Ebony trotted out behind Benedict. It appeared most, if not all, of the pack were there for the run tonight. That meant the field behind the packhouse was full of vehicles and a mixture of wolves and humans. They were all wolf shifters or mates of shifters. It looked much like a tailgate party except for the excess number of partygoers wearing fur. The back patio had built-in barbeques and even a food preparation space. A metal shuttered window to the kitchen lay open, which created a safe pass-through space for food and supplies. Everyone milled as snacks were prepared for the run. Music played on speakers, and it appeared everyone was happy. Benedict, however, stopped when he saw the sheer number of pack members. Ebony forgot how he’d reacted to her family appearing at the tower, and later when he met her pack. He’d not met them on mass like this, but he’d not felt comfortable within a crowd of shifters. These were a lot more wolves in a single space than he’d probably ever seen

They fell back on the bed. Benedict climbed on top of Ebony. His legs leaned against the side of the bed, anchoring him between her bare, open thighs. Her scent filled his senses when she leaned into him, and it triggered his need for his mate. Benedict thought this part of their mating ended weeks ago, and the surprise of its return had him eager to see where it took them. He felt the crown of his cock thrust hard toward its goal at the juncture of Ebony’s thighs. Benedict expected a significant encounter tonight. He’d be here all night, taking them to heights of passion many times. Benedict could feel his wolf’s animal need for his mate finally come forward. Ebony must know by his scent, too. If her hands and thighs communicated anything to him, she would soon experience her wolf’s primal desire to mate with him, maybe already present. Benedict told his lips from Ebony’s and smiled down at her as a manic smile lit his face. When he w

Benedict felt it now. What Ebony struggled with before they mated. It was done and permanent. He didn’t regret that, but after convincing himself he’d share her with the others Benedict felt guilty for his selfishness. He knew it didn’t make sense, but that’s how he felt. The morning came too fast for him. He’d laid awake for a long time after Ebony slept thinking about what they’d done. He didn’t feel guilty about doing right by Ebony. There wouldn’t be a bond between them now if it’d been wrong. They would have gone on their way without a care about it if they weren’t mates.No, he felt guilty because Peter couldn’t be here, and Franco didn’t want to be a part of this without Peter. For Benedict he didn’t see the reason he felt guilt about this. Though he did want to ensure that Franco didn’t lose himself in his grief. That would gut both Ebony and him. But Franco was an adult, and they couldn’t expect to control him like that. It was the most control a being could have over t