Page 93 of Wolf Claimed

She almost laughed, thinking about how that had scared her not too long ago. Now the thought of not being tied to him scared her.

Alyssa slid her hand over the hard muscles of Tiernan’s abdomen. “I don’t need the bond to love you. But it’s nice knowing it’s there.”

“It ties us in a way no other shifter can break. Not even Maddox.”

He worried he’d lose her, as if he needed this bond in order for her to stay with him. She needed to show him she loved him, regardless of any bond.

Rafe entered just then, shifted to human form, shut the door, and then the blinds, finally. “No scent or sign of shifters nearby,” he said as he slid into bed on her other side.

Tiernan kissed the top of her head. “We’ll get Maddox back.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

Rafe’s hand squeezed her upper thigh. He looked tired, but content. “Sleep, Artemis. Tomorrow, we plan.” His eyes closed and before long, his gentle snores soon filled the room.

She relaxed. Tiernan and Rafe wouldn’t abandon Maddox, just like they would never abandon her. Maddox was very much a part of their new pack, and they would not be complete until they brought him home.

“You’re still awake,” Tiernan said at her back. “I guess I didn’t tire you out enough.” His hand languidly caressed her back.

“I think I’m too wired to sleep, but I am exhausted. I don’t have your stamina.”

“I was a little out-of-control tonight. It won’t—”

As she turned to face him, she placed her fingers against his mouth. “Don’t say it won’t happen again. I want it to happen again. I want you to be yourself with me.”

“Then tell me what’s keeping you awake.”

“I’m thinking about home.”

“Where exactly is home for you?”

“Right now? In a seedy hotel, lying between two shifters.”

“We may have to upgrade to a better hotel then. I don’t think this bed will hold four. Maddox alone will take up half the bed.”

She snuggled against him. “Thank you, Tiernan.”

“For what?”

“For loving me. And for including Maddox.”

“Ah, my Alyssa, that has to be the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

With another kiss, she drifted off to sleep knowing it was just a matter of time before Maddox would be with them again, and then she and her pack would finally be whole.

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