“But…” Sara looked around the table, wanting answers from someone. Reaching for Rachel’s hand again, she sighed. “What now then? Please tell me you didn’t get us together just to be torn apart again?”
When Alpha Harley spoke, his voice was soft, soothing. “We got you together to prolong your connection and ensure it doesn’t fade while we figure this out.” He faced Rachel. “I know I’m not your father, but he tasked me to take care of you like I would any of my pack, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Alpha Cornell’s right: a bond is precious, a gift, and I want you to be able to experience that for yourselves, but it needs to be done in the right way.”
Yeah, Sara could see the appeal of being in his pack.
“We’ve waited this long.” Rachel slipped an arm around her waist, the warmth of her touch calming Sara’s nerves. “We can wait a little longer.”
The thought of letting Rachel go after only just finding her again… it fucking sucked. “What do we do, then?”
Celia answered. “I’m going to invite your father to visit, and we’re going to discuss this like the alphas we are.”
Sara barely held in a scoff. “And if he still refuses to allow our bond?”
“Like I told you before. I have a few cards up my sleeve. But the less you know about that, the better.”
“So Rachel and I do nothing?”
“That’s right. Eat, sleep, stay out of trouble.” Celia raised her eyebrows. “Can you manage that?”
Sara opened her mouth, objections ready to spill out because it all felt wrong. So very wrong. When Rachel leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on the side of her neck, all the fight drained out of her. Closing her eyes, she basked in the touch of soft lips against her skin, the scent of her potential mate cocooning her in a warm embrace. She let out a sigh, half contentment, half resignation. “Yes. We can do that.”
“Good.” Celia clasped her hands on the table, and her expression softened. “That concludes our business for now.”
“What? No.” Sara’s heart sank, Rachel’s grip on her waist the only thing keeping her grounded. “Already?”
“Sweetheart.” Celia reached across the table and took her hand. “It’s been almost four hours. Alpha Harley and his pack need to return home.”
Four hours?
Really?
It felt like they’d shared mere minutes together, yet at the same time watching Rachel get out of that car felt like an age ago.
“Alpha Harley,” Celia said, one eye still on Sara. “If you’re agreeable, I think we can give them a few minutes alone before we leave.”
Sara’s gaze ping-ponged between them as she waited for him to answer.
Please say yes. Please say yes.
Looking directly at Rachel, he asked, “Can I trust you?”
“Yes.” Rachel nodded for good measure.
Alpha Harley smiled at her, then at Sara. “We’ll wait in the car. You have ten minutes. I wouldn’t trust myself any longer than that if I was in your position.”
He made a good point. Sara had her instincts under control for now, but how long would that last once she had her hands all over Rachel? Ten minutes was probably pushing it, but she didn’t say that.
“Thank you.” Rachel’s smile was bright, but her eyes filled with tears, and Sara had to look away before hers did the same.
“Yes, thank you,” she added, swallowing thickly as the others stood.
“Ten minutes, remember.” Celia tapped her watch, then led the way back inside the pub.
Neither Sara or Rachel spoke until the door closed and they were alone.
They both moved at once, arms and legs bumping as they hurried to get closer.
“Wait.” Rachel laughed softly and put a hand on Sara’s arm. “Let me just…” She turned around on the bench seat until her legs were facing outwards and her back rested against the table, then patted her lap. “Come here.”
