Kael's POV
My wolf whimpered as I watched the red taillights of the sedan disappear behind the darkness and heavy snow shower. She was gone—I had wanted her to spend the night but had thought against it eventually.
I moved away from the window, drawing the curtains close, and went over to the bedside table where a half empty bottle of vodka sat beside a glass. I poured myself a drink and downed it immediately.
"Fuck." I grimaced at the delicious burn that tickled my throat.
My ears tinkled. Soft footfalls. I sniffed, catching her vanilla scent, and I cursed under my breath—I had known she would come, especially after the silly act I had pulled at the gauntlet. However, neither my wolf nor I had the patience for her theatrics.
Soon, her footfalls halted outside the closed door and a gentle knock fell on its rosewood frame. Her voice, too tiny and gentle, echoed. "Kael."
I pinched the skin between my brows before drawing a deep breath. "Yes, Sasha. Come in."
The door squeaked open. She walked in, closing the door behind her.
"It's a rather beautiful night." Her slender body moved with so much grace it seemed unreal. She took a seat at the edge of my king sized bed, her eyes resting intently on me. "The moon is out. Stars are shining bright. The frost in the air is so nostalgic."
My hands reached for the bottle again and poured out more liquid into the glass. "Since when are you so concerned about the night, Sasha?"
"You broke a law for her, Kael." I sensed the coldness in her voice. "An omega who was your chosen Luna once. The one you exiled."
"I have a nice memory, Sasha." I took a swig from my drink.
"Kael," She stood and strode over to me. Her arms slowly wound round my waist and she pressed her chest into my back. "I'm just worried for you. For us. For our pack."
My wolf, appalled by her nearness, howled in protest. Despite how much I had also wanted to kick her out, I couldn't—she was my chosen Luna. All I could do was swallow back my resolve and tolerate her for the sake of the pack.
"You should go to your room, Sasha." My muscles tightened as her fingers teasingly ran up my arm. "It wouldn't be pleasant if a wolf saw you come out of my bedroom at this time of the night before the consummation ceremony."
Her lips brushed against the back of my neck. "You're alpha." Her voice dropped seductively. She brought her small hands to knead the muscles on my shoulders. "And I'll forever be your Luna whether we fuck now or later. Nothing changes, Kael."
My stomach churned at those words. "I've already broken one law today." I pulled away from her sensual hold. "It's not wise to break another in less than twelve hours."
She swallowed back the protest in her throat, forcing a rather thin smile on her face. "You're right. I'll get going."
I deadpanned. "You should."
She took a step closer, lifted onto her toes and placed a kiss on my lips. "Good night."
"Good night." My hand fisted—I wouldn't shame her by wiping her lipstick off my lips in front of her.
She smiled, pulling back. She turned and headed to the door, opened it and went out, door closing behind her.
Almost immediately, my hand reached up and wiped the uncomfortable smear of lipstick off my lips. I released a sigh, grateful to be free of her presence—and she was supposed to be my Luna till death, I doubted I would survive our consummation night if it eventually came.
Placing the barely-empty glass on the table, I plopped down into my bed. I nestled my head into my hand, thoughts wounding around Jade. She had survived—I had made sure of that; staging her against a powerless omega was no coincidence.
Goodness! I knew she had an ulterior motive yet I couldn't help it—my wolf needed her close; her nearness seemed to lessen the hollowness he had had to live with for years.
It was stupid, however it slipped from my lips. "What if I bridged the gap between us?"
____
Jade's POV
"I can't believe it." I swallowed back a lump in my throat, eyes tearing up.
My home stood before me again. My heart plummeted at the sight—moments back I had thought I wouldn't see it again. I had thought it would belong to Richard West. But no, I was back home.
Ty breathed behind, my bag in his hand. "I'm just glad you're well, Jade."
The entrance door groaned opened, revealing my best friends who were both clad in their pajamas.
"Sweet Lord." My heart skipped a beat. I let out a shuddering breath as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
"Jade!" The girls exclaimed.
I watched them run down the stairs, my heartbeat in sync with the thud of their feet against the ground. Momentarily, their bodies collided into mine and an oof escaped from my lips. I immediately wound my arms around them—needing to soak in the scent and warmth of their bodies, seeking a safe familiarity. I let the pang in my chest overwhelm me, propelling tears out of my eyes.
"Aurora." My voice broke. "Becky."
Their hands fisted into my clothed back, equally pulling me in. I felt myself sink into the familiar touch, into their gentle sighs. Only them could ease whatever tension had clung to me since the gauntlet.
Moments passed until…
"Hate to ruin the moment but it's getting dark." Ty butted in. "And it's started snowing… again."
I reluctantly pulled away, face tear-stained. "I missed you two."
Becky grinned so much her face had to hurt. "God, I thought something had…"
"Whatever," Aurora waved her hand at Becky dismissively. Her eyes had turned glassy with hope and relief. "Let's go inside. We have a lot to talk about."
"Sure." I smiled.