Emily's POV

"You don't have to be afraid anymore." Keegan says.

I close the distance between us quickly and wrap my arms around his waist. I can't bring myself to tell him what I'm truly scared of, but I love that he wants to protect me. I haven't felt truly safe in a very long time, not since I lost my parents. Keegan pulls me closer as he brings one hand up to stroke my hair and the other rests comfortingly on my back. After a few minutes, we are interrupted by a growl. I pull back quickly and look up at Keegan with wide eyes before bursting into laughter.

His face is priceless. "Can we just pretend that the growl came from my mouth and sounded super sexy?" Keegan asks.

"And deprive the beast in your belly of his glory? I think not." I say with a smirk. "Come on, let's feed you." His eyes light up at the mention of food and he quickly follows me into the small kitchen. "I'm not a very skilled cook but I have the ingredients to make a dish my mother learned from her German mother, how do you feel about sauerkraut?"

"That sounds perfect. Thank you." Keegan says earnestly as I walk to the refrigerator. "I've never had German food before but I do like sauerkraut on my hotdogs."

"Awesome. It will take about 30 minutes, but hopefully, you will think it's worth it." I tell him while pulling a container of frozen apple juice concentrate from the freezer.

I grab a pot from the cabinet and put it on the stove before turning the eye on high and emptying the juice into it. I reach into the cabinet above the stove and grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar before adding it to the pot as well. While I wait for it to reduce, I pull out a knife and cutting board before grabbing a few honey crisp apples from my fruit bowl that I rinse in the sink and cut into one inch thick slices. Putting them to the side, I head back to the freezer and pull out a package of beer brats.

"You don't look like you are of German descent." Keegan says as he watches me begin to slice the sausages.

I giggle and shrug. "What? Not blonde enough for you?" I ask in mock offense. "No, I know. I look nothing like my mom. I do resemble my father a great deal though."

When I finish with the brats I peek in the pot on the stove, pleased when I see that it has reduced to about a third of what it started as. The strong scent of apple juice and vinegar is always something that I enjoy, my mouth watering from the sweet and sour aroma. Glancing over at Keegan, I can see that it isn't having the same effect on him. His eyes are watering and I have to hold back a laugh at his scrunched nose.

"Don't worry, once I add the other ingredients the smell will become more savory." I assure him. I slowly slide the beer brats from the cutting board into the pot and give it a stir making sure they are in a single layer. "Besides, if you don't like this, I've got the stuff for sandwiches. I just really wanted to wow you with my kitchen magic." I wink at him. I can't believe I'm flirting with this guy that I just met. I usually feel really shy around new people, but I can't find it in me to be uncomfortable around him. Must be the mate bond he was talking about. Ivy and Asher certainly became close much quicker than would be considered 'normal'.

"I'm sure it will be great!" Keegan says with obviously forced cheerfulness, leaving me to believe he would eat anything I gave him, no matter how disgusting.

I pull a jar of sauerkraut and a strainer from the cupboards and quickly drain the juices. Leaving it in the sink I go back over to check the progress of the meat. When I see the nice caramel color I smile before using a fork and knife to cut one of the pieces open to make sure that it is fully cooked. Wouldn't want to get food poisoning on such a great day, ha. Satisfied, I add the apples and sauerkraut before giving it a nice toss and putting a lid on the pot. After about five more minutes I turn off the heat and pull a couple of bowls from the cabinet before serving us, being sure to give Keegan a much larger portion. Sticking forks in the bowls, I carry our food to the small table set up in the corner of the kitchen.

Keegan hurries over and pulls out a chair for me. "Such a gentleman." I say with a soft smile.

He blushes and it is the cutest thing I've ever seen. "Only for you. Always for you." Keegan says sweetly.

I feel like squealing like some deranged fangirl, but I am thankfully able to refrain. I take my seat and place each of our bowls down. I watch him as he sits before studying the food in front of him. I grin. "I know it doesn't look very appetizing, but I swear it is good." I say and then stick a forkful into my mouth. I can't hold back my groan as the flavors explode on my tongue. The choked sound that Keegan makes causes my face to flame. "Stop looking at me and eat." I huff once I've swallowed.

I carefully watch his face as he finally takes a bite, and am quite pleased with the surprised smile he flashes me before digging back in. "Thi ith oh goo." Keegan grunts out with his mouth full.

I chuckle. "Uh huh... what was that?" I ask. "Maybe swallow first?"

He smiles sheepishly before giving an exaggerated swallow. "This is so good. I was sure I was going to have to choke it down, but this is seriously awesome."

"I'm glad you like it." I tell him with a big smile. We stay quiet as we finish eating. I sit back when my bowl is empty and watch as Keegan stuffs his last bite into his mouth. I have to cover my mouth when a yawn suddenly pushes its way out. "Sorry, I guess the day is just catching up with me. It is a bit past my bedtime."

Keegan gives me an indulgent smile. "Is that your way of telling me to scram?"

"Sorry sugar britches, but yes. I need to get to bed. You can come back tomorrow if you want." I say, trying to make him feel better.

"Did you really just call me 'sugar britches'? You can't call me that. I am an alpha werewolf." He says looking quite disgruntled.

Trying to keep a straight face I ask, "No? Okay, what about baby cakes?" At his snarl, I try again. "Snookie Wookie? Cuddle bum? Pookie bear? Oooh, I know, you can be my little gingersnap. You know, because of your hair."

The scowl on his face grows with each new name.When I get to the last one he jumps up abruptly. "Woman! Do I look small to you?"

I know I should probably be intimidated by this large man towering over me, but I know that he would never, could never hurt me so I just smile innocently. "Well, I guess not, but it would sound silly if I called you my big gingersnap, now wouldn't it?"

I almost laugh when I notice his jaw ticking. "Fine, let's see how you like it, Schmoopy."

"Aw! How sweet. I love it!" I tell him excitedly. "Okay, you are my little gingersnap and I am your Schmoopy. Now that it is settled, it's time for you to head out." I quickly stand and start pushing him towards the exit when it looks like he might argue. I open the door and stand on my tiptoes to smack a quick kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight." I say as I shove him outside.

He seems utterly confused as to how he lost complete and utter control of the situation but says, "Goodnight, Emily. I'll be back tomorrow. Sweet dreams."

I watch as Keegan walks slowly towards the trees and tosses one last look over his shoulder before disappearing into them. When the sounds of his shift reach my ears I step back and lock the door. I don't even try to stop the smile that spreads across my face minutes later when I hear the howl echoing through the forest. 

A/N: The meal that she makes is one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I have been making in for many years, but still haven't come up with a name for it, so I just call it 'German Food'. Does anyone have any better ideas? Please comment and vote. Thanks for reading!