Page 44 of Wolf Revealed

Kal lifted his shoulders in a half-hearted shrug, reaching out to pet Tuffie, who’d wandered over to offer comfort. “I know it’s silly, but I used to think the reason Mom had to take me and run away was because I wasn’t a real werewolf. That I’d never go through the change. And so far, I haven’t.”

Tears welling in Lark’s eyes, she got up from the other couch and went over to sit beside Kal, sandwiching him between her and his father as she wrapped her arm around him, too.

“You haven’t gone through the change yet because your body isn’t ready yet, but I promise you will,” she said. “In fact, the way you smelled blood earlier and knew it was your father’s is a sure sign it’ll happen soon.”

“You really think so?” Kal asked hopefully, looking at her. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, right?”

“Yes, I really think so,” she promised with a smile, giving him a hug. “And no, I’m not saying it to make you feel better. I’m saying it because it’s true. Trust me, when the time is right, the change will happen.”

Kal returned her smile with a big grin of his own, even as Tuffie did the same.

“Hear that, girl?” Kal said, reaching out with both hands to pet Tuffie. “I’m going to turn into a werewolf soon!”

Mike chuckled and caught Lark’s eye, and she laughed too. She hadn’t even realized Kal was worried about not going through the change, and was glad they’d been able to assuage his fears.

“Tacos are ready,” Trey announced from the kitchen.

Kal was off the couch and running for the kitchen island, where everything was set up buffet style, Tuffie bounding after him.

Mike stood and held out his hand to her. Lark took it, getting to her feet.

“Thank you,” she said as they walked into the kitchen to join the others.

“For what?” Mike asked.

She smiled. “For being a great dad.”

Chapter eighteen

“You already finished checking the perimeter?” Lark asked as Mike appeared in the doorway of her bedroom to lean casually against the jamb, and looking mighty fine while doing it.

“Yeah,” Mike said. “Not that I’m too worried about Roman or Sentinel finding us here. There’s absolutely no connection between SWAT and this house. As long as we make sure no one follows us while we’re out and about, we’ll be fine. Any problem getting Kal to go to bed?”

“He actually went up to his room without a fuss,” Lark said with a laugh, moving over to one side of the small couch in the reading nook by the window. “I was a little worried he’d be wired after eating so much at dinner, but it was the opposite. I think he was trying to keep up with you and your pack mates.”

Mike chuckled as he closed the door and walked over to join her on the couch. “With our metabolism, my pack mates and I can eat pretty much whatever we want. Is it the same for you?”

“I have a pretty high metabolism, I suppose, but nothing like you’re talking about,” Lark admitted. “I still need to eat a balanced diet and make sure I work out.”

“Well, that sucks,” he teased with a grin. “I’ll remember to feel bad the next time I wolf down a whole package of Oreos in front of you. No pun intended.”

Lark rolled her eyes and shook her head with another laugh. She knew it wasn’t the case, but in some ways, it was almost like no time had passed at all, and they were still the same two people who’d fallen in love so long ago. What she wouldn’t give to get that time back.

Mike took her hand, absently playing with the engagement ring on her finger. “Thanks again for all the help today.”

“I’d say anytime, but I’d rather you not put yourself in a situation where that kind of help will be necessary again.”

His mouth twitched. “Oh, I don’t know. If that’s the price I have to pay to get your hands on my naked body, I’ll take it.”

“You know, there’s an easier way for you to get my hands on you. If that’s what you want,” Lark said, leaning in so close to Mike she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face.

“Are you sure about this?” Mike’s gaze locked on hers. “Because if we’re moving too fast, I’m okay waiting.”

“I was in love with you ten years ago,” Lark said softly. “And I’m still in love with you now. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Mike sat up straighter on the couch, pulling Lark closer, his hands moving across her shoulders, one sliding down her back while the fingers of the other weaved into her hair, his tongue teasing her lips open. She moaned as his distinctly masculine flavor flooded her taste buds. The next thing she knew, she was straddling his lap, his hardness pressing against the warmth between her legs.

“It seems like you’ve completely recovered from your earlier injuries,” she pointed out with a smile and a little wiggle of her hips, grinding against him. “I was worried you might be too sore.”