“Nonsense. I’m the one person you should always be able to talk to. No matter what it is. Don’t worry about me. I’m sure this Alpha King has an amazing queen out there somewhere. And I will find her.” Hunter grinned and patted Chasen on the back. “For now, though, you may want to make sure Jin knows you aren’t upset with her. I think she felt a bit insecure with how you left.”
“Really?” Chasen frowned. “Yeah, I’ll go talk to her.”
“Chasen.” Hunter watched as Chasen turned to look at him. “You don’t have to fight off all of your urges. It’s okay to be close to her, and as long as she’s okay with your advances, then it’s okay. If you need to be close to her, then be close to her. Take baby steps until you find a line. Who knows? Maybe there isn’t a line. She could be feeling it, too.”
“Thanks, Hunter.” Chasen smiled and roughed his brother’s hair. He laughed and shook his head. “Gosh, I have no clue what I’m doing.”
“You need a crash course in sex ed?” Hunter teased and Chasen shoved him playfully.
“You know what I’m talking about, mutt. I’ve never been in a relationship before. And I really am suddenly terrified of screwing it up.” Chasen looked down and ran his hand through his brown hair. “Man, do I sound pathetic.”
“Not at all.” Hunter smiled at his brother. “You sound very normal for once. I couldn’t be prouder of you right now. You aren’t running away from the mate pull. You’re willing to embrace it. Chasen, this is everything I’ve always wanted for you. I hope it all works out. You deserve this.”
It was funny. It was like a seed had been planted and had sprouted all at once. What was once not even a thought was now the reality he was willing to chase. He knew it right at that moment. The feeling he had been fighting and trying so desperately to bury was something he wanted. He wanted Jin.As soon as he allowed himself to think that, something cracked inside him and the floodgate opened. A strong, sweet scent hit his nose. It was the smell of brown sugar, and it made his heart beat in excitement. That voice sounded again in his mind, only this time, it said something different.Mate.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Jin slid into a pair of slippers as Chasen walked into the bedroom. Her eyes flipped up to see him, and she offered him a smile. “Do you need the shower next? I am so proud of myself. I figured everything out on my own. Next time, I’m trying the tub,” she chirped in excitement. His chocolate eyes seemed to go from milk to dark, then back to milk chocolate.
“Um … I wanted to let you know that when I left, it wasn’t because you did anything wrong,” Chasen said awkwardly as he fidgeted.Gosh, what am I doing?
Jin giggled. “I know that. Hunter told me already. He said you were just upset after hearing how I was treated.”
Damn you, Hunter. You forced me in here on purpose.“Oh, he didn’t mention that to me. I didn’t want you to misunderstand.” Chasen was completely out of his element and for once felt nervous. At the same time, he was fighting to keep his beast reined in. Her sweet-smelling scent was even stronger now. And sadly, she seemed unaffected by his presence.
Jin smiled. “Everything’s good.” Her eyes widened and she skipped up to Chasen, standing on her tiptoes and whispering, “I think it’s time to break out the chocolate.”
Chasen watched as she bounded away from him and back over to the bag that had all the chocolate from their shopping trip. He inwardly groaned. How could she make him feel this way? When he felt her warm breath fan his skin, his insides went crazy. This was insane. His body felt like it was no longer his but hers, and likewise, he felt like her body was HIS. He needed to touch her and be close to her.
He took a few steps closer to her, very slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. He eyed the curves of her body as she bent down, digging through the bag. His eyes slowly wandered over her. He was so close, he could almost taste her scent.
“Jin,” his voice rasped, a bit hoarse and breathless. He watched her eyes flicker up to his. Her green gems shined at him, and the cutest smile spread over her face.
“Don’t worry. I was going to share with you. You’re the one who took me to get them, after all.” She giggled as she straightened up, a couple of smaller bags in her hand. She was trying not to make eye contact for long, though, because when she did, she started feeling weird things that she couldn’t explain. Looking back down, she offered Chasen a small bag. “Chocolate-covered potato chips.”
Chasen felt a warmth flood over him. She was staring at her shoes and holding out a small, white paper bag. He looked at the adorable girl, a newfound appreciation for her forming deep inside him. He wanted more, but he didn’t have to rush it. This moment right here felt like everything to him. A small smile rested over his face as he slowly reached for her. Was this what the mate bond was like? Someone becoming precious and instantly irreplaceable in your heart? He moved without thinking, his arms sliding around her, startling her. He pulled her toward him and hugged her against his chest. He leaned his head down and whispered, “We must really be good friends if you’re willing to share your chocolate with me.” He felt her tensebody relax, not pulling away but leaning deeper into him. For now, this was enough.
She was shocked at first. She didn’t know why he was holding her. But the moment she felt him hug her, she instantly relaxed. It was like coming home after an exhausting day. Her muscles melted against him, and his warm chest radiated heat over her body. The minor chill she had from her damp hair was now gone. All her thoughts were gone, and she was embraced in heavenly comfort. She was safe … wanted. Her heart raced, and she shivered against him when he whispered to her.
How long had she stayed in his arms? Was it minutes? She lost track of everything. But he didn’t try to let go of her or step away, so she didn’t either. His warmth spread over her, making her feel like she was wrapped in a heated blanket.
“You’re so warm,” she finally whispered.
“Are you cold?”
“Not anymore.” The tugging started inside her again. She felt like her shell was starting to crack. His hand sifted through the soft strands of her hair.
“Your hair is still damp,” he said quietly, his tone low and gentle.
She took a small step back and smiled up at him. “It’ll dry soon.” She immediately regretted stepping away from his warm embrace, shivering slightly from the loss of his heat. It would be weird for her to walk back into his arms, even though it was what her body demanded. He turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, unable to move as he opened a cupboard and pulled out something fuzzy and black. He walked back and spread the blanket around her.
“Is that better?” he asked, offering a small smile.
“It isn’t as warm as you, but it’ll work.” The words just came out of her mouth. Inwardly she winced. It must have sounded really cheesy to him, but when she glanced up to meet his eyes,they were smiling back at her, as if he liked hearing what she said.
He reached around her and pulled her into his side as he escorted her toward the couch. “Then I’ll keep you close until you warm up,” he said as he sat her on the couch, sitting next to her and pulling her into his side. She never protested once, so he took it as a sign that she was okay with it. Still, he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. What if she was nervous and didn’t know how to voice what she wanted?
“Is this okay?” he asked a bit nervously. He felt her snuggle into his side.
