Kellan blinked, his mouth dropping open in a sexy dip. “Say it again,” he whispered, his voice wavering.
I knew exactly what he wanted to hear from me. “Mate. You’re my mate, Golden.”
He lit up the room, and some of his external warmth crept a little deeper into my heart. “I love you so much, pretty mate. So. Damn. Much. Wait for me. I’ll be home soon.”
With that, he blew a kiss at the camera and hung up the phone, retaking his seat as if he hadn’t just created a frenzy with his dramatic exit.
“Em,” Cora choked out as she pressed a hand to her chest. “That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I need your alphas to give War a few lessons.”
Still feeling overwhelmed and dazed, not to mention filled with the sort of joy I thought only existed in fantasy stories, I tried not to bounce on the spot like a puppy. “Warrick does just fine,” I said with a grin, giving her my full attention. I needed a distraction until Kellan returned home. “Now, show me what you’re wearing tonight. I’m sure it’s going to knock his fur off.”
Cora shimmied, her layered skirt swirling around her. “You know it. And I have the perfect dress for you as well.”
She dragged me out of the room and away from the television, where two of my mates continued to answerquestions in front of the press.Goddess.I had it bad when I was reluctant to walk away while they were visible on the screen.
But it was only an issue if I made it one.
Right?
CHAPTER 38
EMME
With bags in hand we headed upstairs. I heard Hunter in his office chatting to someone on the phone, which should give us time to discuss thething.
I’d noted in my brief glance at Slade’s stalker wall that there was a corner of my bathroom which appeared to be outside the security footage. The rest, of course, was all there for him to observe, the creepy dragon. Not that I wouldn’t have watched him shower if the opportunity presented itself, but that wasn’t the point.
The point was, I had a little dead zone to put everything into play.
“How are Richard, Sierra and Marcus?” I asked Cora as we hurried up the stairs. “It feels like forever since I had dinner at your place. What with all the kidnapping and unexpected bonding.”
Cora threw her head back and laughed. “You know, what initially drew me to you is your touch of self-deprecation and humor. It’s similar to how I deal with trauma.”
My snort was filled with disbelief. “All I’ve done is run from my trauma. Don’t be fooled, it absolutely controls me.”
She shook her head and pursed her lips, giving the impression she was thinking it over. “You might run from a situation that’s outside of your control, like another pack claiming you. But trauma exists internally, and as far as I can tell, you’re grounded, realistic, honest, and kind. You haven’t let that trauma turn you into an untrusting, bitter shifter. Which it quite easily could have.”
Hunter had given me a similar compliment, and honestly, I didn’t know how to handle their assessments. It was one thing to be called beautiful, and I enjoyed that as much as any female, but to have them see deeper… no one had ever done that before I met these shifters.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling choked up and overwhelmed.
Cora didn’t appear to need more than that, understanding in her gaze.
When we reached my room, she glanced around at the decor. “This house is incredible,” she said brightly. “The trims and detailing on the sconces are perfect with the style of home.”
As an interior designer, she no doubt noticed a lot more than I ever had, but I agreed with her. This house was stunning, and I loved it as much as the pack in it. Most of them anyway.
“I’ll give you a full tour one day soon,” I promised her. “It literally has everything you could want in a dream house.”
“And more, I’d bet,” Cora said, leaning closer to one of the edges, running her fingers over the engraved details. “These edgings…” She groaned.
With a laugh, I gently shoved her through my door and into the bathroom. “Come on, show me what you’ve bought for us to wear.”
She patted the bags hanging over her shoulder. “I’ve got everything we need.”
She hung the dresses on one of the towel hooks, before handing me a duffle bag.I backed myself intothecornernear the shower and gestured for her to do the same. “We’re being watched and listened to,” I whispered, barely making a sound.
Cora didn’t even blink an eye, her response loud. “I brought my full range ofEssencemakeup, and of course, that body spray you love so much.”
