”
I zero in on her getting up and hugging her tightly to me. I lean my head down, nuzzling my face into her neck. She hugs me back just as tight, her face against my bare chest.
“I love you,” I say into her neck.
“I love you more.”
She’s always telling the truth when she says those three words. It’s the most beautiful sound ever to hear her heartbeat stay steady. She truly loves me.
We’re okay, we’re better than okay.