With a tentative look, Baka squared her nose at Tatum. “I don’t know how you werewolves ask someone out but there’s usually a question involved.”He laughed, sniffling a little. His eyes had become moist again. The most surprising thing about him was how easily he cried. It amazed her every time.“Right, where are my manners?” He grinned at her and to her utter surprise, bent down on one knee. Her jaw nearly dropped as he stayed on a bent knee, wiping away at his eyes. He leaned closer to her and whispered, “Bakady Ruby Clark, will you do me the honor of becoming my mate?”She smiled at him, pouring all her emotions into her eyes. They had begun to well up again with fresh tears. She wished she wasn’t so constrained. She wanted to reach out and hug him to herself. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so happy. “Yes, Tatum. With all my heart.”Tatum hung his head in relief, then stared adoringly down at her, his eyes lingering at her lips. She could see the pure torment in his eyes. “Rep
The cans of baked beans lay abandoned on the table as Baka and Tatum talked about everything and anything well into the night. It was as though the months of hiding their emotions and thoughts finally leaked out that night making them express themselves to one another in a way they never had before.Tatum found himself telling her about many things in his life and childhood that he’d never told a soul before. And he enjoyed it. He enjoyed listening to her too, telling him about her life with her family—her brother, Henry, her father, and mother. What their lives had been like before the werewolves first attack.He noticed that her tone no longer sounded accusatory towards him when she retold her past, as though she had forgiven him. But Tatum knew that was too much to hope for. For now, he was just happy that she had accepted him as her mate. He still couldn’t believe it. He refused to think about her dalliance with Eugene. One kiss didn’t make them soulmates. And she had said it woul
Baka could scarcely believe how healed she was already. Her broken wrist and fingers had righted themselves and she barely felt any pain around her body. It felt like seeing a miracle. But she knew it was their bond at work.They were heading back to the palace in the same car they had used to go to Avenue City. Baka couldn't believe how close the cabin was to the palace and yet no one had an inkling because of how buried it was in the woods.It was a little past midnight the next day. Tatum had said it was best to return to the city under the cover of night since she wasn’t particularly dressed appropriately, being in his shirt and small boxer shorts. She loved how comfortable his clothes were on her skin given how baggy they felt. And secretly, she loved the feeling of wearing something that belonged to him. It was as intimate a thing as ever.He had told her that the marking had made them one in every sense of the word, that they now shared the same scent, and that it would be not
Tatum sat at his desk reading a couple of reports Thorin had left for him. For all accounts, the city was doing well despite his short absence. He’d seen Aisha Aethelite’s note on what she intended them to do for the day; a small picnic near the bank of the river within the woods. She’d chosen a quiet, intimate setting. It gave him a little glimpse of her character and he hoped he was not mistaken as he had been with Tamara. But it didn’t matter. He simply didn’t want to spend the day with another intolerable woman. He didn’t want his happy mood ruined. The events of the past few days spent with Baka still felt surreal to him. But one thing was for certain—she was the only person he wanted to do anything intimate with.Her attack on Aja had surprised him. He knew she was fierce but he had no idea she could be that fierce. Violence was one thing he did not condone and only allowed when necessary. Yet he couldn’t blame Baka. If it were up to him, he would’ve allowed her to continue
Baka’s mother never seemed to run out of tears as she held unto Baka like her life depended on it. She inspected her daughter thoroughly trying to check for any wounds and wouldn’t let go of her. Baka let her hold unto her for as long as she wanted to. She had missed her mother so much. Missed her scent and her voice and her crushing hugs. She would never forgive herself if anything were to happen to her mother because of her.It was just shy of curfew and they both sat together on the floor in the room they once shared. This was the only time they could meet without arousing suspicion. But it was only a matter of time before the other girls joined them too.“Thorin has had his eyes on me like a hawk,” her mother was saying. “I’m not sure what to think about it, except that it cannot be good.”Tatum had told her he had left a trusted friend looking after her mother. Baka knew it had to have been Thorin. “Don’t worry, Mother. We’re safe.”“Don’t worry? Child, you were gone for days wit
Baka made her way upstairs as quietly as she could. The house was asleep but anyone could still be awake at this point. Habit had her walking into the slaves quarters before she remembered she was supposed to make the Alpha King’s bed.He was out on his date with Aisha Aethelite and she suspected he wouldn’t be back till much later in the night. She had only stayed with him for one night since the incident with Aja. It would’ve been too suspicious even with Aja recovering at Freya’s shop.She often saw Emily throw weird glances at her, eager to question her. But for whatever reason, she hadn’t made her questions known. Wasting no time, she headed for the stairs. Her hand rested on the newel cap and she started her ascent.“Baka,” someone whispered behind her. She turned around and saw Eugene looking back at her. Her palms became clammy. She’d almost forgotten he was still around, having delayed his departure to be of some help to Tatum after what happened to her. A part of her was
Of course Wonjo Wesley had chosen hunting. In all the years Tatum had known her, she’d always enjoyed the wild. Always enjoyed doing wild things.He had been blinded by her beauty and charisma in his youth and it had taught him a painful lesson, however short.They had killed three rabbits and a deer, and Wonjo was eager for more. “We should eat. I’ll collect the firewood.”Wonjo smiled beside him, putting away her bow and arrows. “Just like old times.”She followed him as he searched around them for wood to make fire. Tatum enjoyed the silence and dreaded having to make conversation with her, even though he knew it was inevitable.When they had collected enough firewood, they sat down on cobblestones as they made the fire. They were going to cook the rabbit first. A part of him had missed living so wildly. It catered to his baser instincts and fuelled his wolf’s appetite. “How have you been, Tatum?”Wonjo’s sultry voice pierced his thoughts and he looked up at her from the fire. “W
Baka’s eyes burned as Emily sliced onions beside her. The tears falling down her cheeks made her face itch and she wanted nothing more than to wash it. But she continued cutting meat into tiny chops.“You’re crying,” Emily laughed, shaking her head at Baka. Her face was as clear as day.“And you’re not. You never cry. How is that possible?”Emily shrugged as she sliced the onions faster. “I’m not immune, you know. I just have more endurance. Both my parents were chefs. I use to help them a lot in the kitchen.”“I didn’t know. Did they own a restaurant?”“Three. Ever heard of The Garden of Eden?”“You mean the one from the bible?” Baka teased and Emily made a face. “Alright, I’ve heard of it.”They were quite famous. Her parents lost everything. Restaurants were one of the first establishments to go out of business during the war.Carlton appeared in the doorway just then, followed by Eugene. His eyes landed on Baka immediately with a broad smile. “Something smells good. I’m famished.”