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“Something wrong?”

“Anna,” I answered shortly, my eyes still scanning the area restlessly and missing the way Trent straightened.

“She’s not here?”

“No, I’ve looked everywhere. I can’t find Dom either,” I growled in frustration.

“Dom is over there,” Trent answered, pointing. “Shouldn’t your super mate bond tell you that?”

I glared at him narrowly before admitting, “I’m not very good at initiating the mental link. I have to focus.”

“Which you can’t do when distracted by the fact that Anna is missing,” he concluded with a nod. “Well, how about I go search for her and you go talk to lover boy?”

“I’ve looked everywhere,” I reminded him and he tapped the side of his nose.

“I’m not looking,” he replied with a sharp smile. “Now, go ease your mate’s mind. You may not be able to initiate the bond but he can still feel your worry.” Trent twisted away, disappearing into the darkness within seconds, and it didn’t matter how hard I peered into the shadows I couldn’t spot him.

“No wonder I couldn’t find Anna,” I grumbled under my breath, stomping to where Trent had pointed Dom out, and drawing up short when I saw he wasn’t there. “Where?”

“Is there a reason you’re talking to yourself?”

“Because everyone I’m talking to keeps disappearing?” I answered as I spun around. Dom smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, which remained watchful, reminding me of a predator stalking his prey.

I stepped closer to him and watched as his chest expanded as he sucked in a lungful of air. “You’re trying to kill me,” he rumbled, taking a backwards step to match my forward one. I stopped, tilting my head, as he grimaced. “I don’t have a lot of control right now, Jess. It’s best if we keep a little distance.”

“Is that why I haven’t seen you all night?” I asked, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice. I didn’t succeed if his groan was anything to go by.

“I’m not avoiding you.”

“You sure? Cause that’s what it looks like from here.”

“Okay, maybe I am avoiding you but its only because you tempt me beyond reason.” He held up his fingers, barely spread apart. “This is how much control I have around you right now.”

I squinted, trying to see his fingers in the dim light. “Dom, there’s no space between your fingers.”

“Exactly, because I have no control,” he replied and I smiled, suddenly feeling better. “I think you enjoy my pain, temptress.”

“I have to admit, I don’t hate it,” I agreed, tucking my hands in my pocket and rocking on my heels. “Did you kill Caleb?” I asked conversationally and he frowned.

“No. I have no desire to be Alpha,” he retorted, jerking his head toward the party. “We took a walk and then he went back to the party.”

“And you hid in the woods?” I asked, following his gaze in time to see Caleb talking to Leah.

“I’m not hiding,” he grumbled. “I’m keeping an eye on things.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest, leaning against a convenient tree. “What have you been doing? I thought you were looking for me, but you could have used the mental link.” I flushed slightly and his finger came up, hovering over my pink cheek as if he couldn’t help himself. “Why the blush?”

“I can’t use our link all willy-nilly!”

“Willy nilly?” He echoed, barely suppressing a laugh. I huffed, not wanting to admit my own failing. “What’s going on?”

“It’s hard for me,” I burst out, crossing my arms defensively as his eyebrows lowered. “Trying to open the link.”

“Ahh,” he hummed in realization and with a quick tug pulled me in his arms. I resisted for all of a millisecond before snuggling against his rigid chest. “Sometimes that is an issue between mates.”

“I thought you didn’t have any control,” I reminded him, looping my arms around his trim waist even as I said it.

“That was before you needed comforting,” he responded, tightening his embrace as he rested his chin on the top of my head. “Totally different type of control.”

“So, I’m not the only one who has issues with the mental link?” I asked in a small voice, my feeling of inadequacy easing when he shook his head above me.

“No, Jess. You’re not the only one. It’s much easier for me because I’m used to the Pack bond. I forgot you would not have that knowledge to draw on.” He rocked us gently, his body wide enough to shield us from view.

“Whew, that makes me feel so much better,” I murmured into his chest, wiggling closer until he groaned painfully.

“Only so much control,” he ground out, pushing me away from his body forcefully. “Time out.” He leaned forward, his hands locked on his knees as he breathed in and out slowly. “Could you back up a little further, please?”

I took a big step back, watching him worriedly. “Is this helping?”