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The waterworks started up again, prompting me to pull her into my arms. She was just a messy pile of emotions unraveled everywhere. It was the most I’d ever felt from her aside from her resentment during that meeting. And even then there had been such a palpable attraction between us.
Real mates didn’t always bond immediately. As far as I could tell with the ones matched by our alphas, they proved that fact. But usually, within a few weeks, they gave in to their uncontrollable impulses and went through with it.
What if Troy had been right the first time?
I hugged Virginia tighter. None of that mattered anymore because none of it would be our problem once everything was set. Virginia tilted her head and offered me her lips. Sweet desire laced her kiss, reminding me of how we had once pined for each other despite our families demanding otherwise. Awful events aside, we had still reached for each other.
Hesitance dabbed her tongue. I tasted it in the way she tried to duel with me as her fingers tangled in my hair. A kiss like this belonged in a soap opera, reminding me that I had been fooled once already tonight by the sounds inside this house. Who would say I wouldn’t be fooled by her actions as well?
But doubt melted as her kiss deepened. She sighed softly, drifted back, and then lazily peered up at me through heavy lashes. Everything seemed to come together then, a riot of conflicting feelings, a heavy coverage of clouds that refused to let enough light through. It was bright enough to see, but I didn’t feel warm. Not quite yet.
Perhaps time would heal us.
I wanted to find out.
Chapter 14 - Virginia
Slater didn’t leave my side for a second. While he hid behind houses and trailed at a distance on my morning walks, he returned in the evening under night’s forgiving cape. Evenings were spent wrapped up in each other. The hammock seemed to be a good spot for us to cuddle even when it made my muscles ache.
I didn’t care about aches when I had Slater. In just a few more days, we would have freedom, and we would never have to worry about faking our interactions ever again. Without nosy bullies like Celia, our lives would improve and our love would grow.
And then, when the dust had settled and the danger was clear, I would tell him the truth. I swore I would tell him the truth.
I rubbed the bite on my right shoulder.I have to tell him the truth.
Cool air tickled my chin and lifted my spirits, inviting me to look up at the sky. I was waiting for Slater to get here so we could take off for a midnight picnic. After all the work he’d been doing for our escape and the protection stuff—andthe lying and sneaking around and hiding—I figured it would be nice for us to do something together.
Like the old days. Like when things were much less complicated.
Heat made a home in my cheeks and chest.Like when there were only two of us.
With my shifter bag that Francine had loaned me on my back and my heart swelling in my ribcage, I watched the well-lit path from the west, the one that led past the neighboring house that was empty. Slater took that path on his nightly runs. It was a good way for him to sneak back here without anyone getting too suspicious.
The moment he came into view, I broke into a sprint and jumped into his arms. He laughed and stumbled while catching me, tearing part of my long skirt as he cupped my bottom. He spun around with an even greater laugh and nearly toppled over from the sudden movement.
Dizziness made us pause. But there was happiness too. Everything felt okay for a minute.
“Ready to go?” I asked as he set me on the ground. I grabbed his shoulders. “I can’t wait to show you what I’ve got.”
His eyebrows went up. “What’s with the bag?” He adjusted the strap of his own. “Why is it shaped like this?”
“I’m glad Laurencia got it to you.”
“Yeah, she’s a, uh…” He scratched the back of his head. “She’s certainly an interesting character.”
I chuckled. “Francine says she’s awkward. But she sews these really cool bags that can shift with us.”
“Oh, that’s what it’s for.” His grin widened. “You taking me on a date, Ginny darling?”
“Well, somebody has to since you won’t.”
He faked a shocked expression. “In all my years, I’ve never been so offended.”
“Race you to the clearing?”
“And tear that gorgeous skirt?”
Desire swarmed my entire body in half a second, a heat wave unlike anything I’d ever felt. Well, ithadbeen a while since we’d hooked up. And we were on our way to a midnight picnic.
