Mated To The Alpha Of The North
Chapter 42

Willow

I hurried into the closet, firmly shutting the door behind me before turning around and letting out a long breath, shutting my eyes momentarily to bring myself back into the present.

I opened my eyes, shaking off the daze that seemed to never leave when I was in my mate’s presence, and I looked around hopefully for the clothes that Jax and Ronnie had promised I would find in this tiny room.

I could not understand how I felt as comfortable in Jax’s presence as I already did, but I decided not to question the matter too much. Every minute I spent with him, he was constantly endeavoring to show me how much Luna had blessed me with my enviable mate.

Also, I could not believe that I had forgotten I was naked, but I found the more I thought about it, the more I liked his burning, hazel eyes roaming over me.

I could still feel the red staining my cheeks and spreading down to my chest, though that may have been a result of the rigid pole I had seen tenting Jax’s pants before I had dashed away. I wished I had been courageous enough to help him, but I knew there would be plenty of time for that later.

My wolf was still pouting, mad that I was ignoring her, but she could not hide how happy she was to have gotten her way. I continued to snub her, not ready to forgive her brash action yet, regardless of the fact that I was joyful with the outcome, as I allowed my ears to take in my surroundings.

I could not get over how much better my senses were now that I had shifted and was no longer being poisoned regularly. I knew I would have some residual effects for a while, but I could still hear so much more now that I focused my attention on it.

I was shocked earlier when I had realized that I could hear Ronnie approaching the lodge, and even now, I heard her moving around deeper in the house, the smell of coffee brewing permeating the air.

The delectable scent reminded me of Jax’s natural fragrance, but his had a richer, deeper quality to it that was combined with the fresh smell of grass being cut, everything that I loved, somehow combined together into an irresistible aroma that I could not fight.

However, if Jax was being serious before, I did not have long to find something to wear. With that thought in mind, I refocused on the clothing neatly organized before me, astounded at the array of options presented in front of me.

I felt tears threatening to spill over at the sheer amount of gratitude I felt in that moment, but I did not allow myself to get swept away, knowing I was short on time.

Nevertheless, I resolved then and there to find some way to repay the kindness and generosity that Jax and his sister had extended towards me so openly.

I heard the water kick on in the bathroom, sending images of a completely nude Jax rocketing throughout my mind, to my wolf’s eternal delight.

I tuned her out as I moved forward to look through the drawers, pleased when I found undergarments that I approved of. I quickly slipped into a fresh pair of lacy panties and a cute, but still supportive bra that cupped my generous breasts perfectly.

I seriously needed to thank Ronnie. I could tell how much effort she had put into trying to find clothing that I would be happy in, though I noticed she had still thrown in a few options that were outside of my comfort zone, as well.

I chose a pair of jeans, opting out of wearing a dress again anytime soon, seeing as that was all that Zeke had allowed me to wear the entire time that I had been here.

I jumped at the sound of the bedroom door banging open, apparently having missed the rest of Ronnie’s walk through the house while I was distracted. I reached out, snagging a tank top, and swiftly pulled it over my head before grabbing some socks and tennis shoes off the shelf on my way out to meet her.

Yet, I could not help but pause at the door, giving in to the urge and seizing one of Jax’s large t-shirts in my arms, before I left, looking around the room as I exited the closet.

I noticed how Ronnie’s eyes immediately lit up when she saw me, and a huge smile stretched across her face as she said, “Good morning, Willow.”

She paused a moment, her nose scrunching up, before her eyes seemed to dance, an undeniable chuckle of mirth escaping her lips before she went on, “I see Jax has clearly been busy. Let’s head to the kitchen. I am not particularly fond of the smell of my brother’s arousal first thing in the morning, or at all really.”

She finished matter-of-factly, seemingly laughing to herself again as she looked me over, before turning and exiting the room without another word.

I hastily ran my fingers through my hair, feeling about ten degrees hotter since leaving the closet, and very self-conscious. Ronnie’s teasing was not what I was expecting first thing in the morning, but I had to admit it was nice to have someone who cared about me enough to do so.

I could still hear the water running in the bathroom as I sat on the edge of the bed to put my socks and shoes on. It had been a while since I had worn shoes; however, I was not sure what Ronnie’s plans were and I wanted to be prepared, despite the anxiety I still felt at the thought of Jax’s absence by my side while I adjusted to my new reality.

I steeled my resolve as I stood up, pulling Jax’s soft, green t-shirt over my head, loving how his scent seemed to envelop me. At least, I could carry this small part of him with me today while he was busy tracking down Zeke.

I left the room, with one last look over my shoulder at the bathroom door, kind of wishing we had not been interrupted this morning. I needed to brush my teeth and hair still, but it would have to wait until later.

I followed the sounds, finally finding Ronnie in the kitchen making herself a cup of coffee while humming an indistinct tune quietly.

Coffee sounded heavenly right about now. It had been so long since I had had any that I was sure the caffeine rush would give me jitters, but it would be well worth it to savor the sweet, creamy liquid again.

Ronnie had thrust a hot cup into my hands while I had been distracted, but I quickly readjusted my hold on the handle, avoiding the sloshing liquid that had trickled over the side.

“Sorry, are you alright?” She asked hurriedly, while she grabbed a dishtowel and mopped up the slight mess.

“I am fine,” I assured her, moving towards the counter to doctor my coffee up.

I absolutely loved the rich flavor of coffee, but I had to have plenty of sugar and creamer, or I could not drink the bitter stuff.

As I went to grab the creamer out of the fridge, I noticed that there was not much in the way of food, just a carton of eggs, some slices of cheese, lunch meat, and a gallon of milk, with a few random condiments, barely taking up any space in the empty fridge.

I eyed the bread sitting on the counter as I finished making my coffee, using the milk unfortunately, but I was still thankful for the simple pleasure of drinking a cup of coffee again. It seemed to bring back a sense of normalcy that had been sorely missing from my life these past couple of years.

It was a bit strange for me to be standing around doing nothing with Ronnie right now. A couple of days ago, I never would have imagined how much things would change in such a short period of time, but I was extremely grateful to be liberated from Zeke and his tyrannical ways.

However, I found that I did miss cooking now that I had found myself standing in the kitchen with Ronnie. I had always enjoyed making food for others, but I had lost my joy in the simple task over the years with Zeke.

I found myself brightening up at the prospect of rekindling one of my passions, making up my mind then to cook a quick breakfast for the three of us. Later, I would really go all out when I had more time, but for now, this would be a good start to showing my new family how much they meant to me.

I was pleased that my wolf seemed to be in agreement, happy at the thought of providing for our mate.

I went about getting the ingredients I would need as Ronnie leaned against one of the counters, sipping her coffee as she watched me flit about the room.

Yet, I was shocked when I glanced up into the shiny, reflective surface of the stainless-steel refrigerator and noticed the dark spots marring the left side of my neck, my hand automatically reaching up to grasp it, instead of the fridge handle I was reaching for, as a gasp escaped my lips.

Jax was somehow there before I knew it, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into the strength of his embrace, his still shirtless embrace, I might add. While I definitely appreciated his speedy response to my sound of distress, he was the cause of my surprised sound at the moment.

However, before I could reassure Jax, and then chew him out for leaving hickeys all over my neck, Ronnie interjected, “Well, I guess Jax was not the only one who left his mark this morning.”