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“I have your phone number.” Santee patted his front pocket. “If things get bad, I swear I’ll call you.”
That still didn’t make letting him go any easier. “I don’t like this.”
Santee curled his arms around Beckett, hugging him, which only made Beckett want to hold his mate in his arms forever. He rested his cheek on Santee’s hair, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
To hell with it. If Santee insisted on going home, Beckett was going to be in the forest behind the house, keeping a close eye on things. He just didn’t have it in him to stay home while his mate was at risk.
“I had a really nice time today,” Santee said. “The best I’ve ever had.”
Beckett hugged his mate right back. All they’d done was finish breakfast and then watch Cormac trip over himself to make things right with Santee.
Then they’d gone into the backyard, where Santee and Bran had hung out, laughing and talking for well over an hour. After that, Beckett had stolen his mate back, taking Santee upstairs where they’d talked for two hours.
With a sigh, Beckett took Santee’s hand and led him downstairs. His anger must have shown, because Duncan was seated on the couch watching the television, but when he glanced at Beckett, he turned the television off.
Beckett gave his brother a look that said they would talk later. Although Beckett didn’t plan on breaking his word that he wouldn’t repeat anything his mate told him, he would be damned if he kept all that rage bottled up inside.
As soon as they were outside, Beckett pulled Santee back into his arms. He didn’t want to let his mate go.
“I’ll call you later,” Santee said. “I do have to work tomorrow, though.”
During their talk, Beckett had learned that his mate worked at the grocery store. Milly did all the shopping, but Beckett would make a surprise appearance at his mate’s job.
There had to be something they were out of. After that huge breakfast, Beckett was sure they needed eggs.
“I just need one thing before you leave,” Beckett said.
Santee’s eyes widened in question as Beckett leaned forward, gently cupping Santee’s face. With a low purr rumbling through his chest, Beckett pressed his lips to Santee’s in a soft, yet passionate kiss.
The warmth of his mate’s skin against his own sent a surge of need through him, igniting every nerve and making his cheetah purr with delight.
As the kiss deepened, Beckett felt Santee melting into him, their bodies fitting together perfectly like two puzzle pieces finally coming together. It was as if the universe had been waiting for this moment, just for them. At least, that was how Beckett felt.
And as they broke apart, breathless and connected on a whole new level, Beckett felt grateful that he’d gone for that run yesterday.
“Let me drive you.” Beckett held up a hand. “Not all the way, but I want to make sure you make it home safely.”
He was trying to find any excuse to spend more time with his mate.
“I’m used to walking,” Santee said. “The distance between our homes isn’t that far.” His mate looked toward the house. “Though I’m going to use the forest to get home.”
Resigned to letting his mate go, Beckett walked Santee to the backyard. “Call me when you’re almost home.”
Santee blushed. “Okay.”
Beckett’s worst fear was that, while watching his mate walk away, it would be the last time he saw him.
* * * *
After a kiss like that, Santee was surprised he remembered to change back into his uniform. Since he didn’t want to risk Marvell catching him, he left the plastic bag with his street clothes in the forest.
Santee could retrieve it later.
As soon as he got home, Santee hurriedly made dinner, something simple that wouldn’t take up too much time. Thankfully, Marvell hadn’t been home when Santee arrived.
A small blessing.
He got the laundry into the washer, wiped down the kitchen, and then went upstairs. His lips were still tingling from Beckett’s kiss. Santee felt giddy, until he remembered that he’d forgotten to call his mate before he made it home.
