It sure does.
Just not for the reason Blake thinks.
18
JAX
Alow growl unleashes from my chest when I realize Jolie isn’t alone. I have to remind myself that she doesn’t understand what we are to each other yet, but I thought once she knew I existed and was curious about me that she would forget her stupidprince. Not only is that asshole here, but he’s naked with his unimpressive dick out and eager for her.
Myfucking mate.
Another growl reverberates through my chest, rattling the heartbeat cradled in my ribs. I stifle the urge to shift into my wolf, though it would be fun to scare the shit out of him.
A few flakes drift toward her, flurrying from between white knuckles. Jolie’s gaze follows the snow hitting her shoulder, and she stills, her pale-blue eyes widening. The rhythmic pulse shared between us stutters before quickening its pace.
You know I’m here, don’t you, Tempest?
I’m thrilled she can sense my presence, but when Blake brings her hand back to his shaft, that hope is replaced with rage.
Is this really happening? Is she truly going to make this pathetic mortal come right in front of her mate?
Of course, she doesn’t know that. Even if she did, it’s not like she’d understand the connection. It goes beyond space and time. Beyond mortality. She exists within me, etched so deeply that not even having my memories erased could tamp down my hunger to be near her.Withher.
Consequences be damned.
The disgusting mortal sighs, using my mate’s hand to stroke himself a few times, the movements hollow, devoid of the enthusiasm my mate deserves. “Come on, baby. I’m almost there.”
It doesn’t take a bond to see she’s not interested.
It chisels at my already fragile composure.
My veins freeze and my fists tighten at my sides, a blizzard building within my grasp. The thermostat glowing in the corner of the room drops another few degrees.
I’m going to conjure the first recorded indoor snowstorm in history…
Jolie eases her palm off his cock and clears her throat.
Thank Fate.
Her lashes drop, cheeks stained the perfect shade of pink. “Sorry, hand cramp.” She flexes it a few times, then forces out a yawn, wiggling her fingers for emphasis. “I’m so sorry, Blake. Can we just finish this, um…some other time?”
A slow smile spreads over my lips.
She’s not cramping. Not really. Her every emotion is as open to me as the pages of the journal currently spread across her desk. Which is…odd. She usually hides it when he’s on his way here. I glance over at my answers penned in her handwriting next to her questions from last night. There’s no way she would want this out for him to see. Either she’s suddenly become very careless or… She didn’t actually plan for him to come over.
That gives me a small sense of comfort.
“Seriously?” Blake seems completely dumbfounded. When Jolie shrugs in response, he huffs and tries to guide her back to his dick. She doesn’t let him, though. Instead, she crosses her arms, eyes darting around the room.
Is she looking for me?
He reaches for her hand again. “Just one more minute. That’s all I—”
Before he can finish his whining, I unclench my fists, frost flying into his balls. The idiot winces, hissing out a curse as he releases his grip on himself.
“She doesn’t want you. Now get the fuck out.” It feels good to say it aloud even though I know neither of them can hear me. It’s clear she wants him to leave, and when it comes to my mate, I can’t resist an opportunity to help her out.
Blake doesn’t get the hint from her or me. “Come on, baby,” he continues, grabbing for her.
