Aaron
Three Days Later
Iopen the door to the faculty suite and Mara steps inside first. She immediately twirls, her tail swaying with her, and falls backward onto the large bed, arms spread wide, grinning up at the ceiling. The simple joy in her movement catches me off guard.
I set the bags down and shut the door behind me, warmth spreading through me at the sight of her like this. Relaxed, happy,mine. After the week we’ve had, seeing her smile feels like coming up for air.
“The community lands is that bad, huh?” I keep my voice light.
She gives me a narrow look. “I just miss being on campus is all. Don’t you enjoy working at the Academy?”
“Yes. I do love it.” I set the bags down and look around. “I just don’t love my job as much as I love you.”
Mara sits up on the bed, and the heat that hits her face is immediate. It does something to me. She stands as I grab one of the bags and start unpacking, my hands needing something to do before I forget what I came in here for and just crawl into that bed with her.
“Don’t you have private training with Seth today?” she asks.
I fall quiet, my hands slowing on the zipper.
“I’d been avoiding House of Zorah,” I admit.
“Why?” She tilts her head, ears perked forward.
“Because I haven’t been in contact with the pack for a couple of days, and I know my mother is still mad at me.” The words come out flat, but beneath them lies a deeper truth. I’m afraid. Afraid of facing my mother’s disappointment.
Mara moves closer while I’m unpacking. She wraps her arms around me from behind, resting her head against my back. I close my eyes, overwhelmed by the simple intimacy of it. She has no idea how good it feels to have her again, to feel her choose me despite everything.
“I think I should speak to Angie,” she says quietly.
I stiffen, the momentary peace shattered.
She unwraps her arms and steps back. I turn around, the fear climbing up my throat. This is exactly what I’ve been dreading.
“Do you remember what we talked about when it came to Eric?”
I watch her tail more than her face. Her lion is much better at showing emotion.
“I will not speak to her about him,” Mara says quickly, earnest.
Though I know I should be ashamed of it, I smile at her and lean in for a kiss, but she puts a hand up against my chest, stopping me.
“But I expect you to tell me more about Eric and the Witching Glen.”
I look at her hand on my chest, then at her face. She’s negotiating with me, and she’s good at it.Too good.
I grip her by the front of her dress and pull her into my arms. She comes easily, her body fitting against mine, and I press my lips to hers, gentle.
“Fine by me, baby.”
Mara jumps and squeals against my mouth, breaking the kiss, her body going rigid in my arms.
I pull back, confusion crossing my face. “What? Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Majesty,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
I turn around. “Uncle Amir. What are you doing here?”
He stands in the corner of our room, hands clasped behind his back. His pointed ears twitch once, the only sign that he’s heard me.
