Only Her- ON HOLD

Chapter 54.

Dani's POV

It felt good to come back to the field. It felt like I'd overcome a small part of the pain hooked deep inside of me.

I stretched my tired muscles as I turned on the shower. Training with Noah had been helpful. It was easier to overcome the panic when it was with him. He placed me in the same positions on purpose, allowing me the time to acclimate and adjust my mindset. Always sure to press his skin against mine and push love and comfort through our bond.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear the door open and close, steam slowly filling the room. His body was behind me. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, his hands trailing down to absently stroke my stomach as he nuzzled into my neck. He breathed in my scent and placed a kiss on my mark, sending chills down my spine. I let my head tilt back to rest against his shoulder and allow him space.

"I'm so proud of you." He said, his voice quiet as he spoke against my skin.

I sighed and interlaced my fingers in his across my stomach, now a little rounder and showing my pregnancy more. "I have a very long way to go."

He grunted and lifted his mouth to my ear. "You overcame something today that many work years to fight through." He pulled back to look at me. "You're incredible Dani."

I shook my head at his words. His hand reached up as his fingers tugged my chin up to look at him. "I mean it. I'm so proud of you. Proud of my mate."

He leaned in to place a soft kiss on my lips and I felt myself melting in his arms. Something about the steam and his warmth mixing with the gentle hum of our bond was quickly relaxing me into a puddle in his hold.

His kiss deepened and I felt a shift between us. I felt something primal slowly bubbling up from within him. Felt his need to show his devotion to me. I broke the kiss and slowly stepped away from him. His body tensed and I could feel his urge to follow after me, but he stood absolutely still as he watched me. I took my time to pull my shirt over my head and let it drop to the floor. His eyes darkened and I could see his body coiling. Like an animal ready to pounce.

I removed my leggings and then my sports bra. Finally the last of my undergarments fell to the floor with a quiet thud and his eyes locked on me, watching me with such intensity. But he never moved. His eyes were nearly black now as they raked up and down my body, and I could see his wolf staring back at me. My lips tugged up into a smirk as I slowly backed into the shower, letting the water cover me, never leaving his gaze.

Finally, I spoke, the words coming out low. A voice even I knew wasn't entirely my own. I knew my own wolf was staring back at his now. "Well...aren't you going to join me?" I asked.

As if a thread snapped on his control, his body moved into motion. Stalking forward and quickly shedding his clothes. He followed me into the stream of water, his hand pushing back into my hair before he kissed me. The kiss was deep. All consuming and I could feel his urgency as much as if it were my own.

I could feel his need to connect. His need to protect and take care of his mate. And I felt that same need. We let the steam fill the room as we made love until the water ran cold.

———

"I think we need to strike and soon instead of playing defense like we originally planned." Sienna's voice broke me away from my thoughts as I swam in my own mind.

Noah's eyes caught mine and I could see a glint of mischief in them. I knew he'd seen my memories from our time earlier playing through my mind. I smiled at him and tried to regain my focus on the task at hand.