Wilted

Chapter 23

I woke up with a soft smile on my face. I was still wrapped in my mates warm and loving embrace. I rubbed my eyes and looked up at my mate who's still sleeping.

Call me creepy or whatever, but I continued to watch him sleep for a few minutes before I began running my hands through his hair.
I trailed my finger over his forehead, down his cheeks and began tracing his lips.

He let out a groan and tightened his hold on me. I giggled as his lips formed into an adorable pout and he pulled me closer, resting his head on my neck.
I shivered as his breath tickled my neck and his lips brushed my mark.

I felt his lips kiss my mark which made my body shudder and warmth spread throughout my body.
"Good morning mate" he whispered huskily against my neck.
"Morning" I replied quietly and held in a moan as his tongue flicked over my mark.

He placed one last kiss on my mark before removing his head from my neck and looking at me. His eyes were still glazed over with sleep and he had a small smile on his lips.

"You look tired" I frowned as I caressed his cheek with my thumb.
"I didn't fall asleep until late" he grumbled as his hand rubbed up and down my back.
"Why not?" I asked.

"After a wolf marks his mate, the hours afterwards are the most intense because the wolf will want to protect his mate and his emotions are heightened. He calms down after awhile but will still be more possessive and protective then before" he explained.

I nodded in understanding and went to sit up but Noah's grip tightened, holding me down.
"Where are you going?" He grumbled.
"To pee" I chuckled and he pressed one more kiss to my mark before letting go.

I giggled when I saw his frown and stood up, walking into the bathroom.
I did my business then washed my hands. I brushed my teeth and threw my hair up into a messy bun.

I smiled when I saw my mark peaking out. I pulled the shirt down to reveal my shoulder and grinned at my mark.

It was my wolf and Noah's wolf sitting side by side with our tails intertwined and his initials underneath.
"It's beautiful" a voice spoke behind me as a set of warm arms wrapped around my waist.

"It is" I smiled as I gazed at my mark and leaned into his embrace.
He placed a delicate kiss on the mark before locking gazes with mine in the mirror. His eyes were filled with love and adoration and I couldn't help the smile that spread on my lips.

"My Dad called earlier. If your up for it, the council meeting is today" he informed me and rests his chin on my shoulder, his eyes still locked with mine through the mirror.
"Yeah. I want them to get what they deserve" I said determinedly and felt my eyes narrow in anger.

He placed a soft kiss on my cheek, calming my emotions. I closed my eyes and smiled softly.
"Let's get ready then" he said and led me out of the bathroom.

I picked out a nice dress and paired it with some black wedge heels. After changing I let my hair down in its natural waves. I exited the closet and saw Noah was already dressed in a nice white dress shirt and black jeans.

"Ready?" I asked as I grabbed my purse. He nodded and slipped his phone and wallet into his pocket. I held my hand out and he gladly intertwined our fingers as I led us downstairs and into his car.

The council headquarters were an hour away so I looked for ways to entertain myself.
"Let's play iSpy" I smiled at him once we exited the pack territory. He shook his head while chuckling but agreed.