Lacey decided to skip dinner after a phone call with her boss. She still had seven days of paid vacation time left, time she rarely used. After Victoria died, she distanced herself from the pack. Having already endured so much with Harry, and then losing Victoria so tragically, she couldn't bear to be around them anymore. Abe left the pack with his son after things calmed down following Victoria's death. Their Alpha understood her reasons. She remained a pack member, but lived outside the pack boundaries.

She found a simple job in a human city and settled there, content to be alone for the rest of her life. She visited her family occasionally, but less frequently than before. After Harry's death, the world lost its color. She lost interest in things and withdrew from people. Victoria had been a dear friend during that difficult time. Having worked for their Alpha, Lacey knew Abe, and met Victoria on several occasions, eventually becoming close friends. Losing Victoria solidified her need to escape the pack.

But that's all changed. Felix is changing things. He's so different from Harry, and for the first time in years, she wants something. She wants to be with him, to get to know him, to hear him speak, however rarely. And she definitely wants to get closer.

She needs to decide soon. Being around him for over a week will undoubtedly trigger her heat, an experience she doesn't want to repeat. Because Harry was human, their intimacy was vastly different from the normal wolf way. The first time had been terrifying.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Azalea had kindly given her a room near Felix, so they weren't forced to share. Lacey was grateful for the privacy, as things had been somewhat awkward as they navigated their developing relationship. She rose from her small desk and went to the door. The scent of roasted marshmallows reached her as she opened it.

"Hi," she said, as Felix filled the doorway. He held two plates. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was still dinnertime. Felix looked down at his hands, then back at her. "Did you bring me dinner?" she asked.

He nodded. Then she saw the two plates. "Did you want to have dinner with me… alone?" A small smile touched his lips, confirming her suspicion.

She opened the door fully and stepped aside. He waited for her to lead the way. She sat on the bed; there was nowhere else to sit except the desk.

Felix joined her, sitting on the edge of the bed. He placed the plates between them, silent. She hadn't noticed the water bottles until he handed her one. "Thanks," she whispered. He picked up his plate and began eating. She watched him thoughtfully. Her heart, and her wolf, were ready for him. He might be her second chance at perfect love, but was she ready to handle his eccentricities? She lived a quiet life; few people would notice her disappearance immediately. Was she ready to commit to a mate again?

Felix looked up at her, his expression curious and sweet. The problem wasn't his quietness or occasional difficulty communicating; she was comparing him to Harry. Harry had been outgoing and extroverted, yet sweet and gentle. Felix was exceptionally introverted, but that didn't mean he wasn't gentle or caring. She knew the depth of his heart. He'd been devastated when rogues nearly captured the Alpha and Luna's children, blaming himself and staying with them until they were safe. That wasn't just duty.

"Hmmm?" he almost hummed, inquiring about her thoughts.

"You shouldn't talk with your mouth full," she teased. Teasing sometimes elicited more conversation. He finished chewing, took a drink of water.

"Something on your mind?" he asked, his voice low. Her wolf purred. She nodded, pausing before speaking. He waited expectantly.

"I was thinking about your request earlier," she said carefully. She barely noticed his breath catch. He shifted slightly. "Okay. I'll move in and accept you as my mate." She smiled. He returned the smile, taking her breath away. He set aside his plate, then hers. Confused, she watched him take her face in his hands, pulling her close. His lips found hers in a sensual, firm, and eager kiss.

Pulling back, he whispered, "Thank you." Her mind struggled to catch up with his overwhelming gratitude.

"Of course," she breathed. He was still smiling; her insides were heating up. "I need to pack my apartment and quit my job. Alpha Liam will also need to accept me back into the pack," she said, bringing herself back to practical matters. Felix nodded, still smiling. "Would you like me to move in with you or stay in this room?"

"Stay with me," he said quickly. She nodded. His eagerness was adorable. He still held her.

"Felix, we need to talk about mating. I think I'm going into heat soon, so if you aren't ready…" she trailed off, watching his expression. She wanted him; her body craved him. But it had been over five years since she'd been intimate with anyone. After Harry's illness and death, she'd lost interest until now.

Felix's smile faltered, his face returning to its usual passive expression before he nodded and simply replied, "Yes."

She had no time to question his answer; his lips were back on hers, moving softly. She relaxed slightly, closing her eyes to enjoy his affection. Hesitantly, she put her arms around his neck. One of his hands went to her waist, the other to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair. He pulled her closer, almost into his lap.

His tongue sought entrance. She parted her lips, and his tongue slid inside. He tasted her, gently and slowly, respecting her boundaries. She tasted him back, groaning at the sensation. It had been so long; her body was in overdrive.

She lifted herself, closing the distance. She straddled him, deepening the kiss. His hand moved under her shirt, igniting fire across her skin. She kissed him more eagerly, fueled by the mate bond sparks.

He pulled back slightly. "Slow," he said quietly.

"Mark me," she pleaded. He nodded.

"Slow," he repeated, his eyes pleading as well. She nodded; his mouth returned to hers. He kissed her for another minute before moving his mouth across her jaw, leaving soft kisses in his wake. A moan escaped her lips. His hand caressed her skin as he moved to her neck and collarbone. He inhaled deeply, savoring her scent. Her head fell back. Each touch sent warmth through her body; pressure built in her lower abdomen. It had been so long; she felt on the verge of bursting from his kisses alone.

He found the most sensitive spot on her neck and began sucking and nipping gently. She ground against him. His hand tightened on her hip, stopping her movement. His mouth hovered over the spot he'd just teased.

"Slow," he almost growled.

"Okay," she breathed.

"Where's your mark?"

"Harry was human. I was never marked." He tensed slightly, but not negatively. She looked down at his neck, pulling aside his shirt. He wasn't marked either. "Where's yours?"

"Witch," he said before his lips returned to her neck. For some reason, his lack of a mark intensified her desire. His hands found the hem of her shirt and slowly pushed it up. She lifted her arms, assisting him. He took his time. When he finally pulled her shirt over her head, he raked his eyes over her body. He was breathing heavily; his eyes were dark pools. He wanted this as much as she did.

His hands returned to her waist; their lips met again. His hands roamed over her skin, touching and feeling her. The feeling was dizzying. She reached for the bottom of his shirt, impatiently lifting it. He pulled away, allowing her to remove his shirt. His gaze was intense, but she focused on his chest. He was powerfully built. Her hands found his chest, reveling in the sparks. She looked up at him.

"Slow," he said gently before kissing her again. Her hands roamed over his skin. His hands found the clasp of her bra; after a brief fumble, he undid it, slowly sliding it down her arms. His mouth left hers; his eyes moved to her exposed chest. Before Harry, she'd been self-conscious of her small breasts; some of those feelings returned.

A throaty growl escaped his lips as his eyes remained fixed on her chest. Felix stood; she instinctively clung to him. He leaned forward, laying her back on the bed. Their dinner clattered to the floor. His eyes were still on her chest as his hands caressed her breasts. They barely filled his large hands, but his eyes grew darker.

"Perfect," he growled. He released one breast to bring his mouth to it. Her back arched.

"Felix," she moaned as he kissed and sucked her skin. His hands slid down her stomach to the button of her pants. It was hard to focus on the charming struggle; it had been a while for him as well.

He finally undid them, peeling her jeans away, kissing down her stomach and legs. Before touching her panties, he stood and removed his own pants, leaving him in boxer briefs. She licked her lips, impatience growing as she took in the sight. She sat up, pushing down his boxer briefs, freeing the erection straining against them. She was going crazy if he didn't relieve the tension.

She pushed the fabric away; his cock sprang free. Her eyes widened; her mouth went dry. She had no answer, but she'd gladly accept the challenge. He leaned down, nudging her with his nose. His hands went to her hips, tracing her panties.

"What are you waiting for?" she goaded him. He smirked; his fingers hooked into her panties as his other hand pushed her back onto the bed. He pulled off her remaining clothing. She panted as heavily as he did as he crawled onto the bed. She spread her legs, allowing him to settle between them. He looked at her as if asking for permission. She nodded; she needed him to do this now.

He positioned himself at her entrance, his eyes locked on hers. He slid inside slowly, stretching her. Her eyes rolled back; a long moan left her throat. She'd never felt anything like this. She breathed hard at the fullness in her pelvis. Her eyes returned to his; he wasn't moving.

"Felix, move," she said more forcefully than intended. He hiked one leg over his hip before slowly moving in and out. Every nerve ending was on fire. She wrapped her leg around his waist, pulling him closer. He continued to move slowly and steadily. She leaned forward, pulling his mouth to hers. Their tongues danced.

She needed more friction, more movement. She didn't wait or ask; she rolled them over, now on top of him. He looked up, surprised. She bounced on his cock, setting her own pace. She threw back her head, almost screaming. His hands grasped her hips, trying to slow her down. She shook her head.

"Please," she begged. He sat up, bringing them face to face. He nodded and started pumping into her as fast as she'd been moving. His mouth found her most sensitive spot on her shoulder.

"Felix," she moaned as he repeatedly hit that spot. She was approaching her peak, gripping his shoulders, digging her fingernails in. She felt her own teeth lengthen; her wolf was ready.

"Yes," she moaned, and he didn't hesitate. He sunk his teeth into her skin as she found his spot and bit him.

Bright white stars filled her vision.

Euphoria flooded her body as she felt his climax inside her, triggering her own release.

As the feeling subsided, she pulled her teeth from his neck and licked the spot to close the wound; she felt him do the same. Her body felt heavy and sated as he pulled away. She leaned against his chest, sighing. It was incredible; her whole body was exquisitely sensitive.

Felix kissed her head, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She hadn't been this close to anyone in years. His arms felt like home; she hadn't felt at home since Harry left. He turned them over, laying her against the pillows. He let go of her and crawled out of bed. She whimpered; he said nothing. He went to the closet, returning with a small towel. He gently wiped them both, tossing the towel to the floor before climbing back into bed and cuddling close. He lay behind her, pulling her flush against him. He kissed the back of her head before snuggling into her back.