The Pack's Doctor novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Adjectives.

Warren.

Once again, I can't resist this woman. She's incredible. I knew my instincts were right to trust that the Moon Goddess would one day send me the woman that was meant for me, but I had no idea that I would be worthy of such a woman as Yara. She's everything I've ever wanted in a mate and so much more.

I know I'm covered in blood and guts, but in truth, so is she. I don't love that she smells like nearly every warrior in my pack, but I also know why she does. One day, hopefully very, very soon, my scent will be stronger than any of theirs because it will be my mark on her neck.

Tasting her, having her in my arms, smelling her sweet cinnamon and nutmeg scent is relaxing me, calming me, and healing me in ways that nothing else in this world has ever done.

When I pull her into my arms, it wasn't conscious. Well, maybe it was for Arric. My wolf is nearly as desperate for our mate as I am. I felt her body tense and then relax as her arms slide around my neck. I let myself get lost in the kiss, knowing that as soon as she regains her thoughts, she'll pull away since my leg is still open and broken on the table behind her.

The kiss doesn't last nearly long enough before reality slams into her, and she quickly pulls away, moving to sit back.

"Careful. You don't want to undo all that hard work," I say softly.

I'd suffer the pain for the kiss, but I know she'll be upset with herself if she does hurt me.

"You are incorrigible!" she says.

"Arrogant, insufferable, unbelievable, leonine, incorrigible; what other interesting adjectives do you have for me, my mate?"

I see her glance up at me as she leans back over my leg. I was pretty sure she hadn't realized she'd spoken out loud about me looking like a lion surveying my kingdom. Arric had nearly barked his laugh out loud like some of my warriors did. The woman isn't just healing my pack's bodies, although that is something incredible to see. But she's also healing their minds, giving them something they haven't had in a long time. Hope.

"Stubborn, there's an apt description of you," she says, tugging a bone back into place. "Arric," she says more quietly. I narrow my eyes at her. It hadn't escaped me that she was much more inclined to love up on my wolf than she is with me.

'That's because I'm better looking,' Arric says, proudly watching our mate put us back together.

I snort and Yara looks up at me, raising an eyebrow.

"Arric says you like him better than me because he's better looking."

"Well, he is magnificent," she says without hesitation and Arric, the bastard, begins purring loudly, making Yara smile.

"So you do like him better than me?" I ask, feeing almost jealous of my wolf.

"Wolves are easier, simpler than humans. They love, they mate, they eat, they fight for their families, they die for their families.

They don't waver, they don't judge based on stupid things. They set up a hierarchy in their packs so everyone knows their place and can feel comfortable with their role within that pack. They don't look down on their omegas, they accept their role within the pack and the stronger wolves protect them as they should.

"What do you want in a mate, Yara? You said you wanted someone who respects you, who recognizes the value you bring to the pack, but those are things that anyone can give. What do you want from a mate. What do you want from me, besides monogamy, which I've already agreed to."

She frowns, looking back down at my leg. "Love and respect, kindness, compassion, honesty...I don't know. I've never really given it much thought."

"Think about it. Other than the peace and quiet that I already told you I can't provide, I want to give you everything that you want in a mate and in life. And honesty...that's an interesting one, since you have yet to be honest with me," I say.

"What haven't I been honest with you about?" she asks me.

"Why did Alpha Solomon's death upset you so much? Was he your Alpha? Was he your father?" I ask and when she looks up again, I see the sadness in her eyes and right behind it, there's fear.

"Trust is earned, Warren," she says, looking away quickly.

"Have I done something that makes you think I'm not worthy of being trusted, Yara?" I ask.

She sighs a heavy sigh. "No. Well, other than holding me captive in your pack," she says, glancing up at me.

"I'm keeping you safe. Someone is after you, Yara. Five trackers don't lie," I say, watching her closely. "So, if losing Alpha Solomon isn't what scares you, then perhaps having his son, Simon, as Alpha is what has you so nervous."

Once again, if I hadn't been watching so closely, I wouldn't have seen her flinch when I said Simon's name. But I was and I did, and now I know who is after my mate.