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There was nobody but the birds and squirrels to bear witness.
Nine
The two weeks following their mating were, without a doubt, the happiest time of Jacee’s life.
The one blight on her sunshine was having no family to share it with. Staring out the window at the early morning, hands wrapped around a mug of hot coffee, a shaft of longing pierced her at the thought of being able to sit with her mother and sister, chatting about Micah, mating, falling in love. Boys in general. Maybe her sister would have found someone special by now, too.
They used to tell each other everything. Fight like cats and dogs, then make up and whisper long into the night, well after their parents had ordered them to go to sleep. They’d told ghost stories, gossiped about the other girls and boys in the pack, talked about their dreams for the future. There was nothing quite like the bond with a sister.
All of that wiped out by one vicious act. By misplaced hatred and cruelty.
“What did they do to you, sis? Did you even get a burial?”
No sense in going down that road, again. It only led to more heartbreak. Quickly, she busied herself in the kitchen, getting out some eggs and putting on a package of bacon to fry. Micah could eat a lot, and he’d be hungry after last night’s activities. She smiled a little at the memories, each day and night better than the last. The man made love as if he planned on making up for every lonely second from before they’d met.
That was great by her, since she was doing the same.
A few minutes later, Micah strolled in sleepily, scratching his bare chest. “Christ, what smells so damn good in here? Bacon? You’re a goddess!”
“I know.” She giggled as he wrapped her in a hug from behind and nuzzled her neck. “Careful, don’t get popped with hot grease.”
“It would be worth it just to stay right here forever.” He ground his half-hard cock into the small of her back, cuddling for a few. He didn’t try to take things further, apparently enjoying the snuggle. “Want me to man the eggs?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind.” Her mate had proven himself to be handy in the kitchen.
“I’ve got this. I make a mean egg. You like scrambled or fried?”
“Either way.”
Stepping away, he took over. He went to the fridge, rummaged around, and came out with some onions, green and red peppers, and cheese. “Any objections?”
“Are you scrambling eggs or creating a masterpiece?” she teased.
“Both.”
Grinning, Micah set to work chopping the veggies while melting butter in the skillet she already had out. Once they were diced, he tossed the onions and peppers in the butter and began to sauté them, and the delicious aroma made her stomach rumble. After those were tender, he added several eggs and folded them in to the mix.
“Oh, that looks and smells wonderful,” Jacee said, sniffing.
“It’s easy. Why have plain eggs when they taste so good spruced up a bit?” He shrugged but she could tell he was pleased by the compliment.
They worked companionably. Before she knew it, they had a feast that could feed perhaps three or four shifters instead of two. They loaded the table with the eggs, bacon, and toast, and sat down to enjoy. Micah shoveled his food with enthusiasm, and the mound disappeared so fast one thing was certain—she would have to buy food in bulk to keep the man full.
“What?” he asked, finally setting down his fork.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone enjoy their meals quite as much as you have these past couple of weeks. It’s such a positive change from before.”
Before, when he’d been sick. She was so damn lucky to still have him around and healthy.
His cheeks flushed some. “I’d forgotten what it was like to feel good and be hungry. Everything tastes so awesome, I’m going to be a fat wolf with a gut before you know it.”
She laughed. “No, you’re not. Shifter metabolism is way too high for that. But I’d love you even if you were.”
“I believe you.” He looked at her sort of funny and went still. Then he blinked slowly. “You’d still love me? You . . . love me?”
Shoot, that had slipped out way sooner than she’d meant for it to. Scooting her chair close, she wound her arms around his neck. Kissed his lips. Then she looked into his stunned face and said, “I’m falling hard for you. It can’t be that big of a surprise.”
“No, it’s just . . .” Just as her heart was starting to sink, he beamed at her. “I’m falling for you, too, my pretty coyote. God knows what you see in me, but for my sake, I’m glad you’re blind as a bat.”
