You&Me: Book 4

Chapter 49: The Ultimate Present (Archer)

I tightened my hold on the pack.

Saigon locked the car before taking off his shirt. "Do you want me to carry anything?"

"No, I got it." I took off my clothes. After shifting, I gathered them up and put them in the trunk. I swung the bag onto my back. My hands were shaking. I was so nervous, but I was ready for this. I wanted it.

"Could you grab that one?" I pointed to the pack.

"What is all of this?" Saigon lifted it out and set it on the ground.

I shrugged. "My dad packed us some snacks."

"Maybe it's a human thing, but they sure do think we eat a ton," he laughed.

"We kind of do," I replied with a shrug.

We started the long hike into the forest to the sound of our feet crunching into the snow. We followed the road for a while since the ATV tracks made it easier to walk on. It was nice to be back. The smells of the forest filled my senses, and it felt good to be home. I knew I was on Northern Ridge territory and that was a comfort in itself. We stopped at the side of the road and adjusted our bags.

"Want to race?" asked Saigon as he cinched the straps tighter.

I clipped the one around my stomach. "I don't think you can keep up, pup. When was the last time you ran through snow?"

He chuckled. "Beta superpower, I'll do just fine."

"Well, beta superpower made you the size of a boulder, so you'll probably sink like one."

"Alright, then." He swung his arms and rolled his head from side to side. "It's on. I can't let my fiance think I can't keep with him."

I arched a brow. "Hmm... we'll see."

***

I climbed over the edge of the cliff and pulled myself onto it. Glancing over the side, I spotted Saigon on a lower ledge, breathing heavily. I think he overdid it. I thought he was going to puke at a couple points. It served him right for not coming home and actually acting like a werewolf.

Removing my bag, I set it by the entrance of the small cave. This place had a lot of memories. We'd race here as pups and play all day. It was the one cave we didn't have to worry about the beta freaking out about possible bears. It was too steep for anything to get up here unless it was a mountain goat. I dropped my load inside before going to check on Saigon. He hadn't moved.

With a sigh, I started back down. He spotted me and looked a little sheepish.

Dropping onto the ledge, I held out my hand. "Give me the bag."

"I can do it." He stood up straight. "As soon as I can breathe, I'll do it."

"You're being stubborn."

"Who do you think I learned it from?"

Trying not to smile, I shook my head. "When we go back to school, do you want to go running?"

He nodded. "Yeah, good idea. That was pathetic." He motioned to the forest.

"Do you know somewhere with not many people? I thought about running down the sidewalk, but humans are everywhere."

"We could go to the track early in the morning. There might be a couple people there, but less than usual."

"That'll work."

Taking a deep breath, he faced the mountainside. "Let's do this."

"Please don't fall. If you get hurt, I don't want to carry you out of here."

"I'm not going to fall, he muttered." Saigon started the climb.

I watched from below. He seemed to be doing all right. I went up after him. I reached the top to find him lying in the snow with the bag thrown to the side.

I sat by him and patted his thigh. "Well done, pup."

"So funny," he grumbled. "I'm already dreading going back. We might have to sleep at the cave tonight. My legs feel like jello."

"The giggly stuff your grandma makes?"

He chuckled. "It's good, right?"

I smiled slightly. "We can sleep here."

Saigon didn't appear impressed. "Do you know how cold it gets? Fur has its limitations."

I swallowed hard. "The bags were heavy for a reason."

"What?" He unzipped one and pulled out a rolled-up blanket.

"I think my parents called in a favor and someone left some furs in the cave." I motioned to it.

"Hmm..." He stood and wandered inside. Saigon stared at the pile, looking thoroughly confused. "Did you plan to stay?"

Nodding, I dangled my legs over the side and peered out at our territory. "I wanted us to have some time alone."

"Really?" He hurried over with his tail wagging. "That's so sweet. You should've said something." Saigon hugged me from behind.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I gripped my knees. "I didn't want them to know."

"Know what?"

I scratched my arm, and my hand traveled to my shoulder. "My Christmas gift to you."

"Archer?"

Turning to him, I smiled. "I want to be your mate. I want this to be permanent."

His muzzle fell open. "Are you serious? Really? I can?"

I nodded. "I know the effects of a mark and I don't want to lose you."

"Oh my god." He embraced me. "Oh my god. I can't believe it." He nuzzled my neck. "I love you so much." Saigon kissed me. "This is forever. You'll be mine forever." Sitting back, he clasped my hand. "And I'll be yours."

My eyes were burning. "That's all I want. That's all I've ever wanted."

"It hurts, though."

"Sorry." I wiped my face. "She'll always be there in the back of my head. My body has that connection, and I have to fight with myself to forget. My instincts may draw me to her, but my heart is yours." I let out a sigh. "That sounded so dumb." I clasped my forehead. "This is so cringey, but my emotions are a mess." I peered into his eyes. "I love you. My body will only let me mark one person, but it's more than ready to have your mark."

He snatched me and squeezed me tightly. "This is the best gift I've ever gotten."

I laughed. "Good, because I'm not good at the present thing."

Saigon bumped his nose against mine. "Let's get settled and relax for a bit."

A smile played on my lips. "Sounds like a plan."

"And later..." He touched my thigh.

"We become mates," I replied. "So rest up, you're not mating a sub."

With a grin, Saigon shook his head. "I never wanted a sub. Only you."