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“It just slipped out, I swear.”
I rubbed my forehead, frustration bubbling up. “What do I do now?” I asked, more out of resignation than anger. The thought of confronting Jasper made my pulse quicken, but at least the weight of keeping it a secret was off my shoulders.
“Talk to him,” Carmen urged. “He clearly likes you too, or he wouldn’t have been so possessive. Staring at you like that? He was probably feeling threatened by the other guys.”
I exhaled deeply. She was right—we needed to have a conversation, one way or another.
“I need closure... or something,” I muttered, conflicted. “He doesn’t even have a pack, and mydad already hates him.”
“Yeah, you’re in a tough spot,” Carmen said sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Ruby.”
After ending the call, I lay there for a few moments, my mind racing. Jasper was still hanging around the ranch last I checked, and it wasn’t too late to go see him.
The night airwas crisp as I walked towards the ranch. I was still wearing my dress and heels since I didn’t want to get all cozy for bed and then come out here. Apprehension swirled within me as I thought about this impending conversation. I had no idea if I was going to confess my feelings or tell him that I would be with a pack at long last.
Jasper was gathering his tools at the foot of one of the barn doors. I stood about ten feet away, my heart pounding hard as I watched him. His tattooed arms flexed as he picked up the screwdriver and dumped it into the toolbox. It was as if he knew I was there when he suddenly straightened up and spun around.
Oh god. What the fuck did I get myself into? I couldn’t move, and I could hardly breathe as we stood facing each other.
He started walking towards me, and my breathing came out in short gasps. In three short strides, he covered the distance between us.
We were standing inches from each other, and I had to crane my neck to look at him. My face was burning, and I didn’t know what to say.
“Hey,” I squeaked out.
Without a word, he leaned down, and my heart was now pounding out of my chest. I couldn’t believe that he was going to kiss me.
He paused, and I could feel his hot breath caressing my skin as he waited for my response. I wanted it, too. And so I lifted my head ever so slightly, and our lips met.
Oh my god.
His sea scent was wonderful as it surrounded me. He placed his hand on the back of my neck as our kiss deepened. Our lips moved in rhythm under the moonlight. I had dreamt of this for years, and it was finally happening.
But I was so conflicted.
Pulling away, I broke the kiss, and he watched me silently for my reaction.
“Jasper,” I whispered.
“I always wanted to kiss you,” he said, not breaking eye contact for even a minute. I started to feel self-conscious, so I looked at the hay on the ground instead.
“Me too,” I admitted, and he grasped my small hands in his strong, callused ones.
“Run away with me, Ruby.”
4
Ruby
Was he being serious right now?
“I don’t know, Jasper,” I said slowly, my heart starting to beat hard at his request. “Are you asking me because you saw me talking to a pack?”
“I’m asking you to be with me because deep down, you know you’re meant to be with me,” he said. “If you have feelings for me, I can’t allow you to go off with a pack you don’t even care about.”
“I do have feelings for you,” I said, conflicted. My heart was torn between loyalty to my family and finding my happiness with Jasper. “But you don’t have a pack. What if I go into heat?”
“I promise to take care of you,” he said in a deep growl, conveying how serious he was. I bit my lip, thinking about the idea of running away with him.
