Protection

Artemis smiles before he sighs and pulls me to his chest. He holds me close, clinging to me like I’m some life-sustaining source. He seems more open to me, vulnerable than he has been before, and I can’t tell if it’s because of the run or just the amazing dates we have had.

“What should we do on this date of ours?” He asks, pulling back and looking down at me.

His eyes are full of mischief and I notice a dance between his usual color and black, as if his wolf wants a moment of my time, too. I can’t help but smile up at him and he looks like he is going to crumble.

It can’t be easy balancing an entire world, going on nine years without a mate, all while trying to find the suitable woman for not just him but all of us. The stress this gentle man has had to live with is not easy.

Artemis pulls me close again and I breathe deep. I don’t know how to feel about all of this, but at this moment, all I know is it feels right to be in his arm. He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine, hi