The rain poured relentlessly as Jacob trudged up the back steps of the house, his fur plastered to his massive wolf frame. He huffed, steam rising from his body in the cold night air as he crossed the threshold and shifted back into his human form. His muscles ached, and his head pounded from the chaos of the patrol—Paul and Leah bickering yet again, their argument nearly coming to blows before Jacob had intervened. The only solace he sought now was a warm bed and the comforting presence of his mate.

Grabbing a towel from the laundry basket by the door, he roughly dried himself off, his dark hair still dripping as he wrapped the towel around his waist. Padding into the house, he caught the faint scent of something warm and inviting—his mate, moving about in the kitchen. The thought brought a tired smile to his lips.

He stepped quietly into the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe as he watched them hum softly, their back turned to him. The soft glow of the light above the stove illuminated their movements, and Jacob’s chest swelled with affection. He was exhausted, but the sight of them made it all worth it.

“You know,” he rasped, his voice heavy with fatigue but laced with warmth, “the kitchen’s not as comfy as the bed. Trust me, I’ve tried.”