Page 77 of To Heal a Wolf

“But there are also countries that embrace wolves, some in ways the US still won’t do.”

Another nod, spoon still poised.

“And those countries welcome lupine tourists. There are containment paddocks made safe and comfortable for you. Some of them, you don’t even wear a collar. The fence itself has enough jolt to keep you inside, and your neck is free the whole time.”

“Wow,” he said.

“It’s not super common for wolves to travel, but it’s far from unheard of, Trevor. It’s a pastime for hundreds of you worldwide. So when you’re ready…” She squeezed his shoulder, and he blinked as though waking up. “When you’re ready, we’ll plan a trip. Anywhere you want to go. We’ll go see it together, and if we want to stay for two months we can, and it’ll be safe.”

“Okay,” he whispered. “Um. Wow.”

“Do you know which place you’d like to see first?”

She could only hope he wouldn’t name somewhere with strict laws to control lupines. She’d researched so many hours, she knew which countries’ laws were insulting but harmless, which countries criminalized a wolf for deeds no human would be punished for. At some point she would share this information with Trevor, but not today. She didn’t want to see it today, the hurt that would fill his eyes when he understood that in certain places of the world he was in a legal category higher than beast yet lower than human.

“Could we…?” He spooned a bite of pudding and, as if he’d forgotten their game, ate it himself. “Could we start with somewhere closer? Somewhere in the US?”

“Anywhere you want.”

“I always wanted to see the Grand Canyon.”

A long drive but a doable one. He could have made the trip years ago, were it not for the narrative of danger running a loop in his brain. Kelsey was grateful beyond words that Robert had done his part to smooth the scar. She leaned over the open dessert cup and hugged her mate.

“We will see the Grand Canyon first thing.” She retrieved the spoon from where it had fallen on the bed and scooped herself a bite. She gave a happy sigh. Best pudding ever.

“Then maybe Hawaii,” he said.

“Oh, it’s beautiful there. You’ll love all the lush trails, all the water activities.”

“Then maybe Greece.” His eyes were alight now, his voice hushed. “Anywhere? Really?”

“Trevor Sterling, get ready to see the world. The adventure has not yet begun.”

A barking laugh exploded from his chest. “You sound like a travel brochure.”

“I ought to. It’s kind of my job.”

“Not with me though.” He stole the spoon and ate a bite. “With me you’re just my Kelsey.”

“Right, about that.” The second thing she wanted to tell him. The second thing for which the time had come. Everything in her knew. “I was thinking about what we could tackle next. When we get home, I mean.”

“Oh, you have something in mind?”

“I do.” She leaned in and kissed him, both their mouths tasting of creamy bananas. “I think it’s time to tackle a certain ceremony.”

“Kels…”

“I’m ready, Trevor. I want to be bonded to you before the alpha and the pack. Until and beyond the falling of the moon.”

“Well then.” His smile grew, and his low purr filled the room. “Let the adventure begin.”

Of all the beautiful sights in the world, her mate’s grin would always be her favorite.