The Vampire's Mate(#Wattys2017)

The wolf in the wood

Xavier's pov

The bond was nothing like I had ever experienced before, thrumming in my chest as if it were purring its content. Katerina nuzzled into my neck her breath fanning my mark. I do not think that I have ever been happier than I am now. Looking down at my mate I was shocked to find that she still felt insignificant. Broadcasting my feelings to her I envisioned wrapping her in a cocoon of warmth and love and pride.
My little mate stared up at me eyes wide " how did you do that?" she asked her brow furrowed adorably showing her confusion at my antics. Instead of answering her out loud I spoke in her mind We are bonded now we can do more than that kitten . Her eyes widened to the size of saucers We can talk to each other in our minds?! Her lips forming the words that her mouth did not release into the world as her mind connected with mine caused a laugh to escape my lips.
She truly is adorable I thought to myself forgetting that she now could read my mind as well. She surprisingly decided not to comment but to give me a kiss that made my sluggish heart skip a beat. She sighed her eyes glazing over slightly in her own little world with a smile that I loved. Unfortunately, the door banged open to Lily who was raced over to launch herself at my mate.
Katerina opened her arms wide welcoming the little one who was now excitedly jumping up and down on the bed. " Daddy says that you can take me out on a run with your wolf if you want." she said giving a toothless grin then she looked over at me " Daddy also says that Xavy can come with us." She said bounding over to tackle me into a hug.Lily had really taken to me since I had been here. Even taken to calling me Xavy which I would only respond to if it was Lily who had called me. Zander immediately fell in love with the little girl, she reminded him of Elaina when they were little making mischief where ever they went. I felt a pang of sadness, no doubt she would have loved my mate if she had ever got to meet her. Sensing my pain my mate pressed her side into mine offering support making the hurt subside if only for a moment.

When my twin died I had been devastated,we where very close having a bond that wasn't uncommon with vampire twins. Eliana.I had failed her it was my job to protect her. My human little sister.Instead, she died alone and frightened in the woods. Her body had been too mangled to even recognize her but my mother felt her bond with her child shatter, she hadn't ever been the same after that. I shook the thoughts away and stood,putting Katerina's feet on the ground I faked a smile " Well, lets go I'm sure that Katerina wants to go on a run and you want to see her wolf right Lily?" The girl nodded an adorable smile seemed to be permanently etched onto her tiny face. My kitten picked her up, grabbed my hand, and walked out the door into the sunlight, she looked like an angel. The Forrest seemed to be calling her a pull in her blood Lily's little head perked up as well she loved the woods. Katerina placed Lily onto the ground and disappeared behind a tree seconds later she came out on four paws. She padded over to Lily ears pricked up tongue lolling out she gave the girl a slobbery kiss. My mate is so cute.
The wolf kneeled letting the little girl climb onto her back . Greer knew that this was her sister and she had no problem letting the child ride her . The sight was adorable as Lily was swallowed up in Greer's thick fur.
Eyes gleaming she darted into the woods the girl squealing in delight . I chuckled racing after her slowing my speed to match her pace . We ran for a few minutes before coming to a stop by a stream. She drank before letting Lily play in the cool water her tail wagging furiously .
Suddenly, her ears flattened against her head growls emitting from her throat .Using my super speed I scooped Lily up protecting her from whatever threat was coming out way. Rouge. Greer's thoughts were loud and clear and I agreed whole heatedly with her actions. But I was thoroughly shocked when a pup stumbled out of the woods.
(A/N male wolves can shift as early as 6 years old. Females cannot shift until 16 years old.)
It's fur was matted and it was tiny but obviously male looking about two years older than Lily. Greer stopped growling and the wolf promptly plopped down in front of her. She looked at it confused before poking it with her nose gently nudging it over to me.
I stared dumbfounded as she looked up at me with those big golden eyes. Already knowing what she was asking I sighed accessing the pup he didn't look like much of a threat so I nodded. Gently I set Lily down letting her walk over to the pup. She remained cautious hiding behind my leg letting her eyes scan the pup . "Why is he so small ? I thought only big people shifted ?" I chuckled hearing the obvious hint of envy laced in her voice . She shook it off before reaching out with her hand touching the wolf who in turn begin to wag his tail. Lily smiled at the wolf inching closer before I placed my hand on her shoulder. The pup growled before shifting back into a boy. My assumption was wrong he was about 13 years old and very angry at me. His eyes flashed from green to gold before snarling zeroing in on my hand. My mate stiffened before growling at him not liking the disrespect the boy was showing me.
    When he growled again she used the Alpha command trying to force him to submit surprisingly he fought against it. Pain was in his eyes but he was holding on not submitting to Greer's will . I had to hand it to the kid he was strong no ordinary wolf could resist that order. When I took my hand off of Lily however he stopped growling. Walking over to her, he wrapped her into his arms stunning us all. This boy was Lily's mate ?!