Page 20 of Noah (Pecan Pines #4)

Chapter 20

Jackson

Standing outside Cooper’s office, I felt my heart thudding in my chest. The door was just a few feet away, and I knew that once I walked in there, there was no turning back.

This was it. This was the moment I had been building up to for days. I had to ask Cooper if I could move into the Pecan Pines pack to be with Noah.

But I was nervous. Damn nervous.

I brushed my fingers against Noah’s mate mark on my neck. After his ordeal in the woods, we didn’t waste any time, completing the bond.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but my hands shook slightly as I raised them to knock on the door.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be with Noah—hell, I had known that I was going to spend the rest of my life with him the moment I realized he was my mate.

But this was a huge step. I wasn’t just asking to live with him.

I was asking to leave my own pack, to put everything I knew aside and embrace a new life in a pack that was unfamiliar to me.

What if Cooper didn’t think I was good enough for his pack? What if he thought my loyalty to my own pack made me a risk?

The worst part was that I wasn’t even sure how I was going to prove my worth. I had a list, sure—I'd written it down the night before.

A list of ways I could help the pack, of things I could do to show my loyalty and my dedication. But still... my stomach churned at the thought of asking for something so big.

But then, just as I raised my hand to knock, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind. I froze, startled, and then relaxed as I realized who it was. Noah.

“Hey,” he murmured into my ear.

I smiled, a little relieved by his presence. “Hey back,” I said, my voice quieter than usual.

His arms tightened around me for a moment, and I felt a rush of warmth flood through me. I hadn’t expected him to be here.

The last I’d heard, he was at the bar with Griffin, helping him with inventory.

But here he was, his body pressed against mine, as if he’d known I needed him in this moment.

“Why are you here?” I asked, turning to face him. “I thought you were at the bar with Griffin.”

Noah gave a small, knowing smile, his eyes glinting with affection.

“I had a feeling you were nervous. And you shouldn’t be. Cooper’s an understanding alpha,” he said, his tone warm and reassuring. “You’re worrying about nothing.”

I didn’t know how he did it, but the moment he spoke, I could feel some of my nervousness dissipating. His presence was always calming, always grounding.

I had been standing here worrying about everything that could go wrong, but now, with him next to me, the weight of it all seemed a little lighter.

I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, Noah tilted his head, his eyes darkening with intent. Without a word, he leaned in and kissed me.

It was everything I needed. A slow, deep kiss that promised more than just a moment of passion—it was a reassurance.

His lips were soft against mine. I pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, and for that moment, nothing else existed but the two of us.

I didn’t want to break the kiss, but the moment was interrupted by a soft clearing of the throat.

I pulled back reluctantly, my eyes meeting Noah’s for a brief second before we turned to see who had interrupted us.

It was Cooper. The door to his office had opened silently, and he stood in the doorway, watching us with a raised brow.

His expression wasn’t surprised, though. It was almost like he had been expecting us. I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

“See you later?” I asked Noah.

“Yeah,” he replied softly. “You’ve got this.”

Noah gave me one last lingering look before turning and walking away, leaving me standing there with Cooper, who stepped aside to let me into his office.

I took a deep breath, wiping my palms against my jeans as I entered the office.

The door clicked shut behind me, and I stood there for a moment, staring at the alpha before me.

He was sitting at his desk, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp as ever.

“I was expecting you,” Cooper said, his voice steady but welcoming.

I raised an eyebrow. “You were?” I asked, a little surprised.

I hadn’t exactly given him a heads-up about when I would be coming.

Cooper gave a small nod, his lips curling into a slight smile. “Yes. You’ve been thinking about this for a while now.”

He wasn’t wrong. I had spent countless nights going over everything in my head—what I wanted, what Noah needed, and what would be best for both of us.

But I still wasn’t sure how to ask.

I stood up straighter, trying to shake off the last of my nerves.

“I want to move into the Pecan Pines pack,” I said, my voice more steady than I had expected. “I want to be with Noah.”

Cooper’s gaze didn’t waver, and there was no hesitation in his response.

“I’ve seen the way you two are together,” he said, his voice low but serious. “You belong with him. And he belongs with you.”

I felt a rush of relief wash over me, but I didn’t let myself relax just yet. This was only the first hurdle.

“I... I’ve written down a list of ways I can be an asset to the pack,” I began, taking a deep breath. “I know I’m coming from another pack, and I don’t want to take anything for granted.”

Cooper waved a hand dismissively, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“You don’t need to explain. I already know what you can offer.” Cooper leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. “I know you’re loyal and you’re strong, and that you care about Noah. That’s all I need to know.”

I stood there for a moment, trying to process his words. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.

“So… it’s okay?” I asked, unable to hide the relief in my voice.

Cooper stood up and walked around his desk, coming toward me. “It’s more than okay, Jackson. You’re welcome here. You and Noah both. Just take care of him. That’s all I ask.”

I couldn’t help but smile, my chest swelling with pride.

“Noah’s my everything,” I said, my voice soft but firm. “I’ll do everything I can to make him happy.”

Cooper nodded, his eyes softening for a moment. “I can see that. And I trust you will.”

I was on cloud nine as I left his office, the decision officially made. But as I walked down the hallway toward the exit, I knew I wasn’t out of the woods yet.

I still had one more conversation to face—the one with my father and Hudson.

The summit was winding down, most of the other packs had already left, including Carter and the Thornbane pack. But my pack was one of the last remaining.

I found my father and Hudson sitting together in a quiet room, the air thick with tension.

My father’s expression was unreadable, but I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about my decision.

“So, is your decision final?” my father asked, his voice cold.

I nodded, my jaw tightening. “Yes. I’m staying in Pecan Pines. I’m with Noah now.”

My father’s eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, Hudson spoke up, surprising me.

“Jackson’s made a good decision,” Hudson told our dad. “He’ll flourish in Pecan Pines. And you know that.”

I wasn’t sure what I expected, but it wasn’t that. Seeing Hudson back me up, it felt like a weight had been lifted.

My father didn’t say anything for a long time. Finally, he gave a sharp nod.

“Fine,” he said. “But you’re still my son. And I expect you to be a good partner to your mate and be an asset to your new pack.”

“I will,” I reassured him.

After speaking to my father, a sense of relief washed over me. I walked out of the pack house and made my way to the car.

I started the engine and realized for the first time in days, I felt free. Free from the tension of having to make a decision, free from the fear of what might happen.

I drove to town, and I couldn’t wait to see Noah. His band was playing tonight at Griffin’s bar, and I’d promised him I’d be there.

I didn’t mind hanging out in the back, watching him from a distance. Just being near him was enough.

The parking lot in front of Griffin’s bar was busy, the sound of laughter and music spilling out into the street.

I parked and walked inside, the warm glow of the lights and the buzz of conversation filling the air.

I took a deep breath, my chest tightening in anticipation.

It felt good to be here, among the familiar faces of my new pack mates and the bar’s regulars. But what really drew me in was Noah.

I made my way toward the back, slipping through the crowd and standing near the bar, leaning against the wall.

I could see Noah setting up, adjusting his guitar with that focused intensity I loved so much.

The moment Noah’s gaze flicked toward me, my heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked on mine, and I could see the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

It was small, almost imperceptible, but I knew that smile was for me.

The connection between us pulsed, warm and steady, like a steady beat that echoed through my chest.

As Noah played, I watched him, completely entranced by his presence. He was everything I had ever wanted.

Noah’s eyes met mine a couple more times throughout the performance, and each time, it was like the world narrowed down to just the two of us.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

When the performance came to an end, the crowd erupted into applause, and Noah gave a small bow, flashing a grin before he slung his guitar over his shoulder and made his way offstage.

I stayed where I was, lingering in the back, knowing he’d come to me when he could. I didn’t mind waiting. The anticipation made it even sweeter.

As soon as Noah reached me, I didn’t waste any time. I pulled him into my arms, pressing my lips to his.

The kiss was everything I had been craving all night—passionate, desperate, and full of want.

I slid my hands around his waist, pulling him closer.

“Jackson,” he murmured. “How did it go?”

I pulled back slightly, brushing a lock of hair away from his face, and smiled.

“Without a hitch,” I said. “I’m with you, Noah. No turning back.”

His eyes softened, a mixture of relief and joy flooding his expression. “You mean it?”

“I mean it,” I said, kissing him again, just for a moment, before pulling away to look at him. “You’re stuck with me forever.”

Noah’s smile widened, and I could see the sparkle in his eyes.

“Good,” he said. “Because you’re stuck with me too.”

I grinned, my heart light. “How about we grab some dinner?” I suggested. “I’m starving.”

Noah shook his head, a playful glint in his eye.

“I’ve got a better idea,” he said, his hand slipping into mine. “How about we order in and head back to my apartment? I’ve been thinking about you all night.”

My chest tightened at his words, and I felt that familiar pull of desire stir in me.

“Sounds perfect,” I replied.

We left the bar together and took my car to his apartment. When we reached his place, Noah didn’t waste any time.

He led me inside, and we immediately settled on the couch, ordering takeout and talking casually as we waited for our food to arrive.

The air around us crackled with anticipation. As soon as the food arrived, we barely touched it.

Noah kissed me again, this time deeper, more urgent. I let my hands roam over his tempting body and he did the same. We were unable to get enough of each other.

We made our way to the bedroom, the heat between us rising with each step.

Our clothes were discarded hastily, the urgency of our need for each other impossible to ignore.

I made sweet love to my gorgeous mate.

When we finally collapsed onto the bed, breathless and tangled in each other’s arms, I couldn’t help but marvel at how right it all felt.

This was home. This was where I was meant to be.

“Noah,” I breathed, cupping his face. “I love you. I love you so much.”

Noah smiled up at me, his eyes full of love and trust. “I love you too, Jackson. I’ve always loved you.”

I couldn’t help but smile. This was it. This was my future. With Noah. And nothing else mattered.

THE END

If you’d like to explore a new and completed series, I recommend starting the Mage Match series with Enchanted by You. In my world, mages and foxes don’t mix… Click here to read more.

Want more M/M paranormal romance? Turn the page to read a preview of Ivan, Fel’s upcoming release.