Wren

Cress stuck to his word and had a prospect replace my front door within minutes. It was better than nailing plywood to the frame to cover the hole. I grabbed a blanket and pillow for Ace and set them on the couch for him. The last thing he needed was to be alone after what happened.

I headed upstairs to bed while Ace slept on the couch. I lay in my bed and stared at the ceiling, contemplating everything.

'You're softening towards our mate,' Rain said.

'Is it wrong that I'm starting to change my mind about Ace?'

'Not at all. Ace has proved he's not the same guy.'

'What do you mean?'

'Ace could have hooked up with that bitch and not told us, but he didn't. He could have lied to you about hunting and killing her, but he didn't. He's shown us loyalty.'

I nibbled on my bottom lip, thinking about what Rain said.

'You're afraid Ace will break your heart again. That's normal. But don't let fear keep you from your happiness. Take that leap.'

'What if Ace doesn't catch me?'

'He will.'

'How can you be so sure?'

'I trust Shadow.'

My breath caught in my throat at her admission. Rain retreated in the back of my mind. I threw off the covers, got up, and padded downstairs to find Ace asleep on the couch. I plodded to him and stopped.

My eyes traveled from his face down his body before landing on his face again. His hair laid on his forehead messily. I studied his facial features. He had a chiseled jaw with full lips and an angular nose. His face had matured throughout the years but didn't detract from his features. The years have only enhanced his features, making him more rugged. He was indeed a beautiful man.

"Can't sleep?" His rough voice asked, surprising me.

I glanced at Ace and noticed his opened eyes. "I thought you were sleeping."

"No. I was replaying everything, trying to figure out the breach." Ace sat up, swung his legs over the side of the couch, and patted a space beside him.

I sat down next to him.

"Cress had banished the bitch who showed up at my door tonight along with a few club members, their old ladies, and the other club girls."

"What?"

Ace nodded. "Cress cleaned house in the club after what happened and how some were treating Tabby. You can't disrespect the Luna in a pack. Not one with two mates. It won't bode well for you."

After their ceremony, everyone learned about Cress, Tabby, and Mac's relationship. Mac would leave for periods of time to deal with outside threats but would return to spend time with his family. He wouldn't tolerate anyone disrespecting Tabby or the kids.

"I can understand why Cress would clean house. I'm not a fan of the club girls since they enjoy disrespecting people. They would mess with Nova, forgetting she was a club princess," I said.

"Yeah, you don't mess with the club princesses. Riley and Gianna are ones since their dads are club brothers."

I nodded in agreement.

"What's wrong, Wren?"

"I've been thinking about everything. I don't want to make a mistake with us and suffer another broken heart. Once was enough."

Ace held out his palm to me. I hesitated before placing my hand in his. He curled his fingers around my hand gently. "I understand your trepidation about us. I hurt you when I cheated on you. I can't change the past. I wish I could. All I'm asking is for you to give me a chance. I promise I will never hurt you again. If I do, I will have Cress put us down."

I saw the sincerity and truthfulness in Ace's eyes. "You mean it, don't you?"

He nodded. "Every single word. I fucked up with you instead of giving our bond a chance. That's all on me. You had every right to your anger and hurt. I regret hurting you, your wolf, and Shadow. None of you deserved what I did." His warm hand eased the concerns swirling in my mind.

I saw a flicker of hope in Ace's eyes. It's the same one I saw at dinner. We both had our concerns about what happened between us. I leaned in and pressed my lips to his as my eyelids fluttered closed. Ace wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer until our bodies pressed close together as he deepened the kiss. Sparks shot through me as our lips moved together.

The bond was growing between us with every minute. I was falling hard and fast for Ace. Hopefully, he catches me.

*******
Ace

Having Wren in my arms was beyond perfect. Her body fit perfectly against mine. I couldn't believe I was so stupid to throw it away, trying to prove I was a certifiable idiot. I didn't deserve Wren, but I would work to prove I did. It didn't matter if it took me years. She was mine.

I don't know what time we fell asleep last night. I woke up with Wren's soft, petite body snuggled on my chest. I gazed at her to see her eyes closed and lips pouted. The same lips I tasted last night. The thought of her lips on mine made me hard. I had to tamp down my erection before I lost control.

Wren stirred in her spot before opening her eyes and lifting her face to mine. "Morning."

"Morning, baby. How did you sleep?"

"Better than I have in years." Wren rubbed her eyes before dropping her hands and looking at me through half-raised lids. "How did you sleep?"

"The best in years."

The corners of her lips twitched before curving slightly. She glanced around. "What time is it?"

"I don't know since I lost my phone during my shift last night." I shrugged.

Wren pushed herself up and looked at me. "You lost your phone?"

I nodded. "I hadn't had a chance to find it after hunting. I came directly to you."

"Do you want help finding it?"

"Yeah, but I need to change clothes first."

We glanced at the sweatpants I was only wearing. It's not proper clothing to search for a phone.

"I'll grab a shower and change before we head to your place so you can change," Wren said, moving from me.

I caught her and pulled her back to me before capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Wren released a small moan, causing me to claim her lips until they were swollen. I nipped at her bottom lip before releasing her and patting her ass. A slight blush crept into Wren's cheeks as she headed upstairs.

I got up, stretched, and folded the blanket on the couch. I heard a knock on the front door and answered it to find Cress standing on the porch. He glanced at the lack of clothes on me and arched his brow. I rolled my eyes and stepped aside. He entered, and I closed the door behind him.

"Do I want to know?" He asked.

"Nothing happened last night. Wren lent me a pair of sweatpants to wear. I need to head home and change."

"I had Axel check the security cameras to see how that bitch made it through the gates."

"And?"

"We lost footage for a few minutes."

"Someone cut the feed?"

"Long enough to get in."

"What about the brothers guarding the gates?"

"That's another issue. The brothers claim no one came to the gates the entire time they guarded it."

"Do you believe that shit?"

Cress shook his head. "No. That bitch had help getting past the front gates without anyone knowing. We're searching the compound to see if we find anything."

"I'll join you."

Cress held up his hand to me. "No. You'll park your ass with Wren, per Tabby's orders. Mac is leading the search."

"I wasn't aware Mac was back."

Cress nodded. "He returned late last night. He's been tracking the brothers and old ladies I had banished from the territory, ensuring they didn't return."

"Tabby must be thrilled as shit."

"More than you know." Cress smirked.

I chuckled because we wouldn't see Tabby at all today. Not when Mac was home the first night. "It shocks me that you're awake this early."

"I got a threat to hunt down. Tabby has the girls to keep her company until we return."

I nodded in agreement.

Cress left as soon as Wren came downstairs after showering and dressing.

"Was that Cress?" She asked.

"Yeah. He came by to give me an update about last night. Most of the brothers are searching for any clues about the breach. He ordered me to stay my ass with you."

She arched her brow and curled her lips upward.

I strolled toward her, slipped an arm around her waist, and tugged her to my chest. "An order is an order."

"Hmm."

I dipped my head and claimed her lips again. I have no issue listening to Cress's order if that means spending time with Wren.