Exiting the closet I am about to try and find Tate when a knock on the one door I have yet to open catches my attention, causing me to turn towards it with suspicion. Taking a deep breath to steady my nervous heart, I reach for the nearest object I can do damage with—a lamp—and position myself just to the side in a defensive stance, ready to attack whoever is on the other side of the wooden door.
“Come in.” I call out, watching the door open to reveal Tate, his scent instantly over powering the vanilla from the bubble bath.
“Good mor- Wait, were you going to hit me with that?” I sigh with relief and put the lamp back on the night stand before facing my mate who gives me a puzzled look.
“No, I was going to hit whoever I didn’t know with it.” I correct, getting a chuckle from him that sends my heart fluttering.
“Technically, you don’t know me.” He points out with a smirk, making me roll my eyes as I cross my arms over my chest, noticing how his gaze watches my movements.
“Anyways, I thought you would like to know that food is ready, and I brought you a shirt since yours looked too small when I was cleaning your clothes.” I smile at Tate’s considerate thought, thanking him while I take the offered shirt. Slipping out of the tight long-sleeved shirt, I pull on the soft, cotton, black long-sleeved V-neck that smells faintly like him. Now feeling much more comfortable, I stretch, loving the fact I can move freely once again.
“Not shy around guys?” It wasn’t a question, but how Tate words his statement causes me to blush slightly in embarrassment.
“Sorry. I am used to changing in front of my cousin and his mate because they’re gay and everything. You should have seen their faces when they would bring me back new clothes and have a fashion show in our living room.” I apologize, giving Tate an explanation at my comfort around men I put my trust in. I squeak in surprise when strong arms pull me towards a chiselled chest, Tate’s scent enveloping my senses as he tenderly holds me.
“Don’t apologize to me. You are my mate. You should be comfortable around me.” He says, kissing the top of my head. I can’t help but snuggle into him, the sense of security I felt when we left the Dinner returning. If this is how a mate is supposed to be, then count me sucked in and give me a contract to sign.
“Now, come on. Let’s go eat.” He lets go of me and I instantly miss his warmth. He must have noticed my disappointment as he suddenly takes my hand and leads me out of the room. The hallway he leads me down is a light grey colour with pictures of Tate, Eeva, and three young boys placed every now and then. Being led down the dark wooden stairs, I try my best to take a peek around the front entrance and the next hallway until I stand in a large, bright kitchen. I can’t help but smile at the thought of baking inside here while I look at the large counter with a high-end stove and a door to what I assume is the pantry. The thought of the recipes I love so much filling the house with their delicious scent and children running around is feeling I know is close to becoming a reality.
“Sit over there, and I’ll bring you some food. I know you’ve had a rough time, so I want you to get some rest and take it easy for now.” Tate directs me to a breakfast nook in the corner of the kitchen, situated under large windows on either side. I smile at how pampering he sounds. The image of a cruel Alpha I once imagined him to be is slowly dissolving into this sweet mate image he displays now. I sit down and take the time to fully look at my mate now that my fight or flight instinct has died down. He has dark chestnut-coloured hair, similar to my own, with lighter natural highlights thrown about. His hair is cut short and styled messily causing my fingers to itch with the need to run them through his hair and feel just how soft his locks are. His broad shoulders connect to solid muscular arms, the same arms that have held me multiple times since meeting yesterday. One thing is for sure, Tate is fit and lean, his body radiating power as an Alpha’s body should. His dark green eyes reminded me of the forest in the summer, warm and welcoming with cool undertones. I know that if I stare too deeply into these eyes of his that I will lose myself to him.
“Here you go. Over easy eggs, bacon and hash browns.” Tate’s voice breaks me from my thoughts as he places a full plate in front of me. My stomach grumbling from the wonderful aroma.
“And some blueberry vanilla tea.” He adds, chuckling at my reaction to the food.
“Thank you.” I smile graciously at my mate, taking a sip of the herbal tea before digging into my eggs. Tate soon joins me with a plate of his own and adds two pieces of toast to my plate, which I use to soak up the warm egg yolks. The distinctive smell of coffee hits my nose from the green mug Tate sips from, his eyes looking everywhere but at me as my nose scrunches up at the strong scent. Thankfully, the strong smell doesn’t cause my stomach to turn as we sit there in silence for a moment before he sighs and looks at my stomach. I see the reluctance to accept my pregnancy reflected in the depth of his eyes and wonder what he is thinking.
“You really did not know about it being illegal, about Breeders being illegal?” He asks with concern etched into his face. I couldn’t help but put my left hand on my stomach, nodding yes to answer his question and receiving another deep sigh from Tate.
“I guess only a few knew about the new rule. The Beta pair probably knew. Most wolves probably just decided to ignore it to get free sex.” I reply quietly as I think about Abby and her attitude. It all makes sense with how her behaviour took a one-eighty that day.