The Pack Where She Belongs

Chapter 7

----Alex----

While Astrid got changed in the closet I undressed and pulled out a pair of basketball shorts and a shirt from the dresser under the television. I got dressed and sat down on the bed then began scrolling through movies for Astrid and I to watch. she wasn't really sure what kinds of shows and movies she liked so comedy was always a good bet. once I had a movies picked I leaned back against the headboard while waiting for Astrid to come out and join me.

Today had been perfect, we spent plenty of time together in town and aside from the little hiccup in the diner, nothing else stirred up. Even the spur of the moment dinner with my family went well. I knew Astrid had been really nervous but seeing her open up to everyone important to me, made me so happy. She was going to fit in well here and I felt she was going to be happy here as well, I could feel it.

After hearing about who had treated Astrid so badly, another Alpha no less, I had been furious. They had essentially starved her and constantly beat her for something, I wouldn't put it past them to be the ones who had hurt her with silver either. I knew she wouldn't want me to confront them, even though myself and River wanted to; I would hold my tongue until something happened, if something happened.

I looked over at the closet as the door opened and instantly my c**k twitched in my shorts, goddess this woman was perfect and I was extremely surprised at what she chose to wear. She was dressed in a pair of shorts that stopped at her upper thighs and a camisole tank top with little lace around the top. This woman was really testing my restraint and I don't even think she knew it.

"You look amazing.." I breathed, eyeing her over. It was hard to believe this beautiful woman was my mate.

"Thank you, Alex. it's honestly really hard to choose what to wear when I have so many options now" She laughed, the sound was heavenly. I opened my arms to her and she shuffled over to the bed and climbed in with me. I nuzzled my nose into her hair and enjoyed the lovely sweet scent of lavender and vanilla, I loved her scent so much that I craved it. we had hardly been apart from each other but even just the small moments like her changing or being in the bathroom made me ache for her scent.

"Alex? are you alright?" Astrid asked, I hadn't even realized I was clinging to her so much. I laughed softly and let her go

"I am, I'm sorry sweetheart you just smell so good. you're my favorite smell in the whole world.."

"I smell good? what do I smell like to you? to me, you smell like warm apple pie" Astrid commented, tilting her head back to look up at me better.

"Apple pie huh? never expected that" I chuckled. "You smell like lavender and vanilla, I can't get enough of it" I added and nuzzled into her again, gaining me a giggle from her.

"You're so silly" she said with a big smile and I couldn't help myself. I dipped my head down and lightly brushed my lips against hers, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. she balled her hand into my shirt while I kissed her. I wasn't trying to be s****l despite my body wanting to be, I just wanted her to feel how special she was to me while I kissed her.

Slowly I pulled my face away from hers, the hooded look to her eyes made pulling away even harder. "You have no idea the effect you have on me" I cooed and gave her lips a quick peck which gained me a smile.

"You have no idea" she giggled which made me raise my brow at her.

"I dont?" I questioned then watched as her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink while she shook her head at me and bit her lip. I reached up and carefully pulled her lip from her teeth. "baby girl.. you have got to stop doing that, the things that look does to me. goddess had the doctor not told us to take it easy.." I trailed off and leaned close to her ear, "I'd take you and mark you as mine right here and now.." My voice was soft and husky. the little sound that came from her didn't help and neither did the smell her arousal, this time it was definitely my fault but goddess did I love how she reacted to me. "soon though.." I cooed and lifted my face away to see her red cheeks and shy eyes. "but also not until you're ready" I added and kissed the tip of her nose before sitting back.

I could tell Astrid was having a hard time collecting herself and it made me grin. "would you still like that massage love?" I asked, seeming to snap her out of her thoughts. "no funny business though, I promise"

"id love one, I've never had one before" she answered me with a big smile.

"where would you like me to start? what hurts the most right now?" I asked her before getting up and walking to the bathroom to grab the bottle of lotion she had picked out earlier that day.

"honestly right now it's mostly my feet and legs, my lower back is a little sore too" she answered me as I came back into the room. I nodded and moved to sit at her feet on the bed.

"then I will start here and work my way up, how that sound?" I asked, bringing her feet into my lap.

"sounds lovely to me!" She answered and relaxed back against the headboard.

I handed her the remote for the television before getting to work on her feet. I put some lotion into my hands and took her small foot into my hands. I rubbed the lotion over it then pressed my thumbs to her small arch and began rubbing and massaging it, I was greeted with a soft moan of appreciation as I worked out the tension and soreness in her foot and little toes. I looked up at Astrid who had her eyes closed and a small smile on her lips.

we can't have s*x right now but I'll take this right now, knowing I'm making her feel good is good enough for me for the moment I thought and smiled to myself. I eventually switched over and began doing the same to her other foot, gaining me more appreciative moans and sounds. when I finished with that foot I began working up her legs, massaging her calves and knees.

Before I could even get to starting on her back, I looked up while working on her leg and saw she was asleep. I couldn't help but smile at the peaceful look on her face. I knew she was more tired than she was letting on and all she needed was that final push to relax. I carefully got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to wash my hands and teeth before coming back to the bed. I carefully lifted her up slightly and laid her down properly in bed then watched as she curled up and settled into the mattress. I reached down and pushed a little of her dark hair away from her face before moving around to the other side of the bed and crawling up behind her and laying down. I put my arm over her body and closed my eyes, sleep quickly finding me while I held my mate close.

----Astrid----

I honestly didn't even remember falling asleep. I was so relaxed while Alex's large hands eased away all of soreness, the man was amazing with his hands and honestly, I've never felt so loved. I've never had someone show me such tenderness and care and he made me feel so special and precious to him.

I slowly opened my eyes, looking directly into Alex's chest. I smiled and nuzzled into him, taking in his apple pie scent. he said last night he couldn't get enough of how I smelled and honestly, it was the same way for me. I felt so safe in his arms and his scent put me at ease.

"Good morning..." his gravely voice said by my ear, giving me chills. he tightened his hold on me and kissed the top of my head. "how did you sleep, sweetheart?" he asked and nuzzled me gently.

"mmm.. like a baby, I don't even remember falling asleep. last I remember you were working on my left calf and then nothing" I giggled softly and pressed my forehead to his chest.

"and how are you feeling today? still sore?" he asked while rubbing my back a little.

"No, honestly I feel so much better today. my ribs don't hurt, my head doesn't hurt anymore. truthfully I think I'm all healed" I answered, feeling better than I ever have in my whole life. Not only did my body feel better but my mind and my heart felt better.

"that's probably thanks to the mate bond and us being so close, it more than likely sped up the healing process for you" Alex said into my hair before he pulled his face back from me. I tilted my head up to look up at him. "but we should still probably touch base with the doctor before we do anything strenuous" he winked at me. I playfully tapped his chest with a laugh.

"You're just trying to get me naked sir" I giggled. he gave me a mischievous grin in return.

"perhaps I am, but I'm also trying to see if our wolves are able to meet at all. River still won't stop bugging me" he laughed. Harper had also been bothering me off an on about meeting River but we needed to be sure it was safe, even if we didn't shift.

"I also don't fully feel comfortable letting River out until I know you're better, in case he gets a little handsy with you even if I tell him not to" he said with an annoyed face. this was clearly a topic the two had discussed, his face made me smile.

"Well, when do I see the doctor again?" I asked him curiously while playing with his shirt a little.

"today actually, he's supposed to be coming by the house around noon" he answered while rubbing my back.

"what time is it?" I asked and pulled away from his chest to look at the alarm lock on the night stand."Oh crap, Alex it's eleven forty five" I looked back down at him

"whoops, looks like we need to get dressed" he laughed and we both scrambled out of bed.

I quickly headed into the closet and pulled on a pair of black leggings and a black form fitting t-shirt. while I was putting on my clothes I realized for the first time in my life I was fitting my clothes better, they weren't as big on me anymore. I couldn't help but smile, it meant I was putting on some weight.

I headed back out to the bedroom where Alex was, and so was the doctor that I recognized from the hospital. The man smiled at me, "Astrid, it's nice to see you up and about, as well as looking much better" the doctor smiled as well. "I told Alex I would be coming by today and it would see you both cut it close for my arrival" the man laughed. "would you like to get started on your check up?" he asked and I nodded. He shooed Alex from the room and had me sit on the end of the bed

The doctor did his exam, occasionally putting stuff into the tablet that he brought with him. I sat there nervously as he looked things over.

"everything seems in fine, Astrid. I still wouldn't push yourself too hard for another day or two but I'd say the only thing strenuous I wouldn't do just yet is shift into your wolf, the rest I'll clear you for" he commented, typing more stuff into the tablet. "I've never properly introduced myself. my name is Max lupus, you can call me Max like the rest of the pack house does if your ever concerned about anything just have Alpha Alex give me a call okay? welcome to our pack, Luna Astrid" he smiled. we talked for a couple more minutes before he left and Alex came back in.

"all clear, love?" Alex asked as I stood up, his brows pulled together with worry.

"almost, the only thing he wants me to wait on is shifting but he's happy I'm healing so well and gaining weight even though it's only been a couple of days" I answered him and instantly I was met with a mischievous smile.

"That's all he told you to wait on? that's good" he grinned and lifted me up, instantly I put my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.

"wait wait what are you doing?" I laughed as he carried me over to the bed and laid me down with him between my legs.

"I'm going to make you feel good" he purred before leaning down and kissing my neck where his mark would go. I gasped and gripped the blankets a little. "I plan on taking my time with it too.. if that's okay.." he asked, kissing along my collar bone before there was a knock on the door, causing him to growl with frustration and lift his head, looking over at the door. "What is it?" he growled loudly.

"It's Morgan, we have a problem.. some one is here to see you and they.. won't leave" Morgan answered before there was an obnoxious, whiny voice on the other side of the door.

"Aaaaalex, move it Morgan! let me in and see him!" said the voice of another woman then there was some shuffling and the door opened to reveal a super model hot, woman with bleach blonde hair and dark brown eyes. "I'm back from vacation! wait.. who's this skank?"

I felt my whole world crumble in an instant..