Conrad POV
The hike, the heat, and three rounds of amazing sex had completely worn Lewana out. She passed out on the bed late last night and is still asleep now, despite it being mid–morning.
Clothes seem unnatural out here, and they made her uncomfortable yesterday as they made her body heat rise even higher, so we have just been going around as our true, authentic naked selves. Honestly, it is the freest I have felt in years. Possibly ever.
While she slept, I decided to explore. It makes more sense now that when Liam visited her house to get her stuff, there was nothing of any value. That was never her home. This was.
The little cabin was beautiful. Only had what it needed with the kitchen, living room, and one bedroom. Soft furnishings, wooden furniture made from nearby logs, and a small fireplace at the edge of the room. She must have hiked it all up herself. It must have taken years to get it all up here. I’m going to have to ask how she got a mattress up, though.
Even outdoors. Rainwater is collected for cooking. Solar panels on the roof. Even an outdoor shower area with a composting toilet. It’s phenomenal.
I go back inside and notice some of the personal items on the shelves. A graduation picture with all the girls in caps and gowns and front and centre. Her qualifications are on the wall. Some seashells and pearls must be from the Sirens. And then I notice a picture of her in a waitress uniform at the diner we stopped at. Dot and Hank are on either side of her, beaming with pride. I knew she didn’t pick the place at random.
It’s getting late in the morning, and I haven’t eaten, and I know she will be hungry, so I start cooking some breakfast. I put an apron on as no way I am risking burnt cock while cooking eggs and sausages. She wakes to the smell and comes up behind me to hug me. Takes everything in me not to get a hard on and throw her on the counter from her soft, naked body pressing against mine.
“Morning, beautiful. You feel rested after yesterday“.
She groans. “Yes. A little bit sore but regretting nothing“.
I know she is saying that because I was worried about being too forceful, so I appreciate it.
As soon as we sit down on the couch to eat, I have to ask.
“So, how did Hank and Dot end up on your wall of fame, and when were you in that sexy waitress outfit?“.
“Well, it’s good to know you didn’t read everything in my foster care file“. She lifted an eyebrow at me in a teasing manner. I sometimes wish I didn’t, but it is how I found and supported her, so most of me isn’t sorry for doing it.
“When I was 16 in the system, they wanted us to start working so we could manage money and get prepared for when we had to leave the system and be on our own on our 18th birthday. I was labeled as disturbed and aggressive because if anyone annoyed me, I basically beat them up. They figured I could do less damage out here, so I was moved and set to work at the diner. Hank and Dot were my guardians for a while, but I suited this life better than the city, as everyone talks
to each other. Serena also loved the forest“.
“So they are sort of your foster parents“.
Chapter 124
“No, exactly. It was a supportive work program, so they have only been listed as employers. Dot takes none of Hank’s shit, and he is a very simple man. A fry–up with a beer and he is your friend for life. He’s actually the one who taught me about woodwork. He also took me hunting and taught me how to shoot. I was with them just under 2 years, but they taught me how to live in the world and not just hide in it. It’s one of the reasons I love this forest so much“.
I just smile as she is clearly fond of this memory.
Once we are finished, I asked her what she wants to do today. She laughs and takes off running out the front door. I chase after her, but see Serena waiting. I take the hint, and Jace comes out. We let them play and bond the rest of the day while I relax in my mind. They hunt, have sex, chase each other, and just have a great day being wolves.
It’s nighttime, and the moon is up as a half moon. Serena leads us to a pathway, and she shifts back into Lewana. I follow her lead and shift back to.
“I want to show you something special. The paths are more human–sized when I built them, but Jace will feel the energy“.
She holds out her hand and I take it. We walk together up the hill and round to the other side of part of her territory. My breath is taken away when I do.
It’s a night garden. Everything here only blooms at night and under the moon. Moon flowers take pride in a place, and there are hundreds of them. There are other flowers, like primrose and special jasmine, that fill the air with a sweet scent. There is also a giant pool in the middle that reflects the moon perfectly.
“What is this place?“.
“It’s sort of my alter to the Moon Goddess. Once I knew I could talk to her, she advised me to build this place. Once the
moonflowers started blooming, she told me how to make elixir. It’s also how I met Rose. The Faes could sense the power
growing in the place and found me here. They knew I was blessed as soon as they saw me and have checked in on me
every month since then“.
“That’s why they freaked out when you didn’t come while at my pack“.
“I hadn’t missed a full moon up here in seven years, so yeah“.
We walk around the garden and just feel the energy. It’s amazing, and you can really feel the connection grow from our wolf side. I will have to build one as soon as I get back.
We stay in the garden for about an hour before we head back to the cabin. We snugg
