My Mate's Touch

Chapter 55 - Luca

Elias had been home with me for a few days and everything seemed so at peace. We didn't have to worry about a rogue wolf near the territory anymore and Elias had even found his mate. He was so much happier than he had been over the past few months, his positivity radiating now more than ever. As I buried myself further into the sheets and held my pillow with a death tight grip, Elias sat up abruptly, tufts of his hair sticking up wildly.

"I... I think I'm going to go see Xander again today," Elias whispered contently.

Though my eyes were closed, I could hear the smile in his voice. Sure enough, I looked up to see his cheeks brushed with a light rosy tint, the edges of his lips pointed upwards.

"So shocking," I feigned sarcastically, causing Elias to ruffle my already messy hair.

"Shut up."

He spoke the words playfully, and it was obvious that he'd gained a hint of sass since I'd met him. About a year ago, I couldn't have imagined that he'd say that, even if it was jokingly. The fact that he'd opened up made me feel special.

"You know I'm right," I responded, deciding to sit up with him. "It's barely been a week since you two... since you've solidified your mate bond and you're almost inseparable!"

"What were you going to say?"

I pushed Elias' shoulder gently but enough to move him, causing him to break out in laughter. "You know what I meant! And I still can't believe you and Xander... Nevermind!"

"You'll understand one day, Luca." Elias lifted his chin up confidently. "When you find your mate, I'll be able to poke fun at you because you'll have emotions that are so much stronger than mine. I love Xander so much, but I know that my side of the bond isn't as strong as his because I'm human."

I couldn't help but wonder how having a mate made someone feel so ecstatic. "How is it, having a mate?"

Elias smiled vividly, his eyebrows raising in excitement. "It's so hard to explain, Luca. For me, I didn't feel any different when Xander touched me the first time, but when we cuddled at the infirmary I felt so warm and complete. Just having him close to me, us touching, it makes me feel at peace.

"Now that we're fully mates," he continued, a wide grin forming at his previous words, "I'm even more sensitive to Xander's touch. It makes me feel safe, knowing his skin is on mine even if it's just a brush of our hands."

My eyes widened at how filled with emotion Elias was when talking about his experience. To think that he was having such a rush of exhilaration from his mate bond when he was only human made it nerve-wracking to think of what it could feel like for me.

Soon enough, Elias fixed himself up and waved to me before walking out of the apartment door. I saw a small smile glued to his face as he left, and I couldn't help but form my own. Within the hour, I was already becoming bored. I stretched and went to Aspen's door, figuring I could hang out with her for the time being.

I knocked several times before hanging my head in realization, remembering how she'd briefly mentioned she would be running errands this morning. With a soft sigh, I headed back to my apartment. Neither Elias or Aspen were home, but I felt restless.

In an impulsive act, I decided to go to the Shadowclaw headquarters building. Elias would most likely be there with Xander, and I was sure that Felix would be around, too. If I was lucky, I'd be treated to a delectable lunch. My stomach growled at the idea, and I quickly shrugged a light jacket over my arms before shutting my apartment door behind me.

I strode to the Shadowclaw headquarters building when it came into view, passing many werewolves along the way as I coursed through the pack grounds. As I looked around, I noticed how amazing the Shadowclaw pack truly was; not one wolf had a skeletal build, and they all seemed rather healthy. I smiled thinking of Alpha Felix's ability to keep up the Shadowclaw pack's reputation, his innate leadership retaining the pack's prosperity despite his short time in command.