Megan's POV
Like every other day, the sun rose, rousing me from my lovely sleep. The birds sang their song as the sun rose in the morning, welcoming it and all that it brought with it. However, as nature generally does, something seemed strange.
Still getting used to the concept of sleeping next to someone every night, their arms embracing me tightly and giving off a warm feeling. He had already woken up when he traced my features with his fingertips, causing me to blink and twitch my nose.
Saying "Good morning, Beautiful." His voice was deeper than usual, and sleep had not cleared his emerald eyes. He lowered his neck downward and gave me a long forehead kiss as part of what appeared to be a ritual.
I sat up and fixed my eyes on his bare neck as he slipped out of bed, displaying my mark that wasn't there the day before. I claimed that he was permanently mine by leaving that mark. When he felt my eyes on his exposed flesh, he turned to look at me. I dodged while my cheeks were on fire because he had a knowing smirk on his lips.
I understand your feelings. He crawled over to me with his knees resting on the side of the bed. "I am thoroughly enjoying leaving my mark on you." I made an effort to mask my annoyance by firmly grasping the nice fur blanket that was covering me.
Saying "You know," Before removing my fingers from the blanket and toying with them, he stroked his palm over them. In my pack, there is a particular ritual that includes this blanket. I caught a glimpse of him at home peering carefully at my fingers through my hair.
"A throw?" I've heard strange objects have been used in rituals, but I've never heard of a blanket.
"Mhmm." He gave my knuckles a kiss while humming. "This fur is manufactured from rabbits that I captured just before turning fifteen. Before they locate partners, every man in my pack does something similar. It is evidence that they are able to support and take care of their spouse. Some workers at lesser levels create smaller items like fur-lined coats or shoes.
"Why a blanket, though? It requires a lot more effort. He looked at the blanket while he ran his free hand over it, perhaps reflecting.
"I had no idea what to do or how large or tiny you would be, but I did know that rabbit fur was warm and cozy. A blanket, in my opinion, would be appropriate.
"I am really appreciative that you created this. I really like it. He gave me a kiss, and I could feel a grin forming on his lips.
"I'm glad you do," she said.
Jason's POV
The training process was going well, and numerous advancements were being made. As new warriors were being created, faster and stronger moves were emerging. While I had individual exercises and training sessions with my higher ranks, I often watched the others and sometimes joined in.
Megan had even joined in, socializing with a select number of both Ryland's and our pack members. She hesitated often, something I've seen her doing repeatedly, as she was now fighting with Blaire. She was wary of inadvertently injuring her sparring partners or going too far since her history haunted her constantly. Years after her escape, she still seldom ever attacks, preferring to remain on the defensive.
It was difficult to see her struggle with even the most basic daily tasks. She struggled to communicate with me even when we were alone, but when among other people, she exhibited startled animal behavior. She gave tentative answers—often just one word—and avoided eye contact with anybody. She behaves in a manner that makes the wounds she has visible.
She has changed too much, however. She showed greater faith in me and let me treat her with gentleness, just as I had imagined treating my ideal mate. She sometimes lets me kiss her, embrace her, and treat her like I've always wanted to. I like being able to hug her as closely as I want when holding her at night, playing with her hair, or just running my fingertips down her soft skin.
She is growing and developing. understanding how a person should be handled. learning the proper running of a pack. gaining self- and other-confidence. It's fascinating to see the challenging process required for someone with a bad past to live in a, let's say, regular manner, in a normal environment.
She is really bold and powerful. She is everything she does not see herself to be, but it doesn't matter since I do. It's alright because the pack notices it and she's starting to, really; she's starting to.
She will be aware one day. She will be able to see how far she has come and how much her life has improved. She'll realize how incredible she is and how much she means to me and other people. She will realize how much I love her one day, and she will reciprocate my sentiments. The most memorable day of my life will be the one.