Maddis slowed his pace, his stance shifting slightly to one of authority but not aggression. He huffed, a low sound that rumbled through the silent forest, his golden eyes locked onto hers.
Enough games, Tyler, Maddis said through the bond, his voice firm but with a hint of softness. Come to me.
Tyler growled low, a warning, but she didn’t move. Bella’s influence was still strong within her, her human fears holding her wolf back. Maddis stepped closer, his presence undeniable, his dominance radiating through the bond.
You’re mine, Tyler. You’ve always been mine. You know this. Stop fighting it.
Tyler whined softly, her resolve wavering. Maddis could see the conflict in her, the battle between Bella’s fear and Tyler’s instinct. He waited, giving her the space to choose, knowing that forcing her would only push her further away.
Finally, Tyler took a hesitant step forward, her head lowering slightly as she approached. Maddis remained still, his tail swishing in anticipation. When she was close enough, she pressed her nose against his fur, a gesture of recognition and submission.
Maddis nuzzled her gently, his growl turning into a soft rumble of approval. Good girl, he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. Now, let’s go home.
Maddis was fully immersed in the playful chase, his massive paws kicking up snow as he lunged after Tyler. Every now and then, he let out a deep rumble of satisfaction when he managed to catch her for a brief moment, only for her to wriggle free and dart away again, her silver coat glistening under the moonlight and snowflakes. She was stunning—strong, agile, and undeniably his.
Luke marveled at the interaction between their wolves. Maddis was usually dominant, commanding, and unyielding. But with Tyler, he was something else entirely—playful, patient, and almost reverent. It was as though Maddis knew instinctively that this wasn’t about asserting dominance or control; it was about earning Tyler’s trust, showing her that she belonged with him and that he would never harm her.
Tyler paused suddenly, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to look at Maddis, who was already stalking toward her, his golden eyes locked onto her. He was all predator now, but not in a way that threatened—this was a game, one that Tyler clearly enjoyed as much as he did.
When Maddis got close, Tyler crouched low, tail swishing back and forth, her body tense as if preparing to pounce. Maddis mirrored her stance, his ears pinned back playfully, and his muscles coiled with anticipation.
Then, like a shot, Tyler sprang forward, tackling Maddis with surprising force for her size. They tumbled into the snow together, rolling over and over until Maddis pinned her beneath him, his massive paws on either side of her shoulders.
Mine, Maddis growled through the bond, his voice full of possessive satisfaction.
Tyler’s response was immediate—a soft, rumbling purr as she nipped at Maddis’s snout, her acceptance clear. Luke felt Maddis’s elation, his pride, and his deep affection for Tyler. It was overwhelming, even for Luke, who rarely saw his wolf this openly vulnerable.
Maddis lowered his head and pressed his nose to Tyler’s, the gesture soft and filled with unspoken promises. Tyler didn’t pull away this time. Instead, she relaxed beneath him, her trust in Maddis palpable.
For a moment, the two wolves simply lay there in the snow, their breaths mingling in the cold air, their bond strengthening with each passing second. Luke could feel it, the tether between them growing stronger, the connection solidifying in a way that felt almost sacred.
Finally, Maddis stepped back, allowing Tyler to rise. She shook the snow from her fur and stretched, her silver coat shimmering in the faint moonlight. Maddis stood tall, his massive black form a stark contrast against the white snow, his golden eyes never leaving her.
Home, Maddis said through the bond, his tone firm but gentle. Come home with me, Tyler.
Tyler hesitated, her ears flicking back as she glanced toward the woods. Luke felt the conflict in her—the pull to stay with her mate and the lingering fear of what “home” might mean for Bella.
But then Tyler turned to Maddis, her green eyes meeting his golden ones, and she stepped toward him, her decision made. Maddis nuzzled her gently in approval before leading her back toward the pack house.
Luke could feel Maddis’s satisfaction radiating through their shared mind. He had his mate, and nothing was going to take her away from him now. For the first time in years, Maddis felt whole, and by extension, so did Luke.
As they approached the pack house, Luke knew the challenges weren’t over. Bella still had her fears, and there was still much to be resolved. But for now, in this moment, Maddis and Tyler had found each other, and that was enough.
Maddis led Tyler all the way to the back entrance of the pack house, where it was quieter and more secluded. Luke understood his wolf’s intentions—to ensure privacy when they shifted back. Maddis wasn’t just being protective; he was respecting Tyler’s vulnerability, something Luke appreciated deeply. He could sense the bond between the wolves had grown stronger, and now it was up to him to ensure the same between himself and Bella.
As Maddis paused near the entrance, he nudged Tyler gently, signaling her to follow him inside. Once they were behind closed doors, Maddis turned toward Luke’s inner voice.
‘Shift back now, Maddis. Let me handle the rest.’
Maddis hesitated, his protective nature resisting the idea of relinquishing control. But after a moment, he gave a low rumble of agreement and began to shift. Tyler followed suit, her silver coat shimmering briefly before giving way to Bella’s human form.
Luke took control as his body completed the shift. The cold air was biting against their skin, but he quickly grabbed a blanket from the nearby storage bench and draped it over Bella’s shoulders. She stood there, her green eyes filled with a mix of emotions—uncertainty, defiance, and, faintly, curiosity.
