Mated but not Tamed

Chapter 32 - Reunited

Magnolia POV

My knee wouldn't stop bouncing. No matter how hard I try to keep still, the restless energy was spilling out of me in every small movement—fingers twisting together, toes tapping inside my sneakers, eyes darting between the road ahead and the scenery blurring past the windows.

The closer we got, the faster my heart raced. I could feel it in my throat, in my fingertips.

"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," Luther teased, glancing at my jittering leg as he shifted gears. His mouth curved in that easy, knowing smile of his.

I gave him a helpless look. "I can't help it."

"I know." He chuckled, like my impatience amused him more than anything else.

And then—before the car had even fully turned into the long gravel driveway—I saw him.

Seth was already there, standing in the doorway like he'd been rooted in place for hours, arms folded across his chest, weight leaned to one side. That small, private smile pulled at the corner of his mouth, and even from here, I could feel his presence. The air seemed to shift, thick with that familiar warmth, like his wolf was already reaching for mine.

The second Luther slowed the car to a stop, I was out.

Gravel crunched under my shoes as I ran, my chest aching with how much I'd missed him. Behind me, Luther laughed, his deep voice rolling across the yard. "Guess I'll get the bags, then."

Seth's arms opened just in time, and when I collided with him, it felt like coming home. He caught me easily, wrapping me up so tightly I could barely breathe—but I didn't want him to let go anyway.

"You're here," he murmured against my hair, voice low and rough, like the words had been scraped out of his chest.

His huge arms banded tighter around me, bending me backwards as he took me in. Burying his face in my hair and scenting me. His responding growl sending shives down my spine.

I tipped my head back, breathless, and before I could think twice, our lips met.

The kiss was warm—soft at first, then deeper, carrying every moment we'd been apart. My fingers curled into his shirt, and for a few heartbeats, the rest of the world didn't exist.

It has felt like an eternity has passed since I last kissed him, smelled him, held him. I never want to be parted again. From any of them.

When I finally pulled back, his gaze stayed locked on me. There was something in his eyes—something softer than I'd ever seen—that made my chest squeeze. Like he was memorizing me all over again.

"Hi," I whispered, my voice small.

"Hi," he echoed, his smile deepening, and I knew I wasn't going to make it through tonight without falling for him all over again.

*****

Seth's cabin felt exactly like him—solid, warm, and a little untamed around the edges. The walls were a deep stained wood, pictures and paintings hung spars. The details made in the archways added an elegance that definitely fit Seth.

The aura he gave off, the agility and elegance he portrayed while still maintaining his intimidating presence. His gruff attitude put into visual décor through out the house.

I couldn't imagine it any other way. It was perfect.

The moment we stepped inside, I was wrapped in scents that made my shoulders drop and my chest unclench: cedar, pine, and that deep, grounding note that was purely Seth.