A Pearl Amongst Wolves (MxM)

Reminisce: Myst POV

As Ash's nervousness trickled through our link at the mention of quadruplets, I couldn't stop myself from laughing. My poor alpha. I rubbed his arm as I leaned into him while trying to stop laughing,

"Stop letting your imagination run wild, Ash. Riven, I'm having twins."

Raven's eyes sparkled with happiness,

"I bet they'll be adorable!"

Ash was filled with pride as he held me closer,

"Thank you."

We continued our walk after the pups listened to my baby bump. It was cute to see how excited they were. As we walked, our conversation drifted to other things, like how the cute vampire/shifter couple met each other. It was like an adorable movie listening to how they ended up in the same class. It makes me wonder how it would have been to meet Ash when I was younger. I wonder what he would have thought about me back then. I probably would have been hard to find and even harder to get close to. My home life didn't make me the most outgoing or conversational...

A strong arm wrapped around my waist pulling me from my thoughts as the scent of eucalyptus and sandalwood surrounded me. I relaxed against Ash as he spoke quietly next to my ear,

"Are you okay, princess? You looked a bit dazed for a second."

I nodded and rested my hand over his,

"Yeah, just thinking."

My eyes wandered around as I looked at Riven and Raven playing around near the water. Ryan was walking towards the waterfall while Rys and Theo were sitting near the water. I hadn't even noticed that we were here yet. Ash caressed my waist lightly,

"What were you thinking about?"

"I was just wondering what it would have been like if we met when we were younger. I wonder what you would have thought of me."

His hold on me tightened as he buried his face in the crook of my neck,

"What do you mean, princess?"

I leaned into his touch; leaning my head back with my eyes closed. I took a moment before I answered, thinking back to how I was before I was expelled from the pack,

"I was...very isolated back then. It was easier to avoid everyone rather than set myself up for inevitable failure, you know? I wasn't as comfortable with myself, in fact, looking at it now I'd say I probably hated myself. I'm not even sure I would have believed that you actually wanted a mate like me, back then."

Ash turned me around so that I was facing him as I opened my eyes I met his emerald green orbs with my pink ones. He studied me carefully with adoring eyes before kissing my right cheek and then my left; my nose, my forehead, and ending with a softly lingering one on my lips. I could have melted as my cheeks heated slightly from the gentle intimacy. His right gently cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing against the skin lightly while the other held me by the waist. My hands rested on his chest as he held me in his gentle gaze before speaking,

"Then I would have told every day in every way how happy and content I am to have such a beautiful soul as a mate. I would have reassured you of the perfection that is you. I'd tell you how I could drown in your pink diamond eyes and that thought of not having you beside me is a world, is an existence, I never want to think about or consider."

My eyes watered slightly and I smiled because I didn't trust my voice to speak at the moment. He smiled back and pecked my lips before burying his face in the crook of my neck and continuing to speak,

"Then, once I was sure you understood how happy I am to be your mate, I'd kick the door to your old packhouse open and sweep you off your feet."

I let out a surprised yelp as he quite literally swept me off my feet and into his arms as he carried me bridal style, close to his chest,

"Then I'd carry you off into the sunset to shower you in the love you deserve."

My smile widened and wrapped my arms around his neck as I snuggled into his chest. I spoke quietly, loud enough for only him to hear most likely,

"Thank you, Ash."

He kissed the top of my head,

"What are you thanking me for, princess?"

"For wanting me and loving me..."

"Princess, you don't have to thank me for that. In fact, I should be thanking you for your patience with my ruder family members and for putting up with teasing and possessiveness. I'm sure it makes you a little exasperated at times."

I shook my head and kissed his chest through his shirt,

"Not in the slightest. If anything, I find you cute while your mom and uncle are both too ridiculous for me to focus on and take seriously. It's easier to simply ignore them. On top of that, being with you makes everything easier."

He chuckled and walked us over to the edge of the water before sitting down with me cradled against his chest on his lap. I smiled at the comfortableness of the setting. It was still amazing to me how things like this were common in Ash's pack, our pack. It made me happy to be able to raise our pups here and have them grow up in a positive and happy place. I watched the water flow by as the calming atmosphere wrapped around me like a blanket held in place by Ash's arms. The gentle rise and fall of his chest further lulling me into a haze. My eyes closed and I allowed myself to drift off in the arms of my mate.

There was a comfortably firm warmth beside me. I snuggled further into it as the smell of eucalyptus leaves surrounded me. I inhaled deeply and the arms around me tightened slightly, pulling me even closer. My cheek rubbed against the warm skin in front of me; a soft purr leaving my throat. I could stay like this for a lifetime.