Ronnie hugs me next. Then Vivi.
And now Erica. “We think it’s gonna work out okay. Better than okay. Call me if you need anything. Love ya, babe.” She squeezes me and then gives Jase’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze before she leaves.
It’s just me and Jase here in the sunroom.
“Pick you up here at six tomorrow?” he checks.
“Do I have a choice?” I ask a little snottily.
He smiles a blinding dimpled smile, looking like the old Jase instead of the frustrated, angry one I’ve gotten acquainted with lately.
“Not really.” He gets up and leans over, putting his lips to my forehead.
I seize up, shoulders bunching toward my ears, and he makes a sound I’ve never heard him make in the back of his throat. A pained sound.
He speaks without moving, meaning I feel his lips against my skin as he talks. “I can’t wait to hold you.” He presses another kiss there. “Kiss you all over. Fall asleep beside you and wake up beside you knowing I can actually touch you. I can’t wait to claim you. Make love to you. Knot you. Give you my mark. It’s hurting to wait, hurting like you would not believe. But I’ll wait. And I promise I’ll try to be worth all this trouble.”
My shoulders drop to their normal position as some of the tension leaves my body.
The tip of his nose trails from my forehead down my temple and though I’m perfectly still, goosebumps are now rising everywhere. He gets his mouth to the crook of my neck and takes a deep inhale of me before his hand cups my jaw and he presses his forehead against mine.
And I’m absolutely mortified because my panties are beyond soaking wet. And I know he smells it. Biology. And Fate making decisions for shifters instead of letting us decide ourselves. Though I don’t know if I’m protesting too much right now, holding onto my grudge, because everything he said today definitely made an impact. And the fact that he seems to be keeping his word feels important. It doesn’t erase everything, but it’s… it’s something.
His voice is a deep rumble against my skin. “I know this wasn’t what you were hoping for today. But I’m gonna make it so you eventually forget how it felt to be afraid of me touching you. I’m gonna make it so you can’t keep your hands off me. I can’t fuckin’ wait. No, actually I’m making myself wait. For your sake. Really hate to walk away right now but I will. Because you and me have forever. And I’m so, so happy about that, Bailey. I’ll see you tomorrow. Be here or I’m gonna have to hunt you down.”
He leans back so I can see the grin.
“Would it be too much to ask you to wear that gold dress you wore to Erica’s party? That way I can appreciate it this time?”
Without waiting for an answer, he winks before he backs up just a little more while he runs the back of his fingers down my jaw, his thumb skimming my bottom lip for just a second as his eyes rove from my eyes to my mouth, down to my chest, then back up again. He gives me one more panty-dissolving smile withdimples and walks out, leaving me sitting here. Sitting here in absolute shock.
A loud wolf yelp pierces the air, making me jump. And I could almost swear the sound comes from my own chest. Is it the soul or spirit of that future daughter the lady on the plane spoke of, having the last word for a while?
34
JASE
When I get to my truck, the driveway is empty other than Bailey’s car. The coven is gone and the council cleared out the minute the call from the SCC witch ended, all making eye contact before they left.
Grey looked at his sister, concern etched into his face at her reaction, but with our unspoken exchange right when our eyes met, he nodded, knowing I’ve got this.
And I do. Though, fuck… I can touch her. I can touch her and have had it confirmed that I’ve got every right to do so. Yet I managed to control myself.
My phone sounds from my pocket.
Erica Savage: If you need me to prep what I made for Brody, say the word. I can have another batch whipped up in a jiffy. You did good today. We hoped you would and we’re so glad you delivered. Including Dani. Hugs.
I scoff. But also… it’s good my mate had people who had her back. Though, that’s my job now.
I knew she was mine, felt it to my bones, and getting confirmation from witches from multiple covens as well as the nod from the SCC, it has lit a new fire in me. One that’s red-hot. Magma-hot.
As for Rye’s mate’s offer to give me what she gave Brody? The rutting urge feels like it’s become an elemental part of me.
I owe it to my mate to control my cock. I’m determined to keep trying.
We’ll see if I can manage.
I reply.