Teaghan groaned when she was continuously nudged. She tried swatting at it, but it continued, worse it made a noise. Grudgingly she peeked her eye open and for a moment she had forgotten where she was.

Seeing Reeve standing over her with a shit eating grin, she blinked several times then scrambled to get up. Looking around the camp they'd made she was thankful when no one else was present to see her like this.

"Where is everyone?" She refused to look at her mate.

"You are adorable you know that," the words were spoken teasingly but she could tell he'd meant it.

She rounded on him, ready to set him straight when she suddenly forgot all about giving him hell when she found herself suddenly in his arms, his mouth covering hers.

The tingles and heat engulfed her and she leaned into him. When he broke this kiss far too soon, she pouted.

"The others, including your sister have gone ahead. We're on our territory so we're safe enough without the escort. Besides, I wanted to let you sleep in a bit."

She sighed, nodding even though she wished Cecily had woke her before leaving. She wasn't the best morning person and the reminder than Reeve had seen first hand how she usually reacted to being woken made her face heat.

"Do you need a moment before we head off?"

Teaghan shook her head, "no. I'm ready."

They walked side by side, Reeve pointed out several parts of his territory as they went. She could smell the pack and the stronger those scents got the more nervous she became.

She didn't know how but Reeve caught on and he stopped her from going any further, "tell me, love, what's wrong?"

"What if they don't like me?" She blurted, nibbling on her lower lip as she looked between him and the pack house she could see ahead.

"Nonsense. They're going to love you, what's not to love? You're brave, smart, beautiful inside and out and you put others before yourself. There isn't anything to worry about, I promise."

Teaghan took a moment then nodded after taking a deep breath. "Let's go," she intertwined her fingers in his, holding on for dear life.

Suddenly, people seemed to swarm out of their houses, out of the pack house and were just suddenly there waiting and watching. Teaghan's eyes widened when she saw them all.

It had been so long since she had seen so many people in one place that she felt her mouth dry up. "Good evening everyone. This is Teaghan Reed, from the pack Reed. I'm sure by now you've heard rumors and let me assure you that they're true."

"Teaghan is my mate," no sooner did he announce it the entire pack hooted and hollered in cheer.

Teaghan watched with wide, surprised eyes. She didn't know what she expected but it hadn't been this at least not so many. Teaghan saw Cecily standing near the men, grinning from ear to ear and she could see the approval all over their faces.

She blushed when women of the pack began moving forward to introduce themselves and their children. She straightened when she felt a content feeling flow through her.

This was home, this was her new pack and her new life.

"Welcome to the pack, soon-to-be-wife."

Her eyes dampened but she smiled widely. "Thank you soon-to-be-husband." Though marriage wasn't a real ceremony among their kind, it was still nice. Forever binding them together in every way. 

*

By the end of the day, Teaghan was exhausted, but for once it wasn't because she had to patrol the borders or worry about her Alpha. This time it was exhaustion that she could deal with, one that wouldn't weigh her down with dread.

Reeve escorted her out of the main hall, he ignored the good-natured ribbing, but Teaghan couldn't help but blush. "Are you ready to become mates in every way?"

They'd stopped at Reeve's bedroom door. He wouldn't force this or rush her. If she still wished for time apart he would put her in the room next to his and leave it at that until she was ready.

Teaghan smiled shyly, "I'm more ready than I've ever been."

Beyond relieved, Reeve swooped her up into his arms and opened his door. Without setting her down, he used the heel of his foot to shut the door behind them. "There's no rush if you change your mind at any time-"

Teaghan smiled gratefully, "I want you and this. Please, don't make me beg."

By the time Reeve set her down on the bed he was fighting for control and patience. "I'd love nothing more than to hear you beg- another time perhaps," his voice grew husky with desire and his eyes sparkled with his passion.

With slow determination, Reeve peeled away Teaghan clothes one by one. He could see by the way she bit her lip that she would love to hide from his view but he grabbed her wrists, pressing them into the bed preventing her from hiding her body from his hungry gaze.

"Beautiful," the one word sent a shiver through Teaghan's body. "Perfect," he murmured against her neck as he nipped and licked.

"I-I," she didn't know what she needed. The ache going through her, almost desperate for him made her frustrated enough that she began to squirm under his caress.

He chuckled, the low rumble passing from him to her. "I know what you need, but I don't want to rush this. I want to take my time, learning every single inch of you. If I do what you need right now, I won't last."

Each word was met with a nip or suck, making her buck against him when he finally moved his mouth lower. "I can't get enough of you," he groaned with pleasure and need.

Reeve had kept to his word, their love-making had been slow almost torture for Teaghan but as she laid half draped over his chest a sheen of sweat coating their skin, their breath still irregular, she couldn't be happier.

"Finally your mine forever," Reeve whispered, tucking some of her slick with sweat hair behind her ear. "I love you Tea."

"I love you too Reeve," she shimmed up his chest, kissing him lightly before pulling back to smile down at him. "When can we do that again?"

She giggled when Reeve growled, finding herself suddenly below him again. This was what life was all about, living it to the fullest with those you care for right by your side. Having family, friends by yourside. She knew from this day forward she would have that and she never wanted to take it for granted.

THE END