“Close your eyes.I’ll make sure you don’t bump into anything.”When she narrowed her eyes at him, he added, “You trust me, don’t you?”
“With my whole heart.”
“Good.Then trust that something good is coming.I just want it to be a surprise.”
“You got it.”She closed her eyes and made a show of covering them with one hand, a playful smile on her face.
He held her arm and walked her to the market, where Jeanie had removed the tarps and set up the café, which now had a small wooden chalkboard sign in front of the counter.The market was quiet since it was before seven when it would get busier as the shifters headed out for work.
He stopped in front of the counter that Jeanie had designated for the new café and placed his hand over Sera’s hand.“I want you to know that you’re the most important person in my life and I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“You can open your eyes.”He took his hand away and hers dropped.
She opened her eyes and tilted her head slightly.Then she gasped.
“What did you do?”she asked.“Is this for me?”
“I’m proving I’m the best soulmate on the planet and this is one hundred percent for you.”He pointed to the hand-painted wooden sign.“I figured we’d keep the name simple for now.”Sera’s Caféwas scripted in elegant white lettering on dark wood, a little flourish of painted leaves curling under the name.“I didn’t want it to be about the drinks or the pastries,” he added.“I wanted it to be about you.”
She swallowed hard, eyes shimmering.“Caesar.”
Behind the counter was a gleaming espresso machine and rows of ceramic mugs, tall glasses, and disposable drinkware.
She walked forward slowly like she couldn’t believe her eyes.He lifted the section of the counter to let her pass through and followed, showing her what Jeanie had suggested they start the café with.Under the counter was a fridge with her creamers and syrups that he’d snuck over while she’d been in the shower.
“I can’t believe this.”
“What do you think?”he asked.
“This is amazing.You’re amazing!”She hugged him tightly and kissed him, her eyes glittering with unshed tears.“You really are the best soulmate.”
He told her the plan for a safari coffee and pastry shop and how she could start serving coffees whenever she was ready, and about the wolf female who was excited to work with her if she needed a hand.“You can name the topside coffee and pastry shop whatever you’d like when it’s time, but down here is yours.”
“I don’t know what to say,” she said.
“You don’t have to say anything.Just know that you belong here.With me, with the pride, here in the park.You can build something wonderful, and we all want to help you do it.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
* * *
Later that night, after the adrenaline of the day had worn off and they’d eaten dinner together, he followed her into their bedroom.She turned to face him near the bed, eyes luminous.“I still can’t believe you made me a little café down here.And the plan for the safari coffee and pastry shop is incredible.”
“I’d do anything to make you happy.”
“I am.So much happier than I ever thought I could be.”
He cupped her cheek and kissed her gently.The kiss deepened, slowly, emotion rising between them like a tide.Clothes slipped away, hands roaming.
She took the lead, surprising him with the way she growled softly, eyes bright with arousal, and pushed him to the bed.She prowled up his body, kissing and licking, electrifying every inch of him.She settled on him, sliding slowly down his erection until their bodies were tightly wed, and everything dropped away but just the two of them.
He planted his hands on her hips, guiding her as she rode him, letting her take what she wanted to get herself to the pinnacle of pleasure.
Pressing his thumb to her clit, he snarled as her pussy gripped him tightly, rhythmically.He saw her fangs elongate as her body heated, wrapping him in a tight glove of pure pleasure that made his eyes cross and his spine tingle.
