I held my breath as I waited for our little one’s response. I was ready to beg him if need be.

He bit down on his lip hard enough to draw blood, but then glanced between two of us. “M-my name is Skye.” He said shyly. “I-I think I do want to go home with you.” 

He smiled and I watched in fascination as his entire face lit up, but then I noticed a drop of blood oozing from his lip and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and sucked his lush lip into my mouth, then kissed him full on. Even the small amount of blood from his lip made a significant difference and I could feel strength returning to my limbs. He whimpered into my mouth and I swallowed the sound. I could feel Conner’s hand on the back of my head and knew he was holding Skye in a similar fashion. The flavor of his blood exploded on my tongue; I groaned and forced myself to pull away. I turned to Conner and kissed him to share the flavor I had just tasted. He moaned then pulled away to kiss Skye.

Skye’s little whimpers were driving me crazy. If we didn’t stop soon I would take him here on the forest floor.

I growled low in my throat. “If you two don’t stop now we aren’t going to make it anywhere.”

Skye’s eyes were glazed when Conner pulled back. I took the boy from Conner and gracefully stood, cradling Skye in my arms. He squeaked and wrapped his arms around my neck. “I can walk.” He protested weakly, but he shifted his body closer, belying his own words.

Conner huffed a laugh. “You are so precious, sweet Skye. Between the two of us, you may never walk anywhere again.” He said with a wink, then shifted into his wolf form, so as to keep up with my speed.

“Close your eyes, little one. I don’t want you to get sick.” I said, running a finger down his nose.

He scrunched his face up in the most adorable way then leaned his forehead against my neck. I inhaled his scent, tightened my grip when it didn’t all match the sweet one I knew to be his, but ignored it and took off running, Conner fast on my heels.

He would soon smell like ours.

***

We arrived at the combined pack and coven house sooner than I had thought we would. I laid a gentle kiss on the top of Skye’s head. “Look up, little one. We are here.” He lifted his head groggily and blinked in confusion, his eyes going wide as he took in the grand estate we stood in front of.

“Oh, it’s beautiful.” He squirmed in my arms until I set him on his feet. Conner immediately shifted and took his hand. “I can really stay here?” Skye asked in awe. His chin began trembling, and I could see my own concern mirrored in Conner’s eyes. It didn’t last long though, as Skye turned and threw his arms around the both of us. “I can’t believe this is real!” His voice quivered and broke at the end.

Standing next to us, I finally realized just how small he was. The top of his head barely reached my shoulder, and only reached the middle of Conner’s chest.

Conner lifted the boy and said, “Let’s go in. You’ve had a long day and need rest.” 

Skye latched onto him like a monkey, resting his head on Conner’s shoulder. “I would like that.” 

I watched him attempt to stifle a yawn unsuccessfully, then nuzzle his nose against Conner’s neck. I felt the smallest wave of jealousy go through me, followed by contentment when Skye reached his hand out to me. 

“Will you both hold me while I fall asleep?” he asked sleepily, his voice fading from exhaustion. 

I stroked his hair then placed the hand he had offered me back around Conner’s neck. “Of course we will, little one. Sleep now. You are safe here.” I led Conner into the building and up the stairs to our room where we laid with him while he slept.

“He’s really here.” Conner whispered, relief and awe mixing in his tone.

I reached my hand across Skye to cup Conner’s face. “He is.” I smiled. “You were right. He is meant to be ours and we will do everything in our power to make him know that.” 

Conner nodded and pressed a kiss to my palm.