Soft hands stirme as warm lips pepper my skin.The touch is gentle, but I know the violence simmering underneath.Through the bond, everything is laid bare—Jason’s possession, his obsession, and his love.Though he does not say the word out loud, I hear it in my heart clearly enough to ease any worry or discomfort.
“We only have a few minutes left.I’ve laid your clothes out that you packed.Soon, I’ll get you something nicer.Can’t have my mate walking around in basic pajamas, can I?”
Even though his tone is playful, I can still feel the burn of his ire through the bond.He’s still a bit displeased with me, and I know this is one battle I will never win.Might as well give in and let him have his way.
“That would be for the best,” he growls as he nuzzles the shoulder not throbbing with his mark.“I suppose it’s time we face the music.”
The air shifts as I become fully awake and take in the destruction of the room.Fragmented memories slice through my brain.They’re not enough for a full picture, but I get the gist.I still sit there in the middle of the nest, surrounded by his scent and warmth.
“Will they be angry with us?”
“About the room?No.About me claiming you?Absolutely.”
A frisson of fear winds its way around my heart as I pull my knees into my chest.
“Now, now,” he growls.“None of that.We’ll be fine.I’ll make sure of it.Come, let’s get a shower before I take you home.”
I blink over at the clock.So early.Daniel will still be there.Do I dare bring in a strange Alpha?
Jason helps me up and gives me a soft smile.“He’ll have to get used to me at some point.Why not over breakfast?”
“Maybe once I get used to you being in my head,” I giggle as he leads to me to the bathroom.“It’s so odd… so…”
“Invasive?”he teases as he starts the water running.
“I was going to say intimate, but invasive works too.”
“Ahh.After you.”
Once I step into the shower, he washes every inch of me, taking special care of the wound.After inspecting every inch, he rinses me off and shampoos my hair, taking his time to massage my scalp.Again, something else to get used to.
“And you will,” he grumbles in my ear.“Remember, you’re mine.And I take care of what’s mine.”
Despite the heat of the shower, I shiver at his words.“Yes, Master.I hear you.”
We swiftly finish the shower and dress.My gut churns in knots as he leads me to the door.Despite the gentle squeeze of his hand and wave of reassurance through the bond, I can’t help the anxiety bubbling up in my throat.
Just as he said, the director stands outside our door and taps her foot in annoyance.“I hope you realize what you’ve done,” she snaps out before handing Jason a piece of paper.“The contract clearly states-”
“Fuck your contract,” he retorts, his voice calm and steady.“She was in heat.A real one.Somehow, your receptionists didn’t realize it.Do you understand how dangerous that was?If some other Alpha…”
He pauses as he gathers his composure, but I feel the wrath, the abject fear for me through the bond.It doesn’t matter that I’m safe now, that I’m with him.It was too close of a call for comfort.
Clearing his throat, he continues.“I saw her through it and made her mine.Nothing can be done about it.You might as well let us pass.I know my mate needs some more sleep.You wouldn’t deprive her of that, would you?”
She looks over his shoulder and me and rolls her eyes.“I suppose not.But you realize you’re both banned from here, correct?”
He steps back and wraps an arm around my waist.“And why would I want to come back when I have everything I need right here by my side?”
Pushing past, he takes me to his car and puts me inside.“Come.Let’s take you home.We both need some sleep before facing your brother.”
Chapter17
Jason
A peace settlesover me as I hold Noelle snuggled in my arms under heavy blankets.This is right where I want to be.Nowhere else.I long to stay wrapped in this cocoon of solitude where only she and I exist.
Unfortunately, based on her brother’s normal schedule, I need to wake up my sleeping beauty soon if I want another bout with her before we start the day.A shiver of lust and contentment slithers down my spine to make my balls clench up in anticipation.Reaching around, I cup her breast and tease her nipple, my cock rising as the small, taut peak hardens beneath my touch.
