I woke up before Jaxon and Jace, wedged between them while they snored gently. I slipped out, trying my best not to wake them as I went to the bathroom and stole the sweater of Jaxon's off the floor.
I swear I went to sleep in a shirt...
My skin tingled, feeling a sense of excitement and purpose, Zena crawling under my skin, smelling the wild and smokey scent of our mates and I was overcome with a need that I didn't expect - I wanted to make them breakfast. Zena yipped, encouraging me.
Yes! Lots and lots of food! She urged excitedly.
I made my way to the door, hesitating for a moment when I realized that my injury had nearly healed, and I could walk with only a small hobble.
Zena giggled. I said I'd heal you as quickly as I could. She mused in a singsong voice that made me giggle with her.
Jace had been right. Without my Wolf, I'd denied a large part of myself; to humans, it was unnatural. But I was a Werewolf; I was meant to be like this.
We're strong together. Even stronger with our mates. Zena assured proudly as I made my way downstairs, determined to cook a feast.
I had no idea what Jaxon and Jace liked; opening the fridge to see an array of meats, vegetables, and fruits. I spent a few minutes snooping around, using my sense of smell to find a baking cupboard filled with every home baker's dream ingredients and equipment.
Ignoring Zena's excited - and somewhat wild - suggestions, I started to pile things on the centre island, letting my instincts choose what I was going to make for my mates: bacon and eggs - I found some meat chunks and a grinder to make homemade sausages, chocolate pancakes, and a fruit salad.
I found a small radio beside the stove, turned it to a random country music station and danced while I cooked, humming along. I made all the meat first, letting them stay warm in the oven while I made pancakes.
When I was done with the batter, the kitchen was a mess, with flour covering every surface, including me.
I set my first stack on the counter, my nose picking up the scent as Jaxon came down the stairs, his eyes scanning the room in confusion.
Then, his gaze landed on me, and a slow smile spread across his face.
"Good morning, sweetie, what are you doing?" He asked, his voice husky with sleep. He trudged towards me, the grey sweatpants hanging from his carved hips and the tattoo that took up his left arm and chest stood out. It was twists and whirls of runes along his arm, meeting at his shoulder and forming into a Wolf's head.
Jace, I'd noticed, had a similar one on the right side of his chest. But the rune on Jaxon's cheek ran along his cheekbone in a twist of snaking symbols and dipping along his smile line like a dagger.
I shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious as I set the eggs next to the bowl of fruit. "I didn't know what you liked," I admitted.
Jaxon's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "You got up early...to make us breakfast?" He asked slowly, looking at the food.
I nodded, ducking my eyes. "I hope that's okay." He chuckled, making me look up at him.
"More than. It looks amazing," he grinned then sniffed some of the food. "Smells really good too,"
I blushed, feeling a sense of pride and happiness.
Then, Jaxon's expression turned to light but stern. "I know you're unaware of Lycan ways," his voice drew my full attention; Zena needed me to understand. He gave me a small smile. "A female mate cooking breakfast for her mate...it's a symbol of acceptance....that you're ready to be introduced to the Pack as our mate."
My heart skipped a beat as I realized the significance of my actions.
I looked across the food, the thrumming in my chest growing. Zena yipped and howled with excitement.
I wanted to do this. I wanted to be accepted and accept my mates.
I wanted to see the Pack town, to meet the others and see what my life held with them.
Because I loved them.
Yes! And they love us! We should go. Zena encouraged.
I smiled then. "Well," I grabbed the tray of bacon and sausages, set them on the bench and smiled at Jax. "Guess we should eat first."
Jaxon came to my side, looking over the breakfast I'd cooked and smiled as he looked down at me, his eyes shining with pride. "I love you, Little Flame." He said huskily, leaning down to kiss me gently, pulling away to whisper. "Thank you for being perfect,"
I smiled and blushed, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him into a deep kiss. I commanded, feeling his surprise, but he also growled with approval, pulling my body flush against his before he pulled me onto his lap.
We fell into a comfortable chatter, feeding each other bites of various food, feeling a sense of contentment and joy.
He encouraged my Wolf side, growling softly and nuzzling me. The mate bond tugging at me, urging me to deepen our connection, to experience the small intimacies like feeding each other.
He fed me a blueberry, kissing me gently and his hands caressed my back and hip.
I kissed him back, enjoying the serenity in his arms.
Zena twitched excitedly as I caught a scent, looking to the stairs as Jace came down, grumbling and stretching.
"Ugh, I didn't get to wake up to morning kisses," he complained, his eyes bleary with sleep.
He leaned against the counter, looking over the food laid out and raised his brow. "And the kitchen's a mess?"
Jaxon just smiled, biting into a sausage and didn't reply.
I giggled, sliding off his lap and went to Jace, offering him a slice of bacon by holding it between my teeth. "Sorry, sleepyhead," I whined, trying to appease him.
Jace's eyes lit up, and he leaned in, taking the bacon from my mouth with a gentle bite. "Mmm, I think I can forgive you." He mumbled, his eyes closing in bliss. I fed him a few more pieces of food, smiling at him every time he took it without hesitation, growling with pleasure.
He leaned down, kissing me gently and picked me up, taking me to Jaxon's lap and sat me down, stroking my cheek.
"Good morning, Sweetheart." He grumbled against my lips lovingly. "You smell better than the food,"
Jaxon chuckled below me, his arms wrapping tighter around my waist. "Looks like someone's tempting in the morning," he teased, nuzzling my neck.
I blushed, feeling happy and content in the arms of my mates. This was what I wanted, what I needed - to be surrounded by love, care, and acceptance.
I whined lovingly at them, nuzzling into them each as I did, seeing their smiles at the noise.
Jace nuzzled me, kissing my nose to make me giggle and Jaxon squeezed me with affection, peppering my neck with kisses.
When he was done terrorising me, pulling me again, he spoke to Jace. "Little Flame wants to explore today." Jaxon smiled, feeding me a piece of scrambled eggs while Jace made himself a plate of food.
Jace's face lit up, his grin mischievous. "Ooo, shopping!" He wiggled his brows at me, making me laugh, rolling my eyes at him. His smile widened. "I'm in. I'll take her around and show her the best spots."
Jaxon nodded, his expression considering. "I have a meeting with a visiting Alpha and his Pack, but you two have fun. After shopping, why don't you bring her by the Packhouse and show her the medicinal clinic?"
Jace nodded, both having already planned the day apparently. "Sounds like a plan. We'll make a day of it." He smiled at me. "Sound good, Sweetheart?"
I bounced up and down, Zena rising to the surface with pure joy, both of them chuckling at me as I gave a small yip, excitement building in my chest. "Yes, please! I want to see everything I can."
Jaxon chuckled, his arms tightening around me. "I'll take you to my favourite restaurant after if you're up for it. Just us," he nuzzled me lovingly.
I nodded, kissing his cheek. "Sounds amazing," I said between kissing his skin, making him chuckle.
Jace stood up, stretching his lean frame. "Alright, let's get moving. There's a lot to show you, sweet girl." He held his hand out for me, grinning.
I took his hands and let him take me upstairs to shower while Jaxon cleaned, he brought me a set of his clothes to wear and some underwear he'd had Elara sort for me.
I was grateful they'd thought of ways to ensure my safety; even if the Heat's strength and potency were my own ignorance and fault, they still seemed determined to help and care for me.
We spoke a bit while we got ready, Jaxon telling me more about his role as Alpha within the Packhouse, dealing with the Deltas and Gammas in the Packs protection, whereas Jace took control of the medical and Omegas who made up the community and town.
Jace tugged Jaxon's sweater over my head, smiling at me as I pulled my hair into a high ponytail.
"Ready, Sweetheart?" He asked, taking my hand in his.
I nodded, smiling back. "I'll follow you anywhere," I said, my voice sincere.
He grinned, pulled me to his side and kissed my hair. "Ditto," he mumbled against me, making me laugh.
"Who says 'ditto' anymore?" I teased.
He shrugged, still grinning and unphased. "Cool kids and people with a sense of nostalgia." He said simply, making me laugh again, a swell of love pulsing between our hands through our bond.