I leap up and without hesitation captured his lips in a quick kiss, it felt like second nature to kiss him and when I feel him lean into me for more I can't help but push him back. 

"go shower" I tell him 

"wanna join me?" 

I scoff "as if!" 

That makes him scoff back as if to mock me but he complies with my request and disappears into the bathroom but not before  grumbling under his breath about how he's going to get me back.   I rummage through his wardrobe trying to find a  stylish yet simple outfit for him, mindful of his taste and the occasion. 

A sleek black dress shirt catches my eye, it's fabric is soft to the touch, I pair it with a grey textured trousers that exudes sophistication in my opinion. I have always liked men who dressed up.  I even go as far as choosing his socks and shoes, ensuring every detail was perfect for his birthday. 

With Soren's outfit sorted, I dash over to Grey's room, finding the young pup seated patiently on his bed. 

"I am sorry grey, I'm so late but I had to distract your brother" I tell him feeling bad that he had to wait so long for me. 

"Did Soren see the cake?" he whispers anxiously, his voice barely above a breath. 

I shake my head reassuringly. "No, he's taking a shower," I tell him, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "We'll surprise him together okay?" 

"okay" 

I turn my attention to his wardrobe, selecting a cute outfit that matched the occasion and he disappears into the bathroom to change. He comes out moments later, his curls tousled but adorable so I ran my fingers through them gently, smoothing them into place. It's crazy how he looks like a mini version of his brother but way cuter.

"Perfect," I say, admiring him. "You're all set."

"Thank you, Sam, for being here" Grey says, his eyes big and sincere. "I'm happy that you are Soren's mate."

I smile at him but I felt guilty. I focus on tying his shoe-laces but I know it's the time to tell him now. 

" Grey, I have something to tell you buddy, something important" I gently begin 

He nods, "What is it?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. 

"I have to leave for a few days," I say gulping, trying to keep my tone light. "But I promise I'll be back soon."

Instantly,  Grey face falls. "You're leaving?" he asks, his voice cracking with fear. 

"But... what if you don't come back?"

My heart aches at his words.  I reach out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know it's scary," I say softly.

 "But I promise you, I'm coming back. I would never leave you alone."

Tears well up in his eyes, and he blinks them away quickly, trying to be brave. "But what if something happens?" he whispers, his voice trembling. "Soren will be sad If something happens to you" 

I pull him into a tight hug feeling his small body shake with  suppressed sobs. "Nothing's going to happen to me or you or anyone" I say firmly.

 "I'll be back before you know it, and we'll bake cookies and have more fun. You're not alone, and you never will be."

Grey Clings to me, his small hands  gripping tightly. "Promise?" he asks, his voice muffled against my shirt.

"I promise," I say, pulling back to look into the boy's eyes. "Cross my heart."

He  sniffles and nods, trying to smile. "Okay," he says, his voice a little steadier. "I'll wait for you."

I  smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "That's my brave boy," I tell him.

 "I'll be back before you know it." I give him one last hug " now go watch Tv while I get dressed." 

Grey Nods and goes downstairs to watch tv. I walk back to Soren and I's room my mind heavy with thoughts of Grey's tearful face. I can imagine how he was feeling. I hate that I caused him pain. 

I close the door and lean against it, instantly making eye contact with Soren's reflection in the mirror as he gets ready by the dresser. His eyes meet mine, and a frown tugs at the corners of his lips.

"Hey," Soren murmurs, abandoning the buttons of his shirt and stepping closer to me "What happened? Are you okay?"

I try to respond but find my throat tight with emotions. I didn't realise how much the conversation with grey had affected me. 

" I am fine" I sniffle 

I am not fine.

Soren brown eyes softens as he reaches out, cupping my face. "You're crying," hey says gently, his thumbs brushing away the tears that I hadn't noticed were falling.

That simple acknowledgment was enough to break the dam. My shoulders began to shake, and I let out a choked sob. "I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice trembling. "I didn't want to make him sad."

Soren immediately pulls him into a tight embrace, one hand cradling the back of my head, the other rubbing soothing circles on my back. "Shh, it's okay," he murmured. "It's okay baby"

I cling to him " No it's not okay, It's my fault- he looked so sad"  

"I know," Soren says softly, his voice steady and comforting. " Grey has been through so much. He's used to people leaving it's just that he trusts you, and so do I. You will come back. We'll make sure he knows you will be here"

I nod against Soren shoulder, the weight of my guilt easing slightly in the warmth of his embrace. "okay" I whisper, my voice Hoarse. 

He Pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his hands still cradling my face " We're in this together, He's my brother and you're my world. We'll get through this, all three of us."

I take a deep, shuddering breath leaning into Soren touch " I'm scared to go back, I'm scared I  let my brother down and I am scared I'm going to let you down"  I confess. 

The weight of my suppressed emotions, held back since I arrived here, finally crashes down on me, brought to the surface by Grey's innocent fear and trust in me. 

" you have not let anyone down" Soren assures me, pulling me into a tight hug " You're doing everything right."

I shake my head, the tears welling up again. "I was sent here for a mission, to infiltrate you and get information. But you caught me before I could even do that—I failed my mission. And I am scared of what my pack will think. I am scared I won't be able to convince them to help you defeat the Zipclaw pack"

Soren's eyes widen slightly, but his hold on me remains steady. "Sam," he says softly, "you don't have to carry this burden alone. 

We'll face your pack together, and we'll find a way to make them understand. Besides, You don't have to  show them your loyalty and bravery because you are mine now therefore you belong to my pack" 

I look up into Soren's eyes, finding a glimmer of hope there. "But you can't come with me Soren" I shake my head " you are a threat no matter our relationship-"

"Then we'll fight for them to see the truth," he cuts me off . " We'll show them that I am not the enemy" 

A small, shaky smile forms on my lips. "Together," I repeat, feeling a sense of determination starting to build within me. "Thank you for everything." He pulls me back into another tight hug, his warmth and strength enveloping me. 

"Always, Sam. Always." His forehead touches mine, his breath warm against my skin. "I want to apologise  to you for how I treated you when we first met," he begins, his voice filled with regret.

"Even though I knew we were mates, I was told that you were sent here to kill me. The other rogues wanted to see how I would deal with someone like you. I couldn't let them think I was weak. I hurt you, and mates don't hurt each other. If my parents were still alive, they would kill me for my behaviour."

His eyes search mine, desperate for understanding. "I've always wanted you, even before I met you. The idea of you—of my mate—has been the reason I've survived this long in the first place. You were my hope, my dream, and when you finally appeared, I was terrified. I didn't know how to protect you and myself at the same time."

He pauses, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Sam. I never meant to hurt you. I was just scared and lost, and I didn't know how to handle it. But now, standing here with you, I promise I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, proving that I am worthy of being your mate."

Tears well up in his eyes, and I can see the sincerity in his gaze. "Please, forgive me."

His confession hits me hard, but I understand the brutal reality of our world. "I know how wolves who cross your territory are treated," I say softly. "But it still hurt, Soren. It hurt more than I can express."

Soren's eyes are filled with pain as he continues, "Forgive me for hurting you. For forcing you to submit to me before you were ready to. I thought I was protecting my pack and proving myself, but I see now how wrong I was."

I close my eyes, taking in his words. The memory of our first encounter, filled with suspicion and hostility, contrasts sharply with the deep bond we've formed since. 

 I can see the sincerity in his eyes, feel the remorse in his touch. I meet his gaze. "I forgive you," I whisper, feeling a weight lift off my chest. "We were both doing what we thought was right. Let's move forward" 

Soren's grip tightens around me, and I can feel his relief. "I love you" 

This is the second time he's said he loves me. No one has ever said those words to me before. I don't really know what I'm doing or feeling—am I feeling love for him?

"Soren," I start, my voice trembling slightly, "this is all new to me. I don't even know if what I'm feeling is love. But I know that I care about you deeply. I want to be with you, to protect you and Grey, and to find a way for all of us to be safe."

Soren's expression softens, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay, Sam. Love isn't something you have to figure out all at once. It might take some time for you, but if you're feeling a pinch of what I am feeling ; You love me; you don't have to say it. I know it."

I look at him, feeling a mix of emotions. His confidence and reassurance ease my uncertainties. I nod not knowing what to say "no rush, no pressure" 

As I rest my head against his chest, I feel a sense of calm and certainty. Maybe he's right—maybe this is what love feels like. And if it is, I'm ready to explore it with him, one step at a time.

Author's Note: 

here yea go... one more chapter to go until shit goes down- excuse my language. 

hope you all have a wonderful day/afternoon, night/morning! thank you so much once again for voting and being so kind.