Chapter 9 #2
I nodded. “True. But I have fire within, and it would take many, many days out in weather much colder than here for me to be affected,” I told him as I placed my hand on the center of my chest. I was sure it could happen, but I wasn’t going to test it since that would mean I would have to spend an extended amount of time away from Banner.
“I’ll take your word for it.” Banner pulled out a pair of gloves and held them up. “I’m bundling up, though, because yes, I’m a bear shifter, but unless I’m in my fur, I’ll feel the cold temperatures.”
I couldn’t help but reach out and touch his cheek. “I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself and that you are concerned for me. I promise you, though, that I will be perfectly fine in my sweater.”
Banner nodded, and after he had both gloves on, he opened the door. I was thankful for that because I was starting to overheat. I wondered if he was going to have an issue with me hanging out in the house in short sleeves, no matter the season.
I stepped outside and sighed internally. Banner pulled the door shut, and then we started back toward Council Square, where the festival was going to take place. It was actually going to be behind the council building in the open field between it and the single enforcer housing.
“You said you would have time off,” Banner said.
“Yes. Our team has the next week off. Reinhold, I believe, is going to take some additional time to spend with his mate and their twins. Hayes mentioned something about taking his mate and their daughter to his mate’s pack in Washington.”
“I guess I never asked about your team. There are four of you?”
“Five if you include me. My team consists of me, Reinhold, Hayes, Cruz, and Alden.”
Banner nodded a few times. “Are you close to them all?”
I shrugged. “I trust them all. Reinhold has been the one that I’m closest with. He has had a lot of good advice for me about things lately.”
Banner tried to hide a smile. “Are they all mated?” Banner looked up at me. “Well, except for you?”
I shook my head. “No. Only Reinhold and Hayes are mated. Hayes and his mate are both from the same pack in Washington. I’ve met his mate a couple of times. Her name is Daisy, and they decided to name their daughter Lily. I think they like floral names or something.”
Banner smiled. “That’s cute. I was named after a comic character.”
“What do you mean?”
Banner gave me a look. “Do you not watch movies or anything?” I shook my head. “Huh. Yeah, well, I guess my dad had a thing for that certain comic, and my mom just said sure.”
I placed my arm around Banner’s shoulders. I had no clue what he was talking about, but I was going to search at my earliest chance. “You don’t talk about them. Do you want to go see them?”
Banner shook his head. “No. They…” Banner sighed.
“I’m a disappointment to them that I didn’t jump right back into college after I was rescued.
” Banner looked up at me, then leaned in a bit.
I felt his arm around my waist, but he dropped it as soon as the festival came into view.
I was torn about whether I should keep mine on his shoulder or drop it.
I chose to keep it there, and Banner looked up at me again and smiled.
“I’m sorry they have taken that stance.”
“Eh. It’s all right. They were already pushing me to be something that I didn’t want. It’s not like it’s anything different. They weren’t terrible parents, but they did want a lot from me.” Banner pointed, and I saw what he was indicating.
“There are your cupcakes. And they are right next to the cocoa. Shall we?”
I would have gotten him cocoa anytime he wanted, and would in the future—all he had to do was ask.
But I also understood it was part of the charm of the night.
It was the winter solstice, and we were here to celebrate it.
That and it helped to bring a bit of unity to everyone.
We all got together and hung out in a non-work-type situation.
“Isn’t that one of your pack?” Banner asked. I looked in the direction he was pointing and nodded.
“Yes. That’s Atticus. The blond with him is his mate, Brice. The tall, dark-haired teenager behind them is Ansel. He’s also a hellhound. They adopted him after he returned from our realm with them.”
Banner nodded. “I’ve heard about him from Sean.”
“Probably. Ansel hangs out with Sean and Longwei from time to time. He spends a lot of time at home though. Atticus and Brice live off of the mountain, and he’s not up here a whole lot outside of pack runs.”
“He was the smaller hellhound, then?”
I looked down at Banner and nodded. He smiled up at me, and I couldn’t resist my mate any longer.
I knew that tonight would be a turning point for us in some way.
I leaned down and kissed his forehead. I held myself close for a moment and heard Banner’s sharp intake of breath.
“I want this to work, Banner,” I whispered.
“I’m afraid I’m messing everything up, but I’m going to try to be the mate you deserve if you’ll give me the chance,” I told him before I stood up.
When I looked down at Banner, he was still smiling up at me, and I could sense the happiness he was feeling. He moved closer, placing his arm around my waist again. “I want that,” Banner said quietly. “I’ve been waiting for that and more. For all of it.”
I tried my best to grin back at my mate, and when I couldn’t stop myself, I leaned down and gently touched my lips to his. Where mine were warm, his were cool from the air, and I wanted nothing more than to ensure he was always warm and safe.
I kept the kiss short and didn’t take it any further, and when I pulled away, Banner looked as if he’d just experienced something…wonderful. I vowed then to never deny him anything ever again if possible. I meant it when I said I wanted to give him everything, and I would. Starting now.