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“Okay,” I answered, breathing in and out as I resisted the urge to go after her anyway. “You’re okay,” I repeated, needing confirmation, and heard her make an indiscriminate sound of agreement. “I can come get you,” I told her.
“No, I don’t even know where I am, and…I think I need to do this. I need to convince her I’m not being brainwashed into slavery,” she continued in a low voice, almost as if she was talking to herself. I didn’t follow what she meant completely, but I wasn’t going to force her to do anything either.
Not that I could.
“Okay, you know I love you, right?” I needed to reassure her of that fact, feeling the gossamer strand of our bond and not sure it was enough to remind her.
“Yes, and I love you,” she said in a clear, determined voice. “But what’s up with the bond? I’m afraid to use it in case it breaks.”
“It’s distance and the fact that we’re not fully mated,” I explained, having wondered about it myself in the hours since she’d disappeared. For the longest time, it had just been silent as if she’d slept, but then it started to stretch thinner and thinner and I’d known the physical distance between us was growing.
“Well, we’re going to fix that when I get home,” she declared and I felt myself tighten as her implication shot home. I hastily turned to face the island, hoping no one had noticed my sudden reaction. Now really wasn’t the time.
“Please insert $.50 cents to continue speaking,” I heard over the line and Jess cursed.
“Shit, the cup’s empty,” she muttered, confusing me. “I’m coming home, Dom,” she reassured me, speaking rapidly, “Tell Monster not to eat all the cookies.” The phone went dead right as she finished and I stared at it for a second.
“Don’t eat all the cookies, Monster,” I repeated, glancing down at the little Cookie Monster. He gave me a wide smile, triggering my own smile as I handed the phone back to Thomas. “She’s coming home,” I told him and he nodded, relief flooding his face as he realized she really was okay.
“Thank God,” Trent shouted, relieved laughter spilling from him. “Now, put some damn pants on so the rest of us don’t have to feel inadequate.”
Anna snorted, amused despite her damp eyes, when Trent covered her eyes with his hand. “You do realize I’ve seen him nude more times than I can count? Caleb too,” she teased, laughing when he let out a growl.
She’s safe, I told Caleb, leaving him to inform the Pack that still waited outside, even after so many hours. Joyous howls split the air as he let them know, accompanied by excited yips which made us laugh harder.
Glad to hear it, brother, Caleb answered, genuine happiness in his voice. Do you need us for anything?
No, not at the moment, I replied, regret slicing through my happiness. She’s on her way back. Her mother took her.
Caleb chuckled, I don’t envy you. You’re in-laws or something else.
Yeah, I agreed, forcing a chuckle. Pressure built in my chest as I sensed him running back to Pack lands. Hey, when Jess gets back, we need to talk, I told him, the words spilling out in a rush before I changed my mind. There’s something I need to tell you.
You sound serious, he replied and I had the sensation of him slowing, focusing more on my words. Is everything okay?
Yes, everything is okay, I echoed, not sure he’d agree when I told him the truth, but not wanting him to worry. Just need to tell you a few things.
Alright, Caleb agreed readily, any concern he had disappearing with my words. We’d had more than a few conversations over the years, so to him this would be just one more, but I knew it could possibly be one of our last. Our connection broke as Liam thrust a pair of sweats against my chest.
I blinked as he said, “Apparently, I’m on clothing duty.”
“Thanks,” I responded automatically, as I pulled the loose pants up, my mind still stuck on the coming conversation with Caleb.
“I’m glad she’s alright,” Liam added awkwardly, his feet moving nervously. “She’s nice,” he mentioned, and then his eyes widened when it occurred to him I might misconstrue what he said. “She’s nice as your mate, for you. Not for me. Not that I think she’d ever go for me,” he added as I continued to stare at him. “She’s totally in love with you, everyone knows that.”
“Stop while you’re ahead, Liam,” Trent advised, bumping his shoulder companionably. “Let’s clear out, maybe catch a few winks before Jess makes it back.” He lifted an eyebrow at me questioningly.
I shrugged, “She said something about convincing her mother she wasn’t being brainwashed. I’m not sure when she’ll be back.”
