“Prescott beat up Jacob.” The Hallowed Guild would hurt every single person I cared about. “This has to stop.”
“Oh, no,” Beatrice rasped. “The Jones pack must have realized their scouts are all dead.”
“Yeah.” I ran a hand down my face. “But what’s worse, I didn’t even think about him.” It never crossed my mind that they might hurt him. I mean, why the hell would they?
“He was at college, and Prescott is part of the football team.” Aidan’s jaw clenched. “There was no reason for you to worry. I’m surprised he did it too.”
“Look, bad things happen.” Beatrice pointed at me. “You aren’t to blame and shouldn’t feel responsible. You didn’t ask for that mark or a life like this. You were chosen. It’s okay to feel hurt and pain over those who get hurt or worse along the way, but you can’t beat yourself up about it.”
Those words resonated deep within me. Hell, it had to be my wolf or witch part that understood because my human mind wasn’t all that deep.
“She’s right.” Amethyst gave me a sad smile. “But no matter what, we’re here for you.”
And that was the only thing that would get me through.
We reached the witches’ home right around lunch. The place had about fifty houses just like the last, but they were bigger. This neighborhood was out in an urban area with thick woods surrounding it. Despite them not having lived here for a while, the houses seemed in good shape, probably due to the all-brick exteriors.
Once again, we split up into houses. Aidan and I were staying with Beatrice and Amethyst in a large ranch. They gave us our own room at the back of a house overlooking the woods. We could easily slip out the window and run if we so desired.
This room was twice the size of the one back at the mountain. It held a large king-sized bed in the center, with a chest of drawers on one wall, and nightstands on either side of the bed. The floor was a light yellow hardwood, and the sheets were forest green, making the room feel earthy.
“Come on.” Aidan locked the door, crawled into bed, and patted the spot next to him.
He didn’t have to ask twice. I joined him on the bed, but surprisingly, sleep wasn’t on my mind. I scooted over to him and placed my lips on his.
He responded in earnest and pulled me against him. Damn, I missed this.
I smiled despite us kissing. It was just last night.
Too damn long. His tone was dead serious.
My body warmed at his touch, and I needed more of him now. I slipped my hand under his shirt and enjoyed the warm buzzing that increased my need.
He growled as he pulled the shirt over his head, and then he pulled me on top of him. You’re driving me crazy.
Good. I kissed down his jaw to his neck, enjoying his musky scent and taste.
His hands dug into my hips before grabbing the bottom of my shirt. Off now.
A giggle escaped me as I let him yank it over my head. Just as I tried to lean back over, he shook his head and unfastened my bra.
I removed it from my shoulders and flung it to the ground.
His golden eyes darkened, drinking me in. Now we’re on to something. He rolled me onto my back and leaned over me. He removed my jeans and underwear and shimmied out of his.
As soon as we were naked, he lay beside me and lowered his head to my breasts.
When his mouth touched my nipple, my breath caught. His tongue began working, and my breathing became rapid. Aidan.
Damn, I love hearing you say my name. His hand slowly traveled down and touched between my legs.
No one had ever touched me like that before him, and when he began to rub, it was as if he knew the right place instinctively. He probably did. He was my mate, for God’s sake.
His body did crazy things to mine, and the friction began to increase. Please take me. I needed him inside me.
He released my breast and positioned himself between my legs. As he guided himself to my entrance, he kissed my lips. I love you.
I love you too.
As soon as those words left my thoughts, he thrust inside me. We didn’t have to start slow since it wasn’t my first time.
Each movement brought us closer together despite us already having completed the bond. His lips captured mine, and his taste, smell, and sensations were heaven. Nothing had ever fit so perfectly or made so much sense to me.
If all that pain had been necessary to get us here, it had all been worth it.
Soon, waves of pleasure cascaded over us, and my body quivered with ecstasy. There couldn’t be a drug better than him.
“You are fucking amazing.” He kissed me as he rolled off and pulled me into his arms.
You’re pretty amazing yourself. My eyes grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep. It was scary how much I already depended on him to keep me safe. I only hoped I could return the favor.
Chapter Four
The sun came through the blinds, causing me to stir. I blinked a few times and snuggled closer to Aidan, enjoying waking up in his arms. His breathing was slow and steady, letting me know he hadn’t woken yet.
The past few days had been god-awful, but I was the happiest I’d ever been. It had everything to do with the sexy-as-sin man lying right beside me and the friends I’d made at Crawford University.
I softly pressed my lips to his, morning breath be damned.
His eyelids fluttered. Damn, I could get used to waking up like this. His arms tightened around my waist.
Thanks for letting me know. I pulled back and grinned. Can’t have you getting spoiled.
Hey now. He tickled my sides.
I giggled.
If you’d asked me three months ago if Aidan and I would be here in this moment, I would’ve said, “Hell, no.” Maybe we’d needed to fall apart to be whole when the time came. I had no clue, but what we had now was stronger than ever before.
He rolled on top of me and grabbed my wrists, stretching them over my head. He smirked and lifted an eyebrow. “How should I punish you?”
“Whatever you do, don’t kiss me.” Yes, I totally wanted him to, but dammit, I had to at least pretend I didn’t want him to.
“Oh, well then, that’ll be it.” As he leaned down, his hardness pressed against my thigh. “I’ll have to inconvenience myself greatly to teach you a lesson.” His lips met mine, and between his scent and our kiss, my mind fogged.
Someone banged on the bedroom door, and I almost jumped out of my skin. “I can smell you two down the hall.” Beth’s voice was loud and obnoxious. “Get out here, or suffer the consequences. We have work to do.”
He growled and arched an eyebrow at me. “She’s bluffing.”
There was another loud knock. “No, I’m not. Get your asses out here before I come in there.”
Are you sure you’re friends with her? He caught my eye.
Yes, I’m sure. I didn’t think I’d ever smiled this much in such a short period of time. So we probably need to behave.
I was afraid you’d say that. He sighed dramatically and captured my lips one more time.
A huge smirk crossed my face as he licked my lips and sucked on my bottom lip.
Heat blasted through my body, and he bit down a little harder.
You like that, huh? His golden eyes glowed, revealing that his wolf surged forward.