Chapter 26: Chapter 26

He took her back to Matt and Margot’s, only this time he came inside instead of leaving her at the front door. He didn’t ask, but he didn’t have to. It was clear that she wasn’t okay, and he needed to be there, at least for the time being. Soren wondered if maybe Margot had it wrong, she knew she couldn’t rely on James to fix her; she knew there was nothing he could do in the name of saving her from herself. Margot was wrong though, the more Soren thought about it, the more she became sure that her and James had been paired in part for the way they could assist each other in healing, even if it was only being there for each other as moral support.

James helped her to the room that had been deemed hers, helping her out of her chair and into the bed. Soren hesitated at whether or not to ask James to stay, she knew it would help her sleep, but it was a big step in their relationship, one she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

He made the decision for both of them, walking into the ensuite bathroom, she waited for him to leave so that she could ask him if he would stay until she fell asleep. He didn’t come out of the bathroom though, it was his wolf. Chocolate brown fur came into sight, and she felt relief. James always knew what to do and how to make her comfortable.

He jumped up onto the bed beside her, placing his large head on his two front paws. Soren prayed Matt and Margot wouldn’t mind having a wolf on their furniture. Knowing the couple that slept not even a minute away, they would be ecstatic that the two of the were sleeping in the same bed, whether James was human or not.

With him by her side she felt asleep seamlessly and slept through until morning. When she woke up James’ wolf was still by her side, his eyes were open, and he looked alert as he watched her sleep. She rubbed his head and behind his ears, grinning as his eyes closed involuntarily,

“Good morning.”

He let out a gentle huff and nuzzled his nose into her neck, nudging her off the bed. She let out a little laugh and complied, leaving the safe haven of sheets and making her way down the stairs and too the kitchen. It wasn’t five minutes later that James appeared through the entrance to the kitchen, giving her a small hug, he pecked her on the cheek before opening the fridge like he was in his own home. It was clear he had spent lots of time with Margot and Matt, he knew exactly where everything he needed was, grabbing mugs for coffee and a pan for eggs.

He hadn’t even started cooking and Soren’s mouth was watering at the thought of food. She would never admit it to him, for fear of absolute embarrassment, but she loved watching him move around the kitchen. She found it incredibly attractive that he took care of her so well, making sure she was never hungry or uncomfortable.

“Ren?”

He broke her out of her thoughts, and her cheeks reddened at the idea that he may have caught her staring at him.

“Hmm?” She hummed over the rim of her coffee mug,

“I was thinking maybe we could do dinner with Matt and Margot tonight,” he looks hesitant to continue, “and that maybe if you’re feeling alright, you could come back home.”

His hand tore its way through his hair, leaving it sticking in all directions.

“If you’d be more comfortable here, I understand, but the cabin’s your home too and I think it would help both of us sleep if we were close together.”

She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off,

“Don’t answer right now, let me know after dinner, okay?”

She noted how nervous he looked, the more time she spent with him the more she understood that the confident face he put on for pack members was all an act. He was just as insecure and uncertain as she was, but false bravado had been getting him through everyday life as a person so many depended on, including her.

They ate in silence, James’ request hung in the air between them even though Soren already knew her answer. After breakfast they walked into town, Soren poking through little shops of handmaid trinkets, blankets and clothes that some pack members made. It was refreshing to see other people and smile at a few as she passed. She knew they recognized her as a part of them now, someone to respect and admire.

James held her hand the whole time, waiting without complaint as she looked at everything the pack had to offer. She was transfixed by everything she saw, so many beautiful items that she hadn’t had even when she had lived with her parents.

A blanket of rich blue caught her eye, tucked away under all the others. It was incredibly soft, and she couldn’t help but run her hands along its texture.

“Do you want that?”

Soren looked up at James who up until that point had been silently observing.

“Really?” She looked uncertain, she didn’t know how much it cost or how much money James had.

“Yeah, let’s get it. It’s about time we start to add some of your things into the house. We share it, you can get whatever you want, we can redecorate.”

Once again, he had surprised her with his kindness and caring. The fates had blessed her with James as a mate.

They returned back to the cabin, Soren’s hands full with the royal blue material. She was excited at the prospect of having something of her own. Up until that point she still felt like she was just a stranger, borrowing for others, but not really belonging. It was sill, she thought, how different a simple blanket could make her feel.

Together with James she laid the blanket across the end of the bed, loving how the colour stood out against the earthy tones of the room. She was sure to a professional or to someone who loved fashion, it would be an eye sore, but to her it was the staple of the room, and a great addition.

Standing back, James tucked her into his side,

“It looks great.” He laid another kiss on her cheek, the second of the day and Soren noted how comfortable she had become when it came to his affections. Touching him felt like second nature, and she had caught herself grabbing his arm or his hand reassuringly throughout the day, it happened without her noticing, like her body wanted to know that he was close by.

“Thank you, I love it. It makes the room feel more like ours, you know?”

He nodded,

“That’s exactly what I always wanted. From now on I’m going to remember to shower you with lots of gifts.”

“That’s not what I mean, James.” She nudged him with her elbow.

“I know, I’m just kidding. Sort of.” He sent a cheeky grin her way, and she couldn’t imagine how she had possibly spent so much time away from him and his adorable attitude.

The time had flown spending the day with James, before they knew it, it was time to return to Margot and Matt’s for dinner. Soren changed into some of the clothes that were still at the cabin and threw on the hoodie of James’ that she had long since claimed her own. Attached at the hips, the two mates made their way to their friends’ home.

A bottle of wine was held in James’ free hand, a red that he claimed was Margot’s favourite. Soren wondered if James was trying to get on her friend’s good side for when he tried to take Soren back with him. Margot flung open the door before they were even up the steps. The bubbly brunette bounded towards the couple and wrapped them both up into a group hug.

“Margot, stop suffocating the guests.”

Matt stood on the porch with his arms crossed, but the look on his face was anything but angry.

In an act of defiance Margot hugged them tighter, until Soren pulled away struggling to breathe. Sticking her tongue out at her mate, Margot dragged Soren into the house, nabbing the wine out of James’ hands on their way by. Once settled into the living room with a glass of wine for both of them, Margot finally relaxed, letting her vivacious attitude fade into a less intense buzz of joy.

Soren loved her friend’s positivity, eating it up while in her presence. Soon the men joined them, and they chatted a while before entering the dining room for dinner.

Margot had gone all out, with elaborate place settings and napkin cranes.

“Sorry, Margot got excited, we haven’t had people over for dinner in a while.”

“But that’s going to change!” Margot cut in, “You guys are invited for dinner every night.”

“No, babe, they’re not.” Matt rolled his eyes at his mate’s antics, “But you guys are welcome every once and a while.”

On that note, the two couples sat down and dug into the meal Margot had prepared. It was delicious, and Soren marvelled at Margot’s abilities in the kitchen. She had really outdone herself.

By the end of the night Soren’s eyes were drooping, two glasses of wine and lack of sleep were getting to her. They had moved their visit into the living room and now Soren tuned into the light back and forth of the men. Leaning into James she rested her head on his shoulder, his arm wrapping over and around her shoulders in response.

“Tired, Ren?” His low voice caressed her ears.

She nodded tiredly, her cheek rubbing against the cotton of his plain T-shirt.

“Do you want to stay here tonight?” He asked the question that had been looming between them since the moment he had asked, “Or go back to the cabin?”

She lifted her head off his shoulder and stared into the kind eyes of the man that was made for her.

“Take me home James.”