Free Sassy Ever After: Kiss My Sass (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Serena Pettus Page A

fenced yard.”
    Ah, so she’s not opposed to having him there, she just doesn’t want to be responsible for him running away , he thought with an inner smile. He could work with that.
    “You won’t have to worry about anything like that from him. He’s been specially trained,” Luke insisted. “At least let Benson bring him by so you can meet him. If not, then I’m afraid I may be sleeping on your porch with a shotgun.”
    Ashe laughed, the sound so carefree and open, all Luke could do was stare. He wanted to hear her do that all the time. Perhaps Lilly would have her mom’s sweet laugh too. She should always be happy , his inner wolf demanded.
    “Okay, okay. I’ll meet him. Let’s eat first, then after I get Lilly down for bed we’ll see about bringing him over. I’m not sure how she would be around animals yet.”
    “Oh, I’m willing to bet she’d be great with him. Kids really relate to animals,” Benson offered. “She may get attached though, then you’d end up with a permanent pet.”
    Luke snorted. Yeah, Ashe could pet him any damn time she pleased. And that little princess she had cradled in her lap could ride his ass like a pony in the back yard if it made her happy.
    It was insane how the whole mate thing worked. He’d known her for less than a day and already he was willing to do absolutely anything she asked or needed. It was intense, to say the least, and his feelings would only grow the more time they spent together.
    For the first time, he understood why some of his kind died shortly after their mates. With a bond that strong between two souls, it would only be natural to follow them on to the next life.
    The three of them enjoyed their dinner and some light conversation before Luke and Benson excused themselves with a promise to return with her guard for the night.
    “So are you ready to put on your collar?” Benson snickered from the driver’s seat.
    Luke shot him the dirtiest look he could muster. “If you want her to think that I’m a tame animal, it would be best not to show back up looking like you’ve been mauled by your own pet.”
    The bastard let loose a full bellied laugh, slapping the steering wheel. “Don’t get your fur twisted, I was just kidding. You just focus on not growling so you don’t scare her.”
    “I’ll be on my best behavior unless something or someone comes up unannounced. All bets are off at that point. That’s my future family in there, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect them,” he snarled, his anger over the danger surrounding them getting the better of him.
    “You see, that’s what has me worried. She’s human, Luke. She isn’t likely to feel the same level of attraction as you right now. You’ll need to let things build. Earn her trust, make her laugh and help her around her home and gardens. Basically, make yourself indispensable.” Benson smiled. “Compliment her, play with Lilly and allow Ashe to take a break from time to time to unwind. A few light touches here and there will add to the intimacy. Before long, you’ll see her coming around. Trust me on this. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Fated mates will always end up together.”
    “I hope you’re right, man. I’m not sure what I’d do if she rejected me.”
    “You’d still watch over them.” Benson’s solemn tone caught Luke’s attention, but he didn’t comment on it. Something deep inside told Luke his friend was speaking from experience.
    The rest of the drive was made in silence. Luke was going to have his work cut out for him this time, but like the good soldier he was, he was already formulating a battle plan.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    Ashe
     
    Puttering around her kitchen, Ashe was more nervous than she cared to admit. Was she really considering allowing a wolf around her house? It was time to consider if her sanity was still intact. Between