Wolf's Call (Wolves Next Door #2) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,18

wasn't fair. About how we didn't want you to get scared off. About how we were invested, one after the other - even Seth!"

"He barely talked to me before that night in the hot tub," she pointed out.

I shrugged. "But he watched. He listened. You intimidate him a bit, and he was conflicted about mating you without explaining everything. Ian felt that mating you would keep you and Gabby safe, even if the feelings weren't returned. It told the pack that he will fight for you. It also gives me permission to be here now. To have more than a shallow sexual relationship. Elena, betas can fuck. We can hook up. What we can't do is have our own girl. Nothing to detract from the pack, but the alpha always shares his mate with his betas. As a friend, a lover, or whatever they want. She's a part of his family, and the only option they have besides each other."

Her mouth flopped open. "Each other?"

"Uh, in mixed beta groups," I corrected. "When I was Ashley's beta, she had another beta who was a woman. The two of us were socially allowed to have sex without issues. Ashley's not into girls, so it all balanced out. There's not a sexual relationship between alphas and their betas, though. It's more like siblings. The mate is what fulfills that role."

"Oh." She slowly lay back down, reclaiming her place at my side. "Do any of them regret this?" she asked.

"No," I promised. "Not at all. You are so perfect for us. By the time we fixed your washer, we all had a reason to be into you. It wasn't just because Ian wanted to help. That's why they made the effort, but he never commanded it. He asked us to get to know you and see if it was possible - and it is. We're all happy. We're all committed to you in our own way. We just never would've considered someone who wasn't a wolf if I didn't have to be with you."

"And what happens if we break up?" she asked.

I leaned closer and kissed the top of her head. "Then I will be miserable, and that's not your problem. For me, it's you or nothing. I'd have to make sure you were safe. I'd be torn knowing that you hated me and I was the problem. The guys would help, though. They'd keep me away until I adjusted, so it's not your problem, ok? I just need you to know this, because Karen will try to convince you things happened that haven't. All I'm saying is that I will never touch anyone else. The idea is disgusting to me now. I'm in love with you, and no matter how bad things get, that is never going to change. There's no mistake you can make that will chase me off. It's not about sex, or pack, or anything else. This thing? Being fated for you? It's the same blind love that you have for Gabby, and it doesn't stop."

"That's..." She reached up to draw little circles on my chest. "I think I like that. Maybe for the wrong reasons, but hearing that you're not going to get sick of me in a few years?"

"Never," I promised her.

She pressed closer, hugging me. "And I've been trying to find a way to be with you."

"You mean talking to the doctor today?" I asked.

She nodded. "I promise I'll tell you first, ok?"

"I don't even care," I assured her. "Just knowing that you might want me to touch you? It's really all I need. This?" And I caressed her back to prove what I meant. "It's a dream come true. I want everything you'll give me, but this really is enough, little bunny. I just want to make you happy."

"You do," she promised. "More than you can imagine."

CHAPTER 6

I woke up the next morning against Lane's chest. He hadn't shifted to his wolf-form in the middle of the night, and it felt oddly good. There was something about being held in a man's arms that I missed so much. Something comforting, nice, and romantic in a way I couldn't even describe. The only problem was the alarm on the bedside table beeping for me to get moving.

Giving in, I rolled over and swiped to silence it. Then Lane moved, and I felt his lips kissing a line up my back. With a contented sound, I rolled back into him, only for his mouth to find my neck,