Chapter 26 : Just Us CAIUS My wolf , Fenrir , had known it before I did .
You are in love with her .
Fenrir had growled .
Shes our mate .
It is more than that .
I had denied it at first .
I had told myself that my protectiveness was because of the bond .
That my fascination was because she was different .
That the ache in my chest when she looked away was because I wanted her to accept us .
But it wasnt .
It was her .
It had always been her .
Now , sitting beside her , hearing the words I never thought Id hear from her lips , I felt something settle deep in my chest .
A finality .
A peace .
She was mine .
And she was finally starting to realize that .
Lira … I murmured , my fingers tightening around hers .
She swallowed , but she didnt pull away .
My wolf stirred , his growl of satisfaction echoing in my mind .
Kiss her .
Not yet , Fenrir .
Not yet .
Coward .
I lifted a hand to cup her cheek , brushing my thumb over the soft curve of her jaw .

Her breath hitched .
Slowly , giving her time to stop me , I leaned in .
She didnt move .
And when my lips met hers , she melted .
It wasnt a hungry kiss .
It wasnt desperate or possessive .
It was soft .
Slow .
A promise .
1/3 Chapter 26 Just Us +15 Bonus Her fingers clutched at my jacket , her breathing uneven as she leaned into me .
My wolf rumbled in satisfaction , but I held back , savoring the moment .
The warmth of her against me , the way her heartbeat thrummed against my palm where I held her face- everything felt right .
I pulled back just enough to meet her gaze .
Her amber eyes were wide , her lips parted as if she had forgotten how to breathe .
A slow smirk tugged at my lips .
You taste like trouble .
She let out a breathless laugh , shaking her head .
And you taste like arrogance .
I chuckled , pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead .
Get used to it , little wolf .
She hummed , her fingers still curled into my jacket .
I think I already am .
I traced a thumb over her cheek , watching the way her eyes softened .
There was no fear there , no resistance .
Just … something new .

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Something fragile but growing .
I wanted more .
But I knew better than to rush her .
Instead , I pulled her closer , letting her rest against my chest .
She exhaled , her body fitting against mine as if she had always belonged there .
For a long while , we sat in silence , listening to the distant sounds of the pack , the wind rustling through the trees , the steady rhythm of each others breathing .
Caius ? she murmured .
Hmm ? She hesitated , then , quietly , Was it always like this for you ? The bond ? I considered her words , my fingers idly tracing patterns against her back .
I think … my wolf knew before I did .
He always did .
I fought it at first , tried to convince myself it was just the bond pulling at me .
But then I realized … I pulled back slightly , just enough to tip her chin up so she had to look at me .
Its not just the bond , Lira .
Its you .
Her lips parted slightly , something flickering in her expression something raw and uncertain , but undeniably there .
I lifted a hand , brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear .
I would have fallen for you even if fate hadnt made us mates .
Her breath caught , and for a second , I worried I had said too much .
Then she whispered , You make it very hard to keep my walls up .
I grinned .
Good .
213 Chapter 26 Just Us +15 Bonus She shook her head but didnt pull away .
Instead , she let herself relax again , resting her head against my shoulder .
I wrapped an arm around her , holding her there as if she was something precious .
Because she was .

Minutes passed , then an hour .
The sky deepened into shades of indigo , the stars blinking awake above us .
Neither of us moved to leave .
Do you regret it ? she asked softly , her voice barely above a whisper .
I frowned .
Regret what ? She swallowed .
Taking me .
Bringing me here .
A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it .
I tightened my grip around her waist , pulling her against me .
Never .
She stiffened slightly , but I didnt let her go .
Lira , I would do it a thousand times over if it meant keeping you safe .
She was quiet for a long time .
Then , finally , she whispered , Thats what scares me .
I exhaled , pressing my forehead to hers .
I know .
But Im not going anywhere .
Her fingers curled into my chest , gripping my shirt as if she wanted to believe me but didnt know how .
I brushed my lips against her temple .
One day , you wont be afraid anymore .
And when that day comes , Ill be right here .
She didnt answer .
But she didnt pull away either .
And for now , that was enough .
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