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He slips the bowl onto the coffee table next to mine, as if his appetite has fled. “He didn’t seem like the others.” He muses over this for a moment. “His eyes were clear. I don’t think he was being controlled. None of the tau males seemed to be, and they weren’t dressed like hunters either.”
I’d noticed that too.
“Everything we know comes from unverified sources. We’re meant to be scared of tau males because they’re corrupted by their magic or whatever bullshit Hester spun, but they all seemed in control.”
He sinks back against the couch cushions, his eyes locking on the ceiling. “You ever feel like everyone else knows everything but you’re still in the dark?”
He blows out a breath and grabs the bowls, heading into the kitchen. With his back to me, I watch as he leans his palms against the countertop, his head dropping low between his shoulders.
Even if things are hazy and confusing for me, I’ve heard Jackson defend me—us—to the others. He believes we are meant to be together, and honestly, I feel the same. He's possessive of me, but I feel the same as far as he's concerned. I still remember the fear coursing through me when he was being attacked in the woods and bleeding on the ground.I remember wanting to tear the person who was hurting him apart. No one touches him and lives.
“I’m tired of being strong,” he murmurs, bringing my attention back to him.
Go to him.
I urge my body to respond, but it’s like my brain is disconnected from my limbs. Is it always going to be this way? Trapped, nothing more than a mannequin?
After a moment, Jackson seems to collect himself, straightening his back and pushing off the counter. I feel the moment he slips his mask back into place, and when he turns to me, there is no emotion on his face.
I don’t like that emptiness. It is not who he is.
You don’t know who he is.
I ignore that voice in the back of my head. What does she know? My wolf and I are on the same page. She paws at the ground, demanding we comfort Jackson.
If only I could.
“I’m going to get you back.” He speaks the words so softly that the sound barely carries through the room, but the strength of conviction in his eyes is undeniable.
I know how tenacious Jackson can be.
That thought comes out of nowhere and without any context. I’ve seen Jackson stand up for me and for his behavior toward me, but I somehow feel that he has fought even harder than this in the past.
But how would I know that?
And what does that mean?
His phone rings, the obnoxious trilling sound loud in the silence of the cabin. He mutters a curse under his breath as he drags it out of his pocket and sees the name on the screen. Instantly, his shoulders lock into place, and his jaw twitches as he sighs.
“Yeah?” He pauses while the other person responds. “I’m not turning the pack link back on.” He listens for another beat before his eyes seek out mine. His expression gives away very little, but I can sense his unease. “Okay. Be up in a minute.”
He ends the call, slipping his phone back into the pocket of his jeans, before raking his fingers through his hair.
“I’m needed at the house.” I can’t help but admire his body as he walks over to me. Jackson is built. He’s not as big as his vargr brothers, but he’s not small either. I’m completely enthralled by the way he moves and the thickness of his limbs.
When he drops to his haunches in front of me and his warm hands spread over my knees, I want to lean into his touch. I want to press my mouth to his.
“I don’t want to leave you here, but I think this kid might have answers for us.” He surprises me by pressing a kiss to the outside of my knee, and even though my body is locked in place, a shiver runs through me. Jackson notices it because his brows draw together and he smirks. “You liked that?”
Yes. Fuck, yes.
I wish I could shout it from the rooftops.
He swipes his thumb over my knee before kissing me again in the same spot. Again, that shiver goes through me. “I know you’re in there,” he says. “Whatever it takes, I’ll bring you back.” His eyes fill with emotion as he stands, struggling to stay composed. I wish I could share the burden; I want to tell him he doesn’t always have to be so strong.
“I want to kiss you properly, but I won’t until you give me the words. Until you tell me you want me to.”
You don’t need them. Of course I do. Just kiss me.
