Zoe`s magic grew stronger daily, coursing through her veins like a steadily intensifying stream. The sensations became more pronounced and distinct, heightening her awareness of her evolving powers. With Belinda away until tomorrow, she explored these new sensations independently. Belinda had arranged for the delivery of several books to aid her research. A captivating volume on werewolf history had become her constant companion among them. She was particularly drawn to the chapters discussing mates and the complex nature of mate bonds. The descriptions aligned perfectly with her experiences, illuminating why Jackson's presence affected her so profoundly, sending tremors through her body whenever he was near.
The book revealed unsettling information that made her pulse quicken. It detailed how Jackson's postponement of marking and mating her would progressively intensify his anger, like pressure building in a sealed vessel. She had observed subtle shifts in his demeanor that confirmed these writings. Though he maintained his gentleness and patience with her, his interactions with others had grown increasingly sharp and agitated. Her stomach twisted when she overheard Max's concerned discussion with Cole, cautioning that the entire pack could face severe repercussions if the Alpha failed to consummate the bond soon. The weight of this revelation bore heavily upon her.
She sought validation and approached Erica, hoping to gain insights from Cole's perspective. Erica's response only amplified her worries. She verified everything, her typically sparkling eyes dimmed with concern as she revealed Cole's observations of the Alpha's mounting anger. What moved her most was learning that Cole had explicitly instructed Erica to maintain distance from Jackson. According to Erica, Jackson's honorable nature prevented him from pressuring her about the situation, causing him to internalize his frustrations and inadvertently direct them toward others. Erica explained that Jackson understood the mate bond wasn't as intense for her, being a newly turned wolf. He had been allowing her space to come to this realization independently, a decision that burdened him greatly. He was determined not to make her feel pressured about the mate bond.
Guilt washed over her as she realized the extent of his consideration for her feelings. At the same time, she had remained oblivious to his internal struggle. Determined to understand more, she visited her sister's house that afternoon to discuss why he had been running the border so frequently. She poured out everything she learned from reading and Erica's revelations. Her sister's response was direct and caring as she asked if she felt ready for this next step. When she shared her anxieties about intimacy, her sister reassured her that such feelings were perfectly normal for anyone's first time. As she began to protest, mentioning her past with Tyler and Rykert, her sister's expression darkened with protective fury. She firmly grasped her face, her eyes blazing with conviction as she declared, "That was not your first time. You did not ask for that, nor does it count. The real question is whether you're ready and willing to take this step."
She took a moment to contemplate her feelings, swirling the wine in her glass thoughtfully. Her mind wandered to Jackson, and she analyzed her reactions to him. The way her pulse quickened in his presence, how her skin tingled when he was near, the intense dreams that left her breathless – her body's response to him was unlike anything she'd ever experienced with any other man. With growing certainty, she confided in her sister that she could genuinely envision herself taking this step.
As the evening progressed, they shifted to lighter topics over their wine. Her sister updated her about Johnny's exciting new career move. She shared heartwarming stories about how well the kids were doing in their new school. It warmed her heart to hear that Pyper and Junior had flourished since their arrival, making new friends and embracing their new life here. Their conversation drifted to Aliza's upcoming baby shower, and they discussed their plans to coordinate with Beth, all three of them eager to create a special celebration.
The wine had taken effect when she prepared to leave her sister's house, making her steps slightly unsteady. As her sister walked her to the door, she asked with a knowing smirk, "Where's the red one?" Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she couldn't suppress a wine-induced giggle. "You sure?" her sister pressed, her eyes twinkling with understanding.
"Oh, he will lose it," Katelyn says, hinting at amused anticipation.
She hugs her sister and returns to her room, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Taking her time in the bath, she meticulously ensures every inch of her skin is smooth and delicately scented. The warm water helps calm her nerves as she contemplates the evening ahead. After patting herself dry, she slips into the red nightgown, its soft fabric caressing her skin like a lover's touch. She wraps herself in his robe, inhaling his masculine scent that lingers in the fabric, making her pulse quicken.
She settles onto the couch, attempting to distract herself with a movie, but her thoughts persistently drift to Jackson. The sudden beep of her phone startles her, and her heart sinks as she reads his message.
"Sorry Angel, I am working late, do not wait up."
Disappointment washes over her like a cold wave, and she feels utterly foolish for her elaborate preparations. Dejected, she slips off his robe and crawls into bed, pulling the covers around her. At least in her dreams, she can feel his touch, desire, and love. Sleep claims her quickly, her consciousness drifting into passionate fantasies.
The dream becomes increasingly intense, her body responding to dream-Jackson's touch when a deep, primal growl pierces her subconscious. Her eyes flutter open to darkness, and she realizes she's kicked off all her blankets, leaving the red nightgown fully exposed. Through the darkness, she makes out Jackson's powerful silhouette on the couch, his presence electric in the room.
He rises with predatory grace, each step toward her deliberate and measured. His eyes, usually warm amber, are now midnight black with desire. He inhales deeply, and she watches his nostrils flare. That's when she becomes acutely aware of her own arousal, its scent hanging heavy in the air between them. Her wet dream has left its mark, and Jackson's heightened werewolf senses pick up every nuance.
The mattress dips as he slides into bed beside her, his warm hand trailing down her side, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Her body instantly ignites under his touch, every nerve ending alive and singing. His lips curl into that wickedly mischievous smile that makes her heart race.
"Waiting for someone?" His voice is husky, teasing.
"You, but you were working late," she replies, unable to keep the slight edge from her voice.
His eyebrow arches playfully as he leans in, his breath hot against her ear. "Is that why you were moaning my name in your sleep?" The revelation makes her blush furiously, wondering how many other nights she's unconsciously called out for him.
His lips find that sensitive spot just below her ear, trailing kisses down her neck that send shivers of pleasure through her body. "I can make your dream come true," he murmurs against her lips before kissing them passionately.
His hands explore her body with increasing urgency, one gripping her hip to pull her flush against him. She gasps as she feels his impressive arousal pressing against her, the evidence of his desire unmistakable.
"Tell me to stop, Zoe, and I will," he offers, his voice strained with restraint.
But stopping is the furthest thing from her mind. Her body arches into his touch as he begins caressing her breasts, his skilled fingers drawing soft moans from her lips. His mouth continues its sensual assault on her jaw and neck before he slowly, deliberately pulls down the straps of her nightgown, revealing her breasts to his hungry gaze.
"So perfect and all mine," he growls before taking her nipple into his mouth. Her hips buck involuntarily, her head falling back in ecstasy. Every touch sets her skin ablaze, leaving trails of tingling pleasure in its wake. She's so aroused that she can feel the wetness soaking through to the bed beneath her. The need for him transcends mere want – it's a primal, desperate necessity. Any lingering fears or doubts evaporate like morning mist in the heat of their passion. She needs Jackson with every fiber of her being; she needs him to complete, claim, and make her irrevocably his.
Then they both hear the piercing wail of the alarm system, its urgent sound shattering their intimate moment and signaling an intruder has breached the pack's territory. Jackson springs into action immediately, his muscles tensing as he quickly pulls on his clothes with practiced efficiency. His voice is firm but tinged with concern as he instructs her to stay within the safety of the pack house. Despite his command, she hastily dresses herself, determined to be helpful in whatever way she can.
Following him downstairs, her heart racing with fear and determination, she decides to assist those remaining in the pack house. She locates Katelynn and Erica as the men charge out the front door, their powerful forms disappearing into the darkness.
She settles at the kitchen island, wrapping her hands around a steaming cup of coffee, anxiously awaiting her mate's return.