As I went, Jasper met me, and we watched them drive away. “She’s really okay, right?” I asked.
Jasper nodded. “It’s early enough that we’ll be able to teach her shifting easily. And it shouldn’t have any effect on her development.”
I let out a sigh, pleased we probably wouldn’t face any complications. “I’m more interested in what happened back there,” he continued. “I thought you were going to shift in my office.”
“I know,” I said. “I think I was just shocked.” I wasn’t ready to admit how out of control I genuinely felt, not even to myself.
He didn’t look convinced, but he seemed to let it go. “I’m going to head back to the office for a bit. Are you going home?” I asked Leo.
“Yeah. Don’t be too long, okay?”
“I won’t.”
“I have some things to finish up here,” Jasper said, “but I shouldn’t be too much longer. See you at home?”
I turned to him. “Of course. I think Leo has some leftover cookies.”
“That I do,” he said with a sly grin.
Jasper leaned into me, wrapping his arms around my middle. “As long as you don’t eat them all before I get there.”
I scoffed. “I would never.”
He hummed, and I silenced him with a kiss. Though this kiss was just as sweet as our previous ones, something about having our mate so close made everything feel much more intense. He always tasted clean and minty and something all his own that I was addicted to.
Then, I pulled Leo to me, kissing him just as hard. His taste was so much different, more sweet and warm, but just as good.
We pulled away, and I nudged his nose with mine. “See you at home. I love you.”
He sighed. “I love you too.”
With that, I reluctantly pulled away. He and Jasper were saying their goodbyes as I headed back towards the tree line.
I shifted there, running back to my office. I was sure the meeting was over, but I needed to make sure everything was settled before I left.
Luckily, I was right about the meeting, and my second, Amir, had taken over for me and took diligent notes, though it seemed most of the conversation stayed on the Mislulu pack.
As I was finishing up and heading out, Amir stopped me. “Hey, everything okay from earlier?”
“Yes, thank you. Everything is fine. I just had something urgent to deal with.” I didn’t say anything more. Though I trusted Amir, there were plenty of nosey ears in the pack house listening in, and I didn’t want any prying eyes on Harper or Aria when they came. My mind was racing thinking about them, preparing for them to come. I needed to get out of here as soon as possible to do that.
“That’s good. I wanted to let you know that I got a call from the Mislulu pack not too long after the meeting. It was one of the leaders wanting me to let you know?—”
“Could you just leave me a note on my desk?” I said, cutting him off. I didn’t mean to be rude, but I was sure whatever it was could be dealt with on Monday, and I needed to go.
He nodded. “Of course. Have a good night.”
I planned to go right home to help. I was sure Leo had already gone out and bought some things to entertain Aria with, but I wanted to help set up. However, instead of driving back to the house, I found myself heading down the mountain and towards her apartment. It again was as if I wasn’t in control. It was as if my wolf took over and directed me back to her, demanding we check in and make sure she was safe.
I parked my car across the street, where I could see into her window. Her curtains were open, and she came into view quickly, looking to be packing some clothes for Aria, who I assumed was helping, but seemed to be making more of a mess.
Her apartment looked cozy but minimal, with lots of nude and beige colors, save for the colorful toys spread throughout the space.
I watched as she grabbed her phone and looked down at it. She smiled. I checked mine and saw that Leo was talking about how excited we were to have them come tomorrow.
I stayed for a few hours, watching as she got Aria ready for bed and packed some things of her own. Once she was fast asleep, I left, heading back up the mountain for tomorrow.
CHAPTER TEN
