Mated but not Tamed

Chapter 31 - How Far You Feel

Seths POV

The house was too damn quiet. Too empty.

Outside, the wind rattled through the pines like ghosts dragging their claws across the siding. Inside, my home felt even colder. Emptier. Too big with no one to share it with.

No one to curl against. No, her.

I drop onto the worn leather couch, shirtless, sweat still clinging to my skin from the run I'd taken in a sorry attempt to chase off the restlessness. Didn't work. Nothing did. Not when my wolf was pacing in my chest, wild with need and irritation and want.

Tomorrow. She'd be here tomorrow.

Luther and Magnolia, followed by Daniel would be arriving for her Luna Ceremony. It just worked out that my house was the closest to the ceremony location.

A beautiful field, filled with wildflowers, and arched rock formations, washed over with multiple little water falls.

It was perfect, a place that would accentuate Magnolia's beaty and kindness. Her soul.

But that was too far away. Too long from now.

I grabbed my phone off the coffee table before I could second-guess it, pulling up her contact. My thumb hovered for all of two seconds before I hit the video icon.

She picked up after two rings.

The screen flickered, then there she was.

Magnolia. Blinking into the camera, curled up in a mess of blankets, hair mussed, skin flushed from sleep.

"Hey," she murmured, voice thick and soft with exhaustion.

I nearly groaned.

That voice could ruin me.

"Hey, Baby Girl," I said, keeping my tone easy. Casual. Like I wasn't starving for her. "Did I wake you?"

"A little. But it's okay." She yawned, covering her mouth with one hand, and the glimpse of bare collarbone above her tank top nearly undid me.

She was in bed. Warm. Soft. Tucked in.

Without me.

"Just checking in," I said, leaning back, dragging a hand through my hair. "Tomorrow's a big day."

She nodded, lids drooping a little. "I know. I can't believe it's almost here."

Gods, she looked tired. Sweet. Touchable.

"You been sleeping, okay?" I asked. "No more nightmares?"

Her smile faltered. "Not really. But it's better with Luther still here with me." She hesitated, I felt a small tug on the bond. Feather light, but there all the same. I tugged back and her lips curved in a shy smile.

I swallowed. My voice came out lower, rougher. "And how's Luther? Keeping you busy?"

Her cheeks went pink. Just the subtlest flush. But I caught it.

She ducked her head. "I guess you could say that."

A low silence stretched between us.

"Did something... happen? With you and Luther?"

She stiffened, her breath hitching.

"Magnolia," I said, softer now. "You can tell me. I'm your mate, and so is Luther. I won't be mad." I try reassuring her, though I have to be honest too. "I can't say I won't be a little jealous, but I would like to know." I smile as best I can at the end, seeing the light enter her eyes.