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She shook her head and told me, “I’m not going.” I growled and she smiled. “This is what she does. Dangles an irresistible carrot and then makes your life hell when you take it.” She smoothed my ruffled fur as she continued. “I know I should go. It’s selfish for me to stay honestly, but I’m happy here. I belong. I’m glad to be with my dad and even though I never in a million years would have dreamed this life,” she shrugged reluctantly, “Now, I can’t imagine not being here.”
I leaned against her, trying to comfort her, and she wrapped her arms around me. “Not that I’m giving up on my dreams or even promising I can stay forever, but this deserves a chance.” I sighed and she squeezed me tighter. “I know it’s dangerous. Foolish.” I snorted because apparently she was a closet danger junkie, and she smiled stroking my inky black fur. “But there’s this guy. He’s younger, has sandy blonde hair,” I interrupted her with a growl and she giggled. “Let me finish,” she admonished, squeezing a little harder than necessary. “He’s great, but he has this guy who would lay down his life for him. This guy who is a little grumpy,” another growl erupted from me so she added, “Okay, a lot grumpy. But he’s honorable. Honest. Kinda of good-looking. And massive. Oh my god is he huge.” My chuff turned into a cough as she grinned. “He’s looking for a mate. Not that he said as much but I can read between the lines.” My gaze jumped to hers, almost afraid of her next words. She stroked the soft fur of my cheekbone and I nuzzled her hand. “He’s all low key, but I feel it too.” I stared at her unblinkingly and then rolled my tongue over her face, licking her so she knew she was mine.
She sat there for a second, stunned, and then shouted, “You licked me!”
I bumped my nose against her cheek and smiled, my tongue lolling out as she stared at me in disbelief.
“For that you can sleep on the floor,” she informed him, trying not to laugh as I pouted. “Let’s go back inside. I need to wash dog slobber off my face.”
Chapter Sixteen
Once she slept, I shifted back to human form and slipped out the window. I jogged to the edge of the forest, the night alive with the rustling of small animals that fell silent as I moved past.
Trent met me, as silent on two feet as he was on four. “Did they make a decision?” I shook my head and he let out a deep sigh. “It’s going to escalate,” he warned and I nodded. The problem with the Council was they were divided on what to do and I could understand their struggle. No one wanted to be responsible for sending their friends and family into battle.
“Your dad?”
“He agrees with me,” I answered, leaning against a tree. “Surprise is the only weapon we have.”
“And me,” Trent replied without an ounce of cockiness. It was true. He was a formidable fighter. And so was every shifter in our Pack, thanks to my Dad.
“I’m going to check in with Caleb,” I told him, trusting Trent to protect Jess, and he waved me off, turning back to the motel as I left.
Caleb wasn’t hard to find since he met me right on the path. “Nightwatch,” he said, answering my unspoken question. “Dad upped security but we didn’t put anyone on the motel since you were there.” He looked at me curiously. “Why were you there?” He sniffed the air, no doubt checking to see if I was mated and I cuffed him.
“No.” My blunt answer didn’t offend him as he laughed and dodged me. “Jess…” I trailed off, shaking my head. “She told her dad she was dog sitting,” I explained to Caleb’s neverending amusement. “Yeah, laugh it up, pup,” I muttered, my own lips twitching as he howled with laughter. Once he paused to take a breath, I told him, “I have to get back. Wouldn’t want her Dad to wake up and go looking for me.” He nodded knowingly, but let me get away with the thin excuse.
I entered her room the same way I exited, seeing several future possibilities for the easy access window as well as some security risks.
She was still sleeping when I came back and as I watched her for a moment her fingers curled and she murmured, “Dom.” I moved to the bed, thinking she’d woken to find me gone, but her eyes were closed and her breathing even. I dropped to my knees in front of her, realizing she whispered my name in her dreams. My hand hovered by her head before I lightly grazed her cheek with my thumb. She snuggled into the barely there touch, exposing her neck and I barely resisted the urge to stroke the mark I’d made.
