The Gift chronicles

Book 1 Chapter 41

The next week went by normally. Thane and his entourage left a few days after I decapitated whatshername, after working out some of the battle strategies. He planned on declaring war in a month. I hadn't talked about it with Cain, but I assumed he would let me fight since I was far more skilled than most of his men.

Cain and I had been getting along relatively well all week, despite the usual quarrels that usually started with him telling me no, me throwing knives at him because he told me no, him pinning me down because I threw knives at him, and then us making out. We had almost mated more times than I could count, and I could tell his wolf was extremely on edge, needing the release. My wolf wasn't much better, often wanting me to jump him anytime he walked into the room. The only thing stopping us was me saying no anytime he wanted to take it further. To his credit, he didn't push it once I said no.

I didn't plan on saying no anymore after the ceremony.

Cain shook me awake, making me groan. Go away, I whined, putting the pillow over my head.

"I have stuff I have to do today in preparation for the ceremony, pup. I want to give you something before I leave," Cain's voice was happy.

I groaned again, but resurfaced from underneath the pillow. This better be good, I warned him.

Cain produced a large gift bag from behind him. I raised my eyebrows. What's this for?

"It's traditional for the Blood Alpha to give his mate a present the day of the ceremony," Cain ruffled my messy hair. I playfully bit at his hand, making him tweak my nose.

I took the bag and ripped out the tissue paper that lined the top. When I peered in the bag, I was surprised to see fur.

Another pelt? I asked, confused. Although I appreciated the one he already gave me, I didn't see a reason for another.

Cain rolled his eyes. "Will you please just open it all the way, mate?" His hand stroked my half—ear gently. For some reason, he loved to run his finger over the jagged cartilage.

I pulled the thin black fur out of the bag and unfolded it to take a better look. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the fur was in the format of a cloak. It even had a hood, and a small clip where it would fall around my chest so I could connect the two sides.

You made me a fur cloak? I asked, surprised.

Cain looked into my eyes lovingly. "You always wear your old cloak, which is far too thin for how cold my territory gets. I know that the pelt makes you warm, but I also know you prefer the freedom the cloak allows you. I thought you would like a more versatile version of the pelt."

My heart swelled. I knew that his gift was not only symbolic of his promise to take care of me, but also of his promise to allow me more freedom and personal liberties.

He froze as I threw my arms around him in a hug. Typically, I only wrapped my arms around him to choke him out.

He returned the hug, nuzzling his face into my neck. "Can I assume you like it then, little mate?"

I love it. Thank you, Cain. I kissed his cheek and he stiffened.

name. Not Alpha," Cain choked out. I hesitated, realizing that I had been calling him Cain in my head

to hold each other in silence until Cain pulled away. "As much as I wish I could spend all day holding you, I need to go finish working

would say yes. I had taken quite a few walks with Carter accompanying me the

please be careful. War

borders secured?

patrol guards and Jax know that you'll be wandering so they can keep an eye out for you," I nodded as Cain spoke. I began to understand that most of his controlling behavior stemmed from him being worried that someone would kill me. As I began to show

ceremony, pup. Please behave," He placed

going back to sleep, until ultimately deciding to just get my lazy ass out of bed. I got dressed in black leggings, a black long sleeve shirt,

threw on my new cloak, fastening it under my chin so it

was already waiting. Where's Gwen? I asked him. Typically she spent her mornings with us, meaning that

stuff for the ceremony tonight. She begged to be the one allowed to dress you and do your makeup," Carter

been begging me to let her give me a makeover for

sour look you just gave," Carter laughed, and I joined in, knowing he was right. Our trio

father treating you? I asked Carter as we stepped into the cold. I pulled the cloak tighter around me, thankful for the warmth. Carter had also bulked up and let his facial hair grow

and I constantly listen to cries," He began, making me snort. "And yet, it's

awful, I honestly replied. Why anyone would want

entire reason for living. Every day I spend with them is the best day of my life,"

and bumped my shoulder into him. You

"You will understand when you have

if

the woods, stopping occasionally to throw

to my right. Carter instantly dropped all

the sound of the noise, but

good feeling about—" His

Carter commanded me, making me shake my head. Whatever

conjured two daggers for myself, holding both hands out in front

seconds, ten wolves had us

with Carter. Hurry. I mindlinked Cain and closed our mindlink so I wouldn't

be easier than I thought," The man closest to me grinned wickedly, his yellow canines poking

Carter demanded, holding the sword in front of

find out as soon as we take her to him," The

him, which sank into his throat effortlessly. I smiled as blood shot out from

still managed to clip his shoulder. He growled, and shifted into his wolf. I summoned a sword and when he ran towards me, I plunged the sword into his chest. I slightly missed his