The Alpha and The Vigilante novel Chapter 71

You made me a fur cloak? I asked, surprised.

Cain looked into my eyes lovingly. "You always wear your old cloak, which is far too thin for how cold my territory gets. I know that the pelt makes you warm, but I also know you prefer the freedom the cloak allows you. I thought you would like a more versatile version of the pelt."

My heart swelled. I knew that his gift was not only symbolic of his promise to take care of me, but also of his promise to allow me more freedom and personal liberties.

He froze as I threw my arms around him in a hug. Typically, I only wrapped my arms around him to choke him out.

He returned the hug, nuzzling his face into my neck. "Can I assume you like it then, little mate?"

I love it. Thank you, Cain. I kissed his cheek and he stiffened.

"You said my name. Not Alpha," Cain choked out. I hesitated, realizing that I had been calling him Cain in my head for the past few weeks as I slowly warmed up to him.

We continued to hold each other in silence until Cain pulled away. "As much as I wish I could spend all day holding you, I need to go finish working out some of the details for tonight."

Can I walk around your territory for awhile? I'll bring Carter with me. I bargained, knowing he would say yes. I had taken quite a few walks with Carter accompanying me the last few days.

"Yes, pup, but please be careful. War is on the horizon," Cain warned.

Aren't your borders secured? I asked.

"Yes, but we still haven't found whoever tried poisoning you, and who knows how they snuck on to our territory. I will let the patrol guards and Jax know that you'll be wandering so they can keep an eye out for you," I nodded as Cain spoke. I began to understand that most of his controlling behavior stemmed from him being worried that someone would kill me. As I began to show my capability, he started trusting me more on my own, only leaving me with one guard, typically Carter.

"I'll see you at the ceremony, pup. Please behave," He placed a chaste kiss on my lips before leaving.

I sighed, debating on going back to sleep, until ultimately deciding to just get my lazy ass out of bed. I got dressed in black leggings, a black long sleeve shirt, and black boots, since Carter and I were going to go walk through the snowy woods. I had come to love the winter that enveloped Blood Lake.

Finally, I threw on my new cloak, fastening it under my chin so it wouldn't fall off.

I scoffed and bumped my shoulder into him. You know how corny that sounds, right?

Carter shrugged, unbothered by my crude statements. "You will understand when you have pups. Lily filled a gap in my heart I didn't know I had."

I rolled my eyes at how sentimental he had been since becoming a father. I wondered if Cain and I ever had pups, if he would be that emotional over it. I doubted it.

We continued walking deeper into the woods, stopping occasionally to throw snowballs at each other or playfully spar.

Suddenly, I heard a twig crunch to my right. Carter instantly dropped all hints of playfulness and his expression was serious.

We both turned to the sound of the noise, but didn't see anything.

"We should get back, Luna. I don't have a good feeling about-" His voice was interrupted by the sound of footfall approaching us.