“Can’t,” I force out. The pounding in my chest is only growing, and I pull my legs up to my chest, recognizing the signs of a panic attack. Dropping my forehead to my knees, I try to slow my breathing. Jess sets her hand on my shoulder, counting softly in our familiar routine.
“Do not pass out on me here,” she scolds me lightly but worry filters through. “I will not be able to drag your ass back to your dad’s car.”
I laugh weakly, the worst of the anxiety dissipating.
“You’ll be relieved to know that no dragging is required.”
Relief sags Jess’s shoulders. “Thank fuck for that. Now tell me – what happened in there? You looked as though you’d seen a ghost!”
Swallowing, I train my eyes on the wall opposite us, counting the pale gold bricks to try and get my head under control. A hand slips into mine, and I return the squeeze Jess gives me.
“Jax Cohen is my Soul Bonded.”
My words drop like a stone in the sudden silence. Jess gapes at me, her mouth open.
“Your…Soul Bonded? Are you serious? How do you know?”
“I know.”
Now I know what my parents meant. There is no denying your Soul Bonded. It’s as though every atom that makes up Jax calls to every atom of mine – like a yearning.
Even now, I have to fight the urge to run straight back to the Waterhole, to rub myself against Jax like a damned cat in heat.
Jess bursts into laughter. When I stare at her, she collapses against me, her whole body shaking.
“Sienna… this is the best news ever! You’re Soul Bonded to your pack before the Trials even begin!”
I start to gnaw at my fingers again until Jess slaps my hands away. “Stop that,” she scolds. “This is nothing to worry about. We should be celebrating!”
At her words, mortification overwhelms me. Oh my God. Iran awayfrom my Soul Bonded.
Fled. Like a thief in the night. Who does that?
Groaning, I lean my head back against the cold brick. “I’m an idiot, Jess.”
Sighing, my best friend climbs to her feet, brushing off her hands and holding one out to me.
“Yeah, but you’re my idiot. Come on. We need to get back.”
“What if he’s still there?”
Jess frowns. “Wouldn’t that be a good thing? He’s your Soul Bonded. Your forever mate.”
A wash of heat warms my chest. Mine. But it’s closely followed by another dip in my stomach.
Shaking my head, I grab her hand and pull myself up. “I know. I just…need some time to process. And we can’t tell anyone, either. You know we’re not supposed to meet them before the Trials begin.”
We begin making our way back to the club, my fingers twisting restlessly. As we turn the corner, I see my dad pull up in his sleek black car and make a rapid dash for the backseat. Turning, he frowns as we scramble in.
“Are you okay, honey? Was it too much?”
“No, it was… good. I’m just tired.”
Dad pulls away from the curb. “Was it busy?”
Thank god he has no idea Jax Cohen was there tonight.
“Very.”
