AN: so in this chapter they'll be in there wolf forms so I just wanted to clarify that I'm not differentiating them and their wolves. They're one person, their wolf doesn't have a separate personality, when I say there "wolf" I don't mean a separate identity. their wolf is a part of them. sorry just wanted to clear things up before we moved on to this chapter!

jace's pov

I woke up early to Sebastian mind-linking me to avoid the kitchen for a while. I hated that I was part of the cause for Thea's anxiety, but I had my own mate to worry about right now. I slept horribly the night before, waking up every hour checking to make sure Acacia was OK. It still feels like a dream. I found my mate. The only part I wish really was a dream, was the horrifying condition I found her in.

Luckily Acacia slept soundly throughout the night, the sound of her soft breathing calming my anxious wolf. I didn't want to wake my precious mate, wanting her to get as much sleep as possible. She needed the rest to build her strength up. So, I pulled her against me, her head resting on my chest, and I just held her. I breathed in her scent, and just thanked God for giving me her. I've never felt more content just laying there. I was always one of the first wolves awake, throwing myself into work. But now, I dreaded waking up, wanting nothing but to spend all day with Acacia safe in my arms.

*

Around ten o'clock I woke up to Acacia's whimpers. I whipped out of bed looking for any possible danger, the only thing I found was my sweet mate obviously still asleep, thrashing around in her sleep crying.

"No. No. Please no." I could hear her faint accent as she became more and more worked up. My heart broke for her. I quickly picked her up in my arms, and it only seemed to upset her more, "Get off me, let me go, let me go."

"Acacia. Acacia. Wake up sweet, it's just a dream baby." I gently shook her not wanting to frighten her, just wake her from her nightmare. Slowly but surely she started to come to, and I let out a sigh of relief. She looked up at me with tears rolling down her face, sniffling. "It's OK sweet, you're alright. I'm right here. I've got you."

"I- I am sorry." She hung her head, obviously embarrassed.

"There's nothing to apologize for, everyone has nightmares. Don't you worry sweet, I've got you. Do you want to talk about it?" As much as I would hate to hear the horror she suffered, I knew she needed to talk about it sometime. It wasn't healthy to keep it all bottled up inside. She just shook her head, nuzzling her head against my chest. I kissed her head and breathed a sigh. I was completely out of my element, and I'm terrified of doing something wrong. If I ever did anything to hurt this precious woman in my arms I would be devastated. "Is there anything you want to do today? Anything at all. Today's all about you, sweet."

I could feel her blushing, "C-can we go outside? M-maybe maybe we can shift into our wolves?" Her eyes looked hesitant but hopeful, and I couldn't deny her anything in this world.

*

I held her tiny hand in my mine as we walked outside, luckily it was a school day so we were able to avoid running into a bunch of people. I made a mental note to tell Sebastian that we needed to take the girls shopping. I wrapped Acacia up in two sweatshirts to make sure she was warm enough. Runts, like Thea and Acacia, are more susceptible to the cold, and with her immune system being as poor as it is I don't want to take any chances. I mindlinked the guards at the border to make sure nothing sketchy was seen today. There was not a chance in hell I would bring Acacia into any sort of danger. Luckily we hadn't had any issues for a while, so I was fairly confident we'd be OK. That didn't mean I wouldn't be extra vigilant though.

I lead her to a small clearing nearby the house, it was far enough from the house to feel open, and close enough that we were far from the border. When we reached the clearing I turned around to give her privacy, but before I could she spoke;

"Are you sure you are OK with me being a runt? My wolf is small, and I do not want to embarrass you."I could see the insecurity all over her face, so before she could second-guess herself I pulled her into my arms.

"Sweetheart, you being a runt doesn't change how I feel about you. It doesn't make you any less of a human being. You are beautiful, sweet, and kind, and I'm in awe of all that you must have survived. I can't wait to see you're a wolf, if your wolf form is half as cute as you are I'll be blown away." I kissed her nose as she chuckled. Walking behind a tree closeby I gave her enough privacy to change, and we both quickly changed into our wolves.

When I stepped back into the clearing I was stunned. In front of me was a beautiful chocolate wolf with dark brown eyes. Yes, Acacia was smaller than most wolves, but she was also the most adorable wolf I had ever seen. My wolf was tan, with blue eyes and I watched as Acacia stared wide-eyed at me. I trotted over to her, and I licked her forehead. She nipped my ear, and we began to run around playing with each other. I loved seeing Acacia so carefree and happy.

*

It wasn't long before I could tell Acacia was growing tired. I saw her eyes drooping as she fought to stay awake. I nudged her with my nose urging her to lay down, and I wrapped myself around her. Engulfing her in my warmth and protection. I knew I'd never fall asleep with my mate and I so open to attack, but I laid my head down near hers and watched as she fell into a peaceful sleep. I laid there for who knows how long, letting my mate get much-needed sleep. As I sat there I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

This is what I've been looking for.

This is what I've been waiting my whole life for.

My mate. My beautiful Acacia.

Hi Guys! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the new chapter! Sorry it's shorter, but Ill try to make the next one longer, hopefully it'll be up in a few days! Happy new years everyone!

Thanks,

-ej