The door creaked open again -- I really should oil the hinges -- and a duffle bag was tossed through, landing with a quiet thump. I blinked, then laughed. The alpha said he’d be listening, and this just proved he had been. Strangely, I didn’t find it as intrusive as I would have thought, considering it was for both mine and Gage’s protection.

“Well, that takes care of one thing,” Gage said with a chuckle.

“There’s a half bath off the laundry, if you want privacy to get dressed.” I pointed over my shoulder with my thumb.

“I don’t need it. But maybe you do?”

The insightfulness was unexpected but appreciated. Another quality I appreciated. I smiled. “For now, yes. I think that’s best.”

Gage stood, but then froze. He shot me a glance. “You’ll stay right here?”

I held up my hands. “Won’t move from this spot until you reemerge. I promise.”

Gage’s exhale was akin to a sigh. “Thanks. I’m not sure what my wolf would do. That part of me is feeling very possessive at the moment.”

If I’d had any doubts about our compatibility, that would have gone a long way to assuaging them. Some people found possessiveness creepy. I didn’t, as long as it wasn’t in the scary way. But to have someone treat me as though I was precious, as though I needed protecting, while still allowing me to be me? That was my kryptonite and Gage had all the earmarks of being exactly that kind of partner. Time would tell if that proved to be the case, but I wasn’t worried.

Our souls were made for one another after all.

The moment Gage emerged once again fully clothed, I hopped up and crossed to the fridge. “Help me get together a tray of refreshments? I have a feeling our conversation will go down better with snacks.”

“Sure.”

“The big tray is up there.” I pointed to the cabinet above the stove.

I wasn’t exactly short, but I had to get on my tiptoes to reach. Gage had no such problems, and retrieved it with ease. He set it down and then didn’t hesitate to start a pot of coffee. I had to stifle a chuckle when he sniffed out the grounds, and he figured out my machine with no trouble as I pulled out some cookies and a cake I’d made earlier.

“Do you have any tea for Toby? They don’t like coffee.”

“I do. Cabinet next to the sink. And the electric kettle is in the pantry.”

We worked together well, and I loved that Gage was so at ease in my home. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. We didn’t talk, but the silence was comfortable, and I felt more settled in my skin than I had all day.

It didn’t take long for us to have everything ready. Gage lifted the tray now laden down with pastries and mugs, as well as sugar and creamer. I picked up both the pot and the kettle, then took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, before offering Gage a smile.

“Ready to face them?”

“We’ve got this.”