I had been so afraid that if I started anything with any of them, my commitment-phobia would kick in and ruin everything. Guess I couldn’t hold out any longer with Braxton. You could only fight fate for so long, especially with true mates. I was never acknowledging a second mate – seriously, that notion could just eff the hell off.
Our kisses tapered off. I squirmed as the need to be naked with him again overwhelmed me. But for now, the growling of my stomach was slightly stronger. I was lowered back to my feet, my Converses sinking into the soft carpet. Wait, how did we get out of the bathroom? This male had my senses all over the place.
We didn’t touch again as Braxton led the way from the room, but all this did was increase the tension radiating between us. It was as if we’d broken the seal on the attraction and now there was no tempering it anymore.
The trip out of our silent home and down the elevator was over quickly; we set off for the food street. “So what are we going to tell everyone?” It never crossed my mind for a moment that we would keep it secret. But I also loved my other Compasses and I didn’t want to hurt them with this new development.
Braxton actually chuckled. He was in a mighty good mood today. “I don’t think any of them are going to be surprised. They’ve been waiting for this to happen for a long time.”
Shit, was I the only one who hadn’t been placing bets on the inevitability of me and Braxton hooking up?
“We just tell them the truth?” I wanted to make sure we were on the same page.
He found my gaze. “Yes, we tell them the truth.”
Okay, I could do that.
The chattering of hundreds of supes and the distinct smell of the five races hit me hard as we stepped into what seemed to be a central gathering place in the sanctuary. It was around lunchtime, and all of the restaurants were full. I took a moment to enjoy the delicious scents, and my brain starting making a list of what I wanted from each and every place.
What? I was hungry.
Then I heard my name. “Jess! Brax!”
I recognized Jacob’s white hair reflecting the artificial sunlight. Still not touching, which seemed to be more obvious than if we’d been holding hands, we crossed the hundred yards to reach our friends. Everyone was there, the Compasses, Mischa, Louis, Quale, even Grace, who I hadn’t seen much of. And suddenly I saw him … I took off at a run.
“Dad!” my shriek was loud enough to have heads turning, but I didn’t care.
Jonathon Lebron was out of his chair and across the path in seconds, his alpha power surrounding me with the warmth and comfort I’d missed. Strong arms encased me as he pulled me into a firm hug. Just the scent of my father was enough to kick-start countless memories flashing through my mind. Some were shitty, like the years after Lienda had left him, but most were amazing. Besides the Compasses, my dad was the single most important influence in my life. He’d taught me to fight, helped me through my first shift…
I had really missed him.
When we finally pulled back I was a little surprised to see moisture ringing his eyes. I’d never seen my dad cry, not even in the dark years after Lienda left – although I think he’d tried to keep that devastated part of himself private. Speaking of, my mother was waiting to the side, and with only a little hesitation I opened my arms and gave her a brief hug. There weren’t that many memories associated with her crisp, lemony scent, but I still enjoyed the moment.
“It is so good to see you, Jess, I’ve missed you,” said my father.
I grabbed his hand, pulling him back to the massive table where my family was holed up. “I have missed you so much, but … food … I need food.”
It was reaching desperate times.
Jonathon threw back his head and laughed, strong white teeth flashing. He had the same blue eyes as me, but his hair was light. Same as Lienda. I had no idea where Mischa and I got our black hair from, but in most other ways I could see a lot of my features in my parents.
Jonathon slid into the chair next to mine. “Nice to know some things haven’t changed with you, my little shifter wolf.”
Tyson grinned at me from across the table. “So, what you been doing to work up such an appetite, Jessa babe? Thought you were sleeping.” Honeysuckle eyes fluttered innocently at me, and as I ran my gaze across the rest of my grinning friends and family I was hit with a realization. They all knew about Braxton and me.
I bared my teeth, no shame forthcoming. I had nothing to hide. I was proud to be with him. Proud to be his mate. I met the wizard’s piercing gaze.
“How did you know?”
Tyson lifted his arm and gave a sniff to the top of his forearm, and I realized what had given us away. Sure, we always smelled of each other, but there was a distinct change when anything sexual had occurred. Even though we had showered, we’d fooled around plenty after that.
Jonathon and Lienda were smiling, so I knew they were cool with this new revelation, but I was most worried about the other quads, and my sister. Thankfully Mischa had a broad grin on her face, her eyes twinkling, although I detected a slight shadowing across them. She gave me a thumbs up. That was one pack member accounted for.