Page 28

28

KELLY

S hane’s words chilled me to the core. During the car trip, the brothers hadn’t said much, but they were having a silent conversation. Though I tried to breathe deep and relax after surviving the Pack Council, my body wouldn’t listen. Sweat dampened my palms, and my mind raced with all the possibilities of what could’ve gone wrong.

Now I was alone with Jacob, and I didn’t know if he was angry with me.

He’d reached out to Emma when I hadn’t come home. When I checked my phone in the car, both Emma and Jacob had blown it up with missed calls and texts. The sheer number was gut-wrenching. Still, I’d sent a quick reply to assure her I was okay. I owed my best friend so much more than this, but it would have to do for now.

The moment we stepped into his condo, I headed straight for the main bathroom and cranked on the hot water. I stood under the spray, steam curling around me. My raw nerves were grateful to be here again. I wrapped my arms around my stomach and rested my forehead against the cool tile.

I was safe again.

Being abducted, caged, and thrown before the Council had been terrifying. But Garrick’s presence had somehow made it feel less intense. Maybe it was the weird comfort of familiarity he provided. He’d hurt me, but he was known. Predictable in a way the rest of them weren’t.

Once I’d spoken my truth, the Pack had accepted me. I was a member now. Might’ve helped that Jacob’s mom was there. For the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t need to keep one eye over my shoulder.

Still, the worst part of today hadn’t been facing the Alpha. It was seeing Jacob nearly lose control outside the Council chamber. He’d almost gone for Garrick. The rage in him was terrifying. I’d frozen, afraid of losing him right after we’d found each other again. The way his body had trembled under my hands, his wolf barely restrained… Holy shit. But I’d remembered how his touch had calmed my raging wolf in his bathroom, and I was so glad hugging him worked when he needed me.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t out of the woods yet. I still needed to talk with him, and that worried me even more.

When I finally emerged in shorts and a tank top, Jacob was in the kitchen, leaning against the breakfast bar. A towel-wrapped ice pack rested on the end table like a silent olive branch. That thoughtful gesture warmed my heart.

I sank onto the couch, tucking my legs under me, and pressed the cold pack to my cheek. The throbbing was duller now. The shower had made me feel more like myself and less like a broken toy or prey.

The Pack’s headquarters had been nothing like I’d imagined. It was opulent and intimidating. Every person on the Council and the Alpha had radiated power, and Jacob’s family was only one piece of that puzzle. There was an entire world here I still didn’t understand.

And I’d thought I could hold my own. God, I’d been so na?ve.

Going to Eternally Magick, then the cafe… it felt like a dream now. Or a mistake. If I’d stayed at Jacob’s place, none of that would’ve happened. But I’d needed to feel like I still had some control over my life.

However, it was important to meet the other wolves sooner than later. And now I had.

The Alpha knew my beast lacked control, and he wasn’t wrong. My emotions nearly got the best of me at the university, again in Jacob’s bathroom, and finally at the cafe. Maybe running on instinct was enough at the research facility. But in the real world? Instinct alone didn’t cut it.

A sinking feeling settled in my gut.

“Hi,” I said, watching Jacob linger in the kitchen. He hadn’t come over yet. Was he furious with me? But I’d feel his simmering emotions… wouldn’t I? What if he didn’t want me as his mate anymore?

“Hey.” His gaze drifted toward the counter just out of view, where the soft bubbling of water filled the silence. He tore open a tea bag and dropped it into a mug. “You okay?”

I licked my dry lips, feeling like a boulder just rolled off my chest. He was just making me tea. My brain was so busy creating chaos where there was none. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. “I don’t know.” I turned toward the blank TV screen instead of facing him.

Water poured into a cup, then the soft sound of his bare feet padded across the floor. He set the chamomile tea on the end table beside me, then sat down on the sectional’s chaise longue right in front of me. He was so close I could feel the warmth of his body and the storm brewing behind his emerald eyes. The vibes rolling off him were chaotic and intense, even if his face remained neutral.

“Talk to me.” He leaned over, grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch, and tucked it around my shoulders.

If my heart had been made of chocolate, it would’ve melted into a puddle right then and there.

The sun was setting outside, casting golden light across the room. This was the first time we’d been alone since this morning, and I wanted to tell him so many things. But the words clung to my throat. I drew in a deep breath, trying to push through.

I reached for the warm mug, but my hands trembled. Probably for the best. While I could heal from burns, I’d rather keep my mouth and skin safe.

“Sorry, baby.” I sat up straighter, trying to be stronger than I felt. He pulled me into his lap, wrapping an arm around me, and I sank into his embrace. He made me feel loved and protected. “I need to tell you something. It was stupid of me, but I…” This could tear us apart. Still, I needed to do this.

Jacob stiffened, his grip tightening around my waist.

“I went to the university and met with the Dean of Students. I never should’ve gone.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “The meeting was horrible, and my control vanished toward the end. I ran to my car, feeling like I was being watched. They knew where I was.” The ice pack slipped from my hand into my lap, forgotten. “I didn’t meet with Emma that day, didn’t even talk to her before this morning, but I wanted to make up with her. That’s why I agreed to see her today.”

He lifted my chin, guiding my gaze to his. “I know you went to the school, babe.”

My jaw dropped. “How?” But really, it didn’t matter. “I was going to tell you, but I—” My lower lip trembled. “I was scared you’d be pissed, and I’d ruin what we have. But I needed my life back. My scholarships… I’ve worked so hard. If I lose it all, I don’t know what I’d do. And I refuse to let the scientists win. I don’t want to be paralyzed by fear, afraid to leave home or your place. That’s not living. That’s… It’d be letting them win.” Tears spilled from my eyes.

Jacob brushed his thumbs over my cheeks, wiping them away. “I wanted us to heal first. I thought taking care of ourselves meant hiding away from the world. But I should’ve listened better. I thought I knew what was best, and I’m sorry.” He lowered his head and pressed his forehead against mine.

“I love you, baby.” My nose brushed his, and I slid my fingers over his shoulders. “I know I went behind your back, but I didn’t mean to. I was just scared of ruining everything.”

“Babe, I love you too.” He released a sigh, his breath warm against my lips. “Don’t worry about that now. I should’ve told the Pack about you sooner. You could’ve started learning about your abilities and how to control them. They wouldn’t have taken or hurt you…” He picked up the ice pack and gently pressed it back to my cheek. “Please forgive me.”

The ache in his words cut through me, and I leaned into his touch. That guilt bothered me. I didn’t blame him for this. We both had a part in what happened. “I do, baby. Of course, I do.” I tilted my head, sliding my lips over his.

His mouth crushed mine in a passionate kiss. Only his arm around my waist kept me from losing my balance. He shifted us, lowering me onto my back on the couch. The ice pack hit the floor as he pressed against me. Our lips moved together in a wild blend of love and longing. But this wasn’t about the full moon’s pull… or even lust. This was about us. Reconnecting. Healing.

My tongue caressed his, drinking in the heat pouring from him. He was a paradox—untamed and careful, sweet and fierce. I loved him so much it hurt. The press of his hard cock against my thigh felt like heaven, and I tugged at his shirt, needing more of him.

He leaned up to help, yanking the fabric over his head with one hand. Then he reached for mine. His gaze dropped to my bare breasts, and he licked his lips before bending to suck one nipple into the damp heat of his mouth. I arched beneath him, moaning as my fingers tangled in his hair. The distant zip of his jeans drew a needy whimper from me.

And then, a knock at the door shattered the moment.

His head jerked up, and we exchanged a cautious look. Who could be here? His brother? The Pack? His nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath. “It’s my mom,” he said. He shot to his feet, tugged on his shirt, and zipped his pants, then bent to grab my tank top and the fallen ice pack. He set the pack on the coffee table and tossed me my shirt.

“Oh.” I sat up quickly, pressing my damp thighs together. “Awkward.” Would she be able to tell we’d been making out? The scent of Jacob’s arousal clung to the air, and I was drenched for him. My body still ached to be filled by his cock. “I’ll get cleaned up real quick.”

“Sure. Don’t forget your tea.” He jogged toward the front door. “Coming, Mom!”

The mug might be cool by now, but I wouldn’t forget it. The fact he’d prepared it for me, especially knowing what I’d needed to say, made it feel special. Embarrassment reared its ugly head, but I shoved it down.

In the main bathroom, my reflection in the mirror was a mixed bag. The swelling in my cheek had gone, but faint bruises still colored my jaw and neck. At least the cut on my lip was only a thin scar. No wonder kissing Jacob hadn’t hurt. My healing had improved. They’d seen me worse than this at the Pack Council, so no point in trying to cover it up with foundation. Still, I could fix my messy hair, and it wouldn’t hurt to put on a bra.

From the living room, I heard Jacob and his mom talking, their voices low. I couldn’t hide in here forever, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about meeting his mom like this. Were we really at the meet-the-parents stage? Then again, I’d seen her in the Council chamber. She hadn’t been cruel. In fact, she’d seemed… powerful but kind.

Once I’d freshened up, I stepped into the hallway that led to the living room. Jacob and his mother sat on the couch. They stopped talking as I entered.

“Hey,” Jacob said. “Mom, I’d like officially to introduce you to my mate, Kelly Lopez.”

She tilted her head and smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. Something about her felt effortlessly dominant, like she was used to getting what she wanted. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kelly. I’m Jennifer Armstrong.” Her voice was smooth but purposeful. “Jacob and I were just discussing the situation with the university. I understand your parents aren’t in the picture, but I’d be pleased to speak with the dean on your behalf and on Jacob’s. If that’s okay with you?”

I blinked at them. She’d really do that? Jacob had said his mom could help, but hearing it from her hit different. My parents would never trouble themselves to help me. The words remained lodged in my throat, so I simply nodded.

“Wonderful. I’m happy to assist, dear.” Her gaze swept over me with the calculating grace that came from power and experience. “Come, sit down.” She patted the couch between her and Jacob. “Everything will be okay. You’re part of our family now, Kelly. And I take care of family.”

My heart thudded in my chest as I crossed the room to sit between them. “Thank you.”

Jacob took my hands in his. “I’m here for you too, babe. We’re mates.” His warmth grounded me. I didn’t need to worry about what I lacked. I had him, and that was more than enough.

“Thank you. Both of you.” My thumb stroked his wrist, grateful for this moment. For this family.

He leaned in and kissed my temple. When he pulled away, he glanced past me at his mom. “We need to talk about Shane.”

Jennifer rolled her eyes, her full lips pressing into a thin line as she exhaled. But she quickly composed herself. “Is this really the best time for that discussion?”

“Yeah. We need this talk.” He squeezed my hands like he needed the comfort. “Shane told me Dad pushed him into getting a business degree. Said he wouldn’t pay for college unless Shane followed his path. Alma mater and all.”

Jennifer’s expression softened. “This is the first time I’m hearing of this.”

He frowned. “Kinda figured that. I asked him, but he didn’t think you’d care. He said you were always too busy with the Pack or the family business.”

Her brows drew together. “I have hopes and dreams for my children, but they should never be forced into something they don’t want.” A flicker of wolf amber flashed through her hazel eyes, and I stilled, then she placed her hand over Jacob’s, which still rested on mine. “I will speak with Shane—and your—father about this. Thank you for telling me.” Her gaze slid between us. “Despite Henry’s actions, I’m not sure that alone is enough reason to fully forgive Shane for what happened to you two, but?—”

“I talked with him about that too. He feels awful, Mom. The guilt’s been eating him alive. He apologized. Besides, we didn’t have a great relationship then… but I think that’s changing.” Jacob shrugged, but the relief on his face spoke volumes about how much the conversation had meant to him.

I felt a little like a voyeur watching this moment unfold. But maybe they accepted me. They trusted me enough to have this conversation right now. That meant something.

“I see. I’ll try to do the same,” Jennifer said, her voice quieter now. She lifted her hand to cup Jacob’s cheek. “I missed you so much, son. I’m so glad you’re home.” Her gaze met mine. “And that you have such a lovely mate.” A small smile curved her lips. “Perhaps Shane will tell me what his true passion in life is.”

Jacob laughed. “Well, I know something he’s passionate about. Alayna.”

Jennifer’s perfectly arched brows lifted, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. “Is that so? I’ll have to speak with her, then. Hmm… Where one door closes, another opens. Thank you, son.” She gave my knee a quick pat. “Now get some rest, you two. I’ll call tomorrow morning about meeting with the university.”

“Thank you again.” I smiled, my nerves and excitement twisting together. Another chance at college. It felt almost too good to believe. How would I even catch up and complete my finals after a month away? At least Jacob would be there.

As I looked between them, warmth blossomed in my chest. I wasn’t alone anymore. Life was still messy and uncertain, but it would be okay. I had people in my corner now. People who cared about me and my future. I’d dreamed of finding someone who to love and who would love me in return. I just never expected I’d find that person so soon.