Right away, I got the water heating up, then I started pulling my clothes off, while Lance did the same. Once we were both undressed, we stepped under the cascading hot water, and it felt great. Instantly, my tensed up muscles began to relax, and there was no stopping the sigh of content that left my mouth.
Lance chuckled at me, then he flashed me a smile, as he sweetly murmured, "Turn around for me."
I wasn't sure why he wanted me to turn around, but I did it anyways. As soon as my back was facing him, Lance started massaging my shoulders and neck, then he worked his way down the expanse of my back. Whatever technique he was using to massage my sore muscles felt absolutely wonderful, and it definitely helped more than the hot water.
After he worked the knots out of my muscles, I spun around to face him, then I threw my arms around his neck and smashed my lips against his for a passionate kiss. My mate was so good to me, and I wanted to show my appreciation.
Our lips stayed molded together until we had to break the kiss in need of air, then Lance immediately started trailing featherlike kisses down the curve of my neck. I tangled my fingers in his wet, midnight black hair, as his amazing lips made those tantalizing sparks flow between us, and I didn't want the moment to end anytime soon.
We spent the next hour in the shower, and we both enjoyed each other's company. When we were done having fun, we got ourselves cleaned up, then we got out of the shower and pulled some clean clothes on. I got dressed in a pink and white striped sundress, meanwhile Lance pulled on a pair of silver gym shorts with a light green t-shirt.
After that, we went to the kitchen and found my werecat mum cooking dinner. She was frying pork chops, and they smelled delicious. As soon as the aroma from them hit my nostrils, my mouth instantly started watering, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into that amazing fried meat.
While we waited for dinner to be finished, we sat in the living room with my werecat dad and filled him in on the progress we were making on our cabin. He was excited for us, and he got even more excited when we offered for him to come check out the progress sometime.
Once dinner was done cooking, the four of us sat down together at the dining table and enjoyed a family dinner. It wasn't something we did very often anymore, so I enjoyed it even more than usual.
It gave us the chance to spend some quality time with my werecat parents, and it was time that I would always cherish. Even though they weren't my real blood parents, they were still my parents, and I loved them as much as I loved my werewolf parents.
Chapter 48
Finishing Construction
Lance POV
Celeste and I spent the next few weeks helping with the construction of the cabin during the day. At night, we spent our time doing a number of different things. When we weren't enjoying each other's company in the bedroom, we were either hanging out at the waterfall, or we were exploring the areas around the border and looking for others that needed our help.
There were several incidents when we stumbled upon a human or a werewolf being attacked by rogues. Regardless of whether it was just me and Celeste, or we had Lynzee with us, we always intervened and did whatever we could to save their lives.
Unfortunately, we didn't get there soon enough to save one of them, and I could tell that bothered Celeste a great deal. She became even more ferocious with the rogues after that particular incident, and she started training again with me and Lynzee. She was already amazing when it came to defending herself and others, but the extra training definitely made her faster and better at striking.
Not only that, she was running everywhere we went, and her speed gradually increased even more. I hadn't been able to keep up with her for a long time, and with her increased speed, I didn't stand a chance when it came to catching up to her.
Another thing that developed over the last few weeks was Celeste and I visiting her werewolf parents on a regular basis. Every time we saved a werewolf from the rogues, we would take them to the pack clinic on the Great Forest Pack's territory, then we would spent a few hours with her parents. It was great to see them bonding and getting to know each other again, and I could tell it was helping her parent's health and demeanor.
Towards the end of that two weeks, we started stalking the rogues on the free territory. It was a dangerous area to cross into, but my mysterious mate had no fear. She would prance across the border, then she would stealthily climb up a tree with me on her heels. After that, she would leap from tree to tree, while using her claws to stop herself from falling if she became unsteady.
As she gained more confidence in her ability to use the trees to her advantage, she got faster and stealthier. It quickly became more obvious that royal blood flowed through her veins, and I was so proud to call her my mate. I couldn't wait to see Celeste take her rightful place as the Queen, and I planned to do whatever I could to show my support in every aspect. However, I knew it would still be a little while before that time came.
While we were stalking the rogues, we overheard several
conversations that led us to believe they were planning to attack the Great Forest Pack on the next full moon. That was three weeks away, so we started making a plan to help defend Celeste's old pack. We informed all three Alphas of the impending attack, then we started working on a strategy to turn the table on those disgusting rogues.
On the last day of the cabin's construction, I insisted Celeste stay at home and let us guys take care of the finishing touches. I wanted some of the work to be a surprise for her, and that was the only way I could make that happen. She was reluctant at first, but eventually she gave in to my request.
When she mentioned going for a run with Lynzee, I begged her to stay at home. I wanted her there when we finished. I didn't want to have to search for her when all was said and done.
Once she promised to stay at home, I headed straight to the cabin. Practically everything was done, other than some of the cosmetics, and I was thrilled to be finishing the last of the construction.
My dad and I spent the morning installing the special mirrors I picked out in the bathrooms, then we installed a ceiling fan in the living room. After that, we went to the furniture store, where I picked out a nice living room set that I knew Celeste would like, and I picked out the most amazing bed for us.
It was a king sized, canopy style bed with an almost see through, light pink satin that cascaded down around the bed, and I felt like it was fitting for my princess of a mate. Whether she was ready to take the throne or not, I considered her a princess, and I planned to treat her as such. That way I would already be used to treating her like the royalty when she does become the official Queen.
We also bought a dresser for both of us and a coffee table for the living room, as well as two end tables and two bedside tables. Once we were done purchasing the furniture, we loaded it into my dad's pick-up truck, then he drove us to another store, where we purchased all of the little miscellaneous things we would need.
It wasn't often that we used a vehicle on our territory, but this was one of those times when it was necessary. When we were done with all of the necessary shopping, we headed back to the cabin. As soon as we got there, we carried the furniture inside and got it placed where I wanted it, then we got the bed set up.
I made sure to dress the bed with the light pink bedding I picked out, and I was confident that Celeste would be pleasantly surprised. I knew pink was her favorite color, and I wanted her to feel at home and comfortable.
After we finished putting away the other items, I gave my dad a bear hug, as I gratefully stated, "Thank you for all the help on this. Once we get settled in, I would love if you and mum would join us for dinner."
"Son, it was my pleasure to help you. I'm proud of you for stepping up to the plate, and doing what needs to be done to provide for your mate. She is a precious gem, and I'm glad you two have each other," he stated with nothing but pride swirling in his gold eyes.
It was nice to hear my dad give me praise, and I couldn
't wait to get back to Celeste and tell her about it. My dad and I hadn't been the closest when I was growing up, but this project had definitely brought us closer, and I was very thankful for that.
Chapter 49
Moving In
Celeste POV
Lance wouldn't leave to finish the cabin until I promised to stay at home, so all I did all day was nap or sit around talking to my parents. By the time Lance returned later in the afternoon, I was on my third nap, but that didn't stop him from gently shaking me until I woke up.
As soon as my eyelids fluttered open, he excitedly gushed, "Get up, mate. It's time to start moving our stuff to the cabin."
Instantly, my lips curved up to form an ear to ear smile, as I stretched out my limbs, then I jumped out of bed, as I enthusiastically replied, "I can't wait to see what you did there today."
"You are going to be so happy when we get there," he cheerfully exclaimed with his own ear to ear smile plastered on his face.
I walked over to Lance and placed a soft kiss on his lips, then I slipped my feet into my black flip flops, before I happily chirped, "I'm ready."
Lance chuckled at me, then he curiously asked, "Don't you want to pack up some of your clothes?"
I shrugged my shoulders, as I nonchalantly replied, "I suppose that wouldn't be a bad thing," then I grabbed my suitcase and filled it up with my favorite articles of clothing."
In the meantime, Lance grabbed my pink backpack, then he filled it up with my jewelry and the few hair accessories that I owned. After that, he grabbed my favorite pink throw blanket and stuffed it in my purple backpack.
When we were done, we both strapped a backpack to our back, then Lance grabbed my suitcase. On the way to the door, I stopped in the living room and gave both of my werecat parents a warm hug, as I assured them that I would be back soon to get the rest of my belongings.
They looked so sad to see me moving, but they didn't voice their sadness. Instead, they gave me words of encouragement and praised me and Lance for working so hard to build the cabin.
On the walk to our cabin, Lance carried my suitcase with one hand, then he used his other hand to hold onto mine. While we were walking, Lance excitedly informed me, "My dad actually said he's proud of me, and he really likes you, more than I realized."
"Really?" I asked with surprise. His dad had always acted as if he didn't like me very much, until we informed them about us being mates, then he usually only flashed me a quick smile.
"He called you a precious gem," Lance replied with a sweet smile playing on his full lips.
"Aww, that's so sweet," I cooed with happiness and earned a chuckle from Lance.
As soon as we reached the cabin, Lance excitedly pulled me inside, and my eyes were instantly met with a fully furnished cabin. I knew the kitchen and bathrooms were furnished with the necessary appliances and whatnot, but I was not expecting the living room to have furniture and curtains.
I was thrilled to see the nice dark blue leather couch with a matching loveseat. Beside them were end tables that had matching lamps sitting on top, and there was a decent sized coffee table in front of the couch and loveseat. We painted the walls a light blue color, and Lance picked out dark blue curtains that matched the furniture.
I was quick to plop down on the couch, then I happily chirped, "I love this furniture. It's so comfy."
Lance flashed me a smile, as he excitedly remarked, "That's not even the best part. I have something else to show you."
Right away, I stood up and grabbed his hand, then I enthusiastically replied, "Show me, mate."
Lance immediately chuckled, as he led me to the bedroom. When he opened the door, my jaw about hit the floor, as I gazed at the beautiful bed that was set up. The wood frame was painted white, and it had a pink satin canopy flowing down all around it, as well as pink bedding.
Right away, I kicked off my sandals, then I ran over to the bed and climbed onto the mattress. Lance sat down on the floor and removed his tennis shoes, then he joined me on the fabulous bed. I was quick to roll over and lay my head on his broad chest, then I affectionately murmured, "I love our home, mate. You did an amazing job here."
"I'm glad you love it," he cheekily replied, then he pecked a kiss on my forehead.
We laid there and snuggled for a few minutes, then I climbed off the bed and put my clothes away. When I was done, we went to Lance's old house and grabbed some of his clothes and belongings, then we returned to the cabin and put his stuff away.
Once that was taken care of, Lance and I cooked a nice dinner to celebrate. Lance prepared lemon peppered tilapia, while I prepared white rice and sweet peas. The food turned out phenomenal, and we both enjoyed our celebration meal.
As soon as we finished eating, we teamed up to clean the mess from dinner, then we snuggled on the couch for about thirty minutes. After that, I decided to try out our new shower, and Lance was quick to join me.
I was happy with the great water pressure, and the hot water worked wonders to help ease the tension in Lance's muscles. I had been feeling his soreness, because of our mate bond, and I was relieved to know the shower was helping him.
While we were in the shower, I helped Lance by washing his body for him, and that was all it took for a wide smile to plaster itself on his cute face. When I was done, he pulled me into a loving embrace, as he huskily mumbled, "Thank you, sweetie."
I gazed up at his stunning ocean blue eyes and cheerfully replied, "You're welcome, cutie."
We stayed wrapped in that embrace for a few minutes, then we got out of the shower and headed straight for our bed. Once we were under the warm blanket, I took the lead and gave my amazing mate an indescribable amount of pleasure, then we snuggled together until we drifted to sleep.
Chapter 50
Preparing for Battle
Celeste POV
With the construction of the cabin completed, we had more time to prepare for the impending attack on the Great Forest Pack. All of the packs were working well together, and we all started a daily training routine, similar to the routine at the Great Forest Pack, with the exception of our tree climbing and jumping exercises.
Lance was the one who suggested we all practice that skill, since it was a very useful skill to possess when dealing with the rogues, who were not able to climb trees in their werewolf forms. I was proud of my mate for everything he was doing. Not only did he help a great deal with the construction of our cabin, but he was also helping me and our packs with the battle training.
The only time we weren't together was when we went to our parent's houses to finish packing up our belongings, then we helped each other move them to the cabin. It was wonderful to have our own home, and I loved spending time there with Lance.
We especially enjoyed spending time together under the blankets of the fabulous bed Lance picked out. He always made me feel like a princess anytime we were surrounded by that light pink satin canopy. A lot of the time, he treated my body like it was made of porcelain, and I loved when he touched me with so much gentleness.
I cherished every second of the time we spent together. Having already died once gave me more appreciation for the life I was living, and I was determined not to waste the second chance I was given.
I was at a point in my life where I just wanted to help as many innocent individuals as I could, then I wanted to get settled as the Queen of werecats and do anything I could to help our species as a whole. I knew it was going to be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but I planned to take on the responsibility with pride and courage.
However, I had to deal with those darn rogues first. I didn't like the idea of having a free territory where rogues could ban together and cause harm on the packs surrounding them. It was something that I needed to help put an end to, before I could put my focus on being the Queen and starting a family with Lance.
That was another thing that had been on my mind a lot. I knew how much Lance wanted to have cubs, and I wanted more than anything to give him cu
bs, but I couldn't bring another innocent cub into our world with the rogues causing so much havoc.
A few days before we anticipated the rogues to attack, all of the warriors from the Midnight Pack and the Jungle Pack journeyed to the Great Forest Pack, then we all climbed up into the trees and stayed as still and quiet as we could. None of us had any idea how long we would be waiting, but we all had small backpacks that held water and some snacks to help us stay hydrated and energized.
We purposely made our journey to the Great Forest Pack during the nighttime hours to ensure no rogues would spot us. We didn't want them to have any knowledge of us helping our werewolf neighbors, so that we would have the element of surprise, and thus, the upper hand.
Lance and I climbed up the same tree with the strap of our backpack in our mouths, then we got settled on the two thickest limbs. The limb I settled on was directly above Lance's limb, and I was glad to have him relatively close to me.
I stretched my jaguar's body across the limb and let my paws dangle above Lance, who decided to be cute and started licking my front paws. I thought it was the sweetest gesture, and I couldn't stop myself from purring in response.
I ended up falling asleep while he was licking my paws, but I didn't sleep for very long, because I awakened by a rustling in the bushes and shrubs below us. Instantly, my eyes sprang open, then I started scanning the area until my eyes landed on one of the Great Forest Pack's warriors. It looked like he was scouting the area, so I let my body relax again, but I kept my eyes on him just to be on the safe side.
Eventually, the warrior moved on to check out another area of the forest, but I was too awake by that point to fall back asleep. Lance on the other hand was still sound asleep, and he looked so peaceful.
Revenge : His Mysterious Werecat Page 22