22.

Madi P.O.V.

I threw my hair into a pony tale and desperately tried to smooth the flyaways. Dana had canceled unexpectedly so it would be just me and Jason today. I had woken up with a random she-wolf watching me with a message from Dana. I couldn't help but feel this was somehow Jason's doing but I wasn't going to let that stop me. I liked my morning routine too much. Before I could talk myself out of it I went to the backyard to stretch as I waited for Jason to arrive. I was leaning over to touch my toes when I heard a low growl. I sprung up twisting around to see Jason with a heated look and my cheeks heated up.

I cleared my throat avoiding his eyes, "Hello."

He smiled at me, "Hello mate."

I let the corners of my mouth lift, "So what's first?"

He walked out about ten feet from the house, "Try to come at me."

He didn't need to tell me twice. I rolled my neck and arms as I walked towards him. I planted my feet and pretended to throw a punch before bringing my leg up for a kick to the side of his head. I didn't even see him move but he had a hold of my ankle. He smiled as I pulled away and replanted my feet taking in a deep breath. He motioned with his hands to bring it on. I hardened my eyes jabbing my fists at him that he easily deflected. I punched at him again but he easily caught my hand spinning my back into his chest sending his searing heat into my body.

He put his lips to my ear, "You're holding back little mate. You can do better than this."

I surprised myself as I kicked back landing on his shin and spinning quickly as his grip loosened landing a hit squarely to his mouth I froze as I realized what I did.

"Well Love, you definitely gave it to me," he said as he spit blood onto the grass.

"I'm so sorry Jason. I just got so mad and I hit you in the mouth. Are you ok?" I ran up to him holding his face as I examined his mouth.

He smiled swatting my hands away. "I'm fine Love. Keep it up. That's the way you need to fight. Let's go again."

By the end of the training session, I finally had him pinned. I smiled down smugly at him, and as I went to stand he circled both hands around my waist holding me where I was.

I looked at him confused, "Jason the baby will be awake soon."

He sat up under me hugging me as I remained on his lap. I tried to pull away but he whispered, "Just for a minute, please. I haven't had you this close in weeks."

I stopped trying to get away and I wrapped my arms around his neck hugging him back breathing in his smell. I could feel his surprise but he just wrapped his arms around me tighter making me flush against him. He buried his nose in my neck breathing deeply as I shivered from his warm breath. I gasped surprised as he stood us both up and I landed on my tippy toes. I pulled back to look at him. He looked back into my eyes his hands remaining on my waist.

He inched forward, looking between my eyes and lips until someone cleared their throat from behind us. "Well, this looks cozy."

Jason cursed leaving one hand on my hip as we turned around to his smiling mom holding Ari. She had the same twinkle in her eye she always had when she caught us together. She handed me Ari who cooed at Jason and us as we smiled down at her. I looked at his face smiling as he looked at her when I heard the clicking of a camera.

I looked up and Karen, Jason's mom, was taking a picture with her phone. "Sorry guys. I need some pictures for my walls."

I let out a little smile and looked at Jason, "Let's get inside. It's too cold out here for Ari."

He nodded at me as all of us went inside to eat breakfast together. I wish I could live in this moment forever. Jason made us all laugh as he threw grapes in the air missing his mouth, Ari played with her baby food in her high chair, and Karen hinted at when we are going to get married. I felt so happy in our little bubble and I didn't want to leave how perfect this moment felt.

Jason stood up and stretched, "Sorry ladies, I've gotta go get my run in before training for the day and meetings start."

I stood up quickly, "Mind if I join you?"

He looked a little surprised, "Are you sure?"

I smiled, "As long as Karen doesn't mind watching Ari for a little bit."

Karen smiled at us, "I could use a day with just me and my grandbaby. I don't mind at all."

I smiled, "So it's settled."

Jason smiled as we both went outside to take a run threw the forest. I went behind a tree to hide my clothes before I quickly shifted. The cracking bones almost didn't even bother me anymore. I trotted out from behind the tree seeing Jason's jet-black wolf. The color was the same shade as his hair. He nodded his head to follow him as we began running. We ran for a little bit before entering a clearing and stopping. I recognized this clearing as the place we had our first date. The seven months since then felt like a lifetime ago. It was the beginning of summer and very warm and it was colder now. Not very cold for a werewolf but enough to tell the difference. Jason lay down in the clearing for a break and I lay across from him as we looked at each other.

Remember this place? So much had happened since, it feels like a lifetime ago.

I nodded in agreement remembering all the twinkling lights. I was about to answer when an unknown wolf stepped into the clearing. I sniffed the air but didn't recognize the smell. Jason looked at me and I shook my head at the silent question. Neither of us knew who he was. He smelled off too. It was almost like musty rotting leaves, then I realized it was a rogue. A werewolf that didn't have a pack for one reason or another, it was usually bad news. The wolf froze when he saw us before he started slowly stalking towards us. Jason stood up quickly blocking me from the wolf's view before growling. The warning Jason gave was clear. Leave or suffer the consequences. The wolf paid little to no mind to the warning as he kept advancing.

Jason let out a sound that was more like a roar and it was clear it was an alpha command to stop. He just showed us a wolfly grin before launching himself straight at Jason. I watched in horror as they rolled around on the ground both trying to get the upper hand. I let out a cry as he pinned Jason to the ground holding him by his neck. I ran towards them as Jason yelled into my head to run. I ignored him as I jumped launching myself into the wolf's flank, knocking him off Jason. The surprise of the wolf gave me enough time to run over to Jason who was standing up shaking himself off. We both turned snarling at the rogue. He looked back and forth at us both before deciding he was outnumbered and he turned tail running.

I looked over at Jason, What the fuck was that about?

I have no idea, but I think it's time to head back.

I nodded in agreement as we turned around to go home. The run was quicker this time as we pushed ourselves ahead to get home. When we made it to the edge of the woods I went to the tree where I left my clothes and changed quickly. Before I could turn around I was spun quickly and felt lips on mine. I froze before feeling the sparks, that always came with Jason's touch, before I wrapped my arms around his neck returning the kiss. His hands moved down to my ass pulling me closer as he kissed me hungrily. I started to feel dizzy as he slowed the kiss and came to a stop.

Our heads were pressed together as I spoke, "What was that for?"

He cupped my face with his hand lightly pressing another kiss to my lips before he spoke. "I was just scared. The most unlikely thing that could have happened, happened. This could have been so much worse. Why didn't you run?! He could have hurt you! It would have killed me to lose you because I love you!"

My heart skipped a beat hearing that he loves me. The mate bond does many things but it doesn't make you fall in love. Yes, it draws you together, but wanting someone and loving them are completely different. I thought over all of the things Jason had done to me, and for me over the past several months, and realized I love him too. We still had so much to learn about each other but we had the rest of our lives for that. He went to turn from me after I was silent for a while, but I grabbed his hand and he turned back to look at me. I closed the space between us and went onto my toes kissing him.

He kissed me back. When he pulled away he looked into my eyes, " I'm sorry I scared you, but I couldn't just let him kill you. I couldn't let him hurt you because I love you too, Jas."

The anger quickly left his eyes as he pulled me to him for another searing kiss. "Way to leave me hanging love."

We both laughed as he grabbed my hands and we walked to the back door. We walked by the baby's room to see if she was asleep before heading to the office where I assume some of the pack was already waiting for us. The quiet chatter that was going on before we entered the room went silent all at once. I went to pull away my hand and stand to the side but Jason tightened his hand around mine and pulled me with him behind the desk. He sat down pulling me into his lap and I blushed while everyone looked at us.

I could feel his anger but he calmed as I rubbed the back of his hand before he spoke. "How did a rogue get through the borders into pack property?"

The beta, Aaron, spoke up, "We found a few of our wolfs knocked out near our perimeters. They didn't kill them so I'm pretty sure this was just a mission to get info. I'm not sure, but it sounded like he gave up way too easily when he attacked you and Luna. I think he was sent by Darren to see what the status was between you two, and he didn't expect Luna Madi to be able to fight back."

My stomach dropped at the mention of Darrin as I heard a low growl from Jason. I held my hand to the side of his face to calm him before speaking. "What does he need to know this for?"

"I think he had hoped to weaken the pack with what he did. I'm sure his little spy was not happy to see you both alive and well or see that you have training now Luna."

I nodded and said, "I'm sure. We are already spread thin so I will call my brother Cody and see if he can spare anyone to help us patrol our borders a little better. Other than that everyone keep up what you're doing and, no one, and I repeat, no one, is to be out in the woods alone. Everyone travels in pairs."

Jason waved his hand dismissing everyone as I finished speaking. As the last person went out closing the door I was surprised as Jason stood us up quickly pinning me to the same door everyone had just exited. I was surprised as I looked up and saw heat in his eyes.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You are so fucking sexy when you take charge."

I felt heat in my belly and a shiver down my spine as he trailed his lips down my neck and back up leaving a trail of fire until he kissed my lips. I took in a deep breath as I buried my hands into his hair kissing him back. He nibbled on my lip and a growl left me as I gave a pull to his hair.

He hummed against my lips and mumbled, "Jump."

I didn't even question it as I jumped and he caught my ass as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He began kissing me again hungrily as he pressed himself against me. I felt the pressure building as his hard member pushed against my core. I let out ragged breaths as his mouth trailed to the mark on my neck. I felt a red-hot bolt to my core as he dragged his teeth across my mark. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and I let out a frustrated groan.

Jason pulled away with a smile on his face and held a finger to his lips. "Yes?"

His voice gave nothing away as the voice answered, "Your mother wanted me to let you both know the baby is awake."

"Thank you, we will be there shortly." Jason saw the disappointment on my face as he released me and let out a small chuckle.

I smiled as he repeated what I had said so long ago, "Come on horn dog."