Rachel’s hand went automatically to her chest, the ache back with a vengeance, as though Sara’s proximity amplified everything. Maybe it did? Meeting Cam’s gaze as she pressed against the hurt, she saw the answer in his eyes.
“She must be close.” He gave her shoulder a final squeeze before sitting back in his seat.
With the way Daryl had parked, they had a clear view of the entrance to the car park.
The seconds seemed to stretch into an agonising wait as Rachel watched for Sara’s car.
Come on, come on…
She squirmed in her seat, alternating between biting at her lip or her fingernail, until Jason grabbed one of her hands and held tight. The firm pressure helped, and she shot him a grateful smile.
When a Nissan Qashqai pulled into the car park, Rachel’s breath caught in her chest.
Is that them?
Forgetting all about pack etiquette, Rachel opened her door and got out, vaguely aware of the others doing the same. She took one step towards the new arrivals, but Cam’s hand on her arm stopped her from going any further.
“Wait,” he urged.
It took all her resolve to do as he asked.
Then the door of the Nissan flew open. Sara climbed out, and Rachel realised her memories hadn’t done her justice at all.
Fucking hell.
Long dark hair fell to a couple of inches below Sara’s shoulders, the ends blown about by the slight breeze. Brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a full mouth… she was the most beautiful creature Rachel had ever laid eyes on.
And she’s mine.
Cam’s hand tightened on her arm, tugging her back, and Rachel’s head snapped round.
“Let go,” she hissed. The only thing on her mind was getting to Sara.
“Rachel,” he warned. “We need to wait for them to come to us.”
“Why?” she snapped. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Daryl and Jason flanking their alpha, but Cam waved them off with a shake of his head.
“Because it’s what I agreed with Alpha Cornell.” He put his other hand on her neck and Rachel tensed. Half of her wanted to lean into his touch, but the other half wanted to tear across the car park. “I know how badly you want to go over there.” His voice took on the slightly lower timbre of his alpha tone. “But you have to wait. Alpha Cornell wants to be sure that the two of you aren’t going to do something stupid.”
“We won’t.”
The wind changed, bringing Sara’s scent along with it, and a low growl bubbled up out of Rachel’s chest. She tipped her head back, her fangs sliding out, and she moaned softly.
Cam’s hands were like clamps holding her still. “Somehow, I don’t believe you.” Pulling her back against his chest, he held her there, whispering encouragement into her ear until his voice and alpha scent worked its magic.
The pull to go to Sara didn’t lessen, but Rachel got a better handle on it as her mind cleared. Retracting her fangs, she flushed as it dawned on her what she’d just done. “I’m so sorry. I—”
Cam gave her a gentle squeeze then stepped back. “There’s no need to apologise.” He walked around to stand where Rachel could see him without taking her eyes off Sara. “I knew what this would be like for you. I’m just grateful you didn’t try to attack me.”
That makes two of us.
Rachel was horrified at the thought. She glanced at Jason and Daryl—both of whom had backed off significantly. Gaze flicking back to Cam, she asked, “Why am I like this? You and Gareth managed to keep your hands off each other before you bonded. What’s wrong with me?” She’d always had great control, but the pull she felt in Sara’s presence threatened to undermine all of it.
“There’s nothing wrong with you.” Cam smiled sadly at her. “And Gareth and I weren’t forbidden from bonding. No one had told us we couldn’t. We just needed time to work some things out. There’s a difference.”
Rachel huffed.
“It’s instinct and complicated to explain. But trust me, if Gareth and I were in this position, we’d behave exactly the same.”
