Blake I followed Natalia out of her bedroom and downstairs to the dining room. We didn't have much time if I wanted to make the scheduled meeting with two future allies from faraway packs. I enjoyed teasing her and watching her face flush with embarrassment. It reminded me of when she was little, and I used to tease her like that. She would hide her face in my chest as those who watched us laughed at my jokes. Too many years had passed, however. Natalia was a grown woman who no longer appreciated my jokes. She fought like a wild cat, demanding my respect. That was new, and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the latest version of my wife. I knew she was angry with me, but I held her hand while descending the stairs. We shouldn't allow anyone to see what was really between us. S