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Except for one thing.
My eyes met Osric’s and collided with the undeniable heat in his gaze.
Jaxon
Iwas the happiest wolf in the world.
Ceci was with me and I was doing what I loved most: helping people improve their fitness and self-defense skills. Another instructor had asked me to sub last minute, so Ceci and I had come to the gym right after her last class. She was supposed to be hanging out in the back of one of Aaron’s classes this afternoon, and heading home with him after. And while I knew Osric might get upset at the change of plans—he liked to have Ceci near him or Aaron (and Aaron’s beast) as much as possible—I was here with Reccared, my most trusted lieutenant and future zeta of the pack, and Timon, Xander’s tallest and strongest coven captain.
Young girls and women filled the room, wanting to learn how to defend themselves from creeps on the street. A skill that was even more in demand, under current circumstances.
Ceci wasn’t taking part, because she’d worn a skirt to school today and the class was so full, but she was perched on the nearest row of bleachers, happily observing as I taught blocks, kicks and holds.
As I paused to have the students repeat my last movement, I caught her gaze. She waved and smiled at me. Warm bliss spread from my stomach, all across my body, surging tingles in my brain.
Man, I loved her.
I’d never thought anybody could have such an effect on me. But even the subtle twinkles in her eyes as she looked at me made my wolf howl with joy.
It had only been two nights since that earth shattering experience with her and the other guys, but the memory would be forever etched into my mind, heart and soul. I knew Aaron and Xander felt the same. I couldn’t believe the vamp I’d once considered my worst enemy was quickly becoming like family. All because of Ceci.
After pairing up the students and giving an example for them to follow, I told them to take their time in practicing their moves, to go through the motions slowly, focusing on their technique.
Then I strolled over to my beloved mate, each of our smiles growing wider the closer I got. Reccared and Timon sat at the top row, keeping watch over her and the room.
“Hey handsome,” she chirped as I leaned in for a discreet kiss on the cheek. I’d have preferred to really show her how much I’d missed those lips since our make out session against a tree midday, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate. The firm peck on the cheek she gave was still enough to get my wolf whining.Chill boy, I told him.You have to be patient. And, unfortunately, so did I.
“Hey beautiful,” I replied, then nodded up at Reccared and Timon.
Ever since the NLPD had backed off on round the clock surveillance of Ceci, saying they were stretched too thin and Jack 2 hadn’t made another attempt on her anyway, we’d made sure to have at least two or three of our strongest guys with her at all times.
“These guys are being super vigilant, I trust.”
She reached out and clasped my hand. “Of course. They’re awesome.” Her touch sent a loving reassurance that vibrated throughout me. “Just wish Aaron, Xander and Osric could be here too.”
“Hey, now. You asking for better company than this?” I flexed my bicep and she laughed.
“No.” She rolled her eyes at my teasing. “I’m just so proud of you for doing this. I know the guys would love to see you teaching too.”
“Yeah, maybe. And I could teach those guys a thing or two. You and Aaron certainly like taking direction.” I winked and she flushed and swatted my chest. Deciding to take a bit of mercy on her, I changed the topic. “Oh, by the way, please thank your mom and Pascal again for dinner last night. That guy can really cook.”
She chuckled. “You already thanked them about five times before we left. Osric had to push you out the door.”
I stroked her cheek. “Well, a good feast should be shown appreciation.” I glanced down her body and she blushed even more. There I was, teasing her again.
She threw it right back at me. “Oh, I don’t know, my hungry wolf. You could’ve had a second feast last night, but you turned it down.” She was teasing me, but she was right. With both her and Aaron yawning so hard when we got home, Xander and I had tucked us all into Aaron’s bed with only a few kisses and cuddles. Xander had even claimed a spot across the end of the mattress and we’d all slept like a pile of puppies.
We’ll need to order a custom-made bed, for sure.
Ceci tilted her head playfully. “But there might be a banquet coming your way—” The joy melted from her face, replaced by a grimace.
I knew why as soon as I turned around. Mandy. For fuck’s sake.
Striding toward us, her short skirt and crop top said come hither but her eyes said fuck you. Her giggling façade was gone, for once.
Even knowing what a bitch she was, I was still taken aback by her abrupt, rude outburst. “So little miss tiny tits is going to be Luna?”
If a male had said that about Ceci, I’d have knocked his teeth out. “You watch that mouth of yours, Mandy. You can only push a gentleman so far.”
