thirty-two
All manner of qualifiers ran through my head at her words, but then I looked at her. Jade’s eyes were fierce.
“I can see what you’re thinking. Stop. I choose you, Thurl. I love you.”
I couldn’t speak, the force of my emotions overwhelming. I pulled her into my arms and cradled her like the precious thing she was.
Muffled in my chest, she said, “I’m covered in drying sweat and cum is leaking out of me. I want a shower.”
I let her go and she flopped onto her back.
“Nevermind, I’m too tired to move.”
With a chuckle, I scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom. I eyed the tub, considering.
“Shower, please, Thurl. I don’t want to sit in this in a tub.”
The shower was roomy enough for both of us, but I was apprehensive. The tub had been fine, but no water had been spraying on me.
Her small hand patted my chest.
“It’s okay. Put me down. I can shower by myself.”
No. I wanted to wash her. I had exhausted her and I had strength enough for both of us. I shook my head and stepped forward, only to be stymied by the unfamiliar controls.
She flicked the water on for me, only to squeal as it came out cold. I jumped back, out of the stream, my heart racing faster than it should. She pet me again.
“It’s okay, the water just needs to warm up.”
She put her fingers under the spray, and after a moment, she nodded.
“Okay. It’s warm now.”
I carried her into the enclosure, thankful I had opted for one that was large enough to not need a door over the opening. I set her on her feet under the spray. At first, I held her out, trying to have as little of me in the water as possible, but when she sighed happily and relaxed, so did I.
By the time I had soaped and rinsed us both, I was at ease. I didn’t think a shower would ever be a favorite activity of mine, but I no longer feared the experience.
“Shall I put you in bed?”
She laughed. “I think I need coffee. If I go back to sleep, I’ll be up late tonight.”
Voices filtered up to us and I picked out individuals. “Nanna is here with Roul. There is also a woman I don’t recognize.”
“Really? I can’t hear a thing.”
I licked the side of her face and she swiped at her cheek with a giggle.
“Are you sure they didn’t put dog DNA in you?”
I nipped her earlobe and growled.
She laughed and pushed at my chest. When I finished drying myself, I found her in our bedroom getting dressed. She pulled a soft shirt that hugged her curves over her head. Her eyes twinkled with laughter. I wondered how I could thank the fates for her.
Downstairs I assessed the strange woman I’d heard. She was compact and well muscled. Straight black hair framed upturned eyes that seemed to see everything.
Nanna came forward and grabbed Jade’s hands.
“Jade! I thought y’all would never come down. Meet River. This lovely young lady has been looking after your house while you’re away.”
“Yes, it’s so nice to meet you.”
Jade strode to the woman with an outstretched hand, and I resisted the urge to pull her back. There was a feral edge to River. Despite her size, she was dangerous.
“I wanted to drop by and introduce myself so you can put a face to the name and voice staying in your house.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that. You’re okay? After what happened this morning?”
She scoffed. “Not a scratch, promise.”
“I’m so glad.”
I relaxed. River was definitely a threat, but not to Jade.
“Nanna was telling me you were with Kendal watching movies last night.”
Jade’s face lit up with a smile. “That’s right.”
“Next time, call me. I have a Seductflix account.” River waggled her eyebrows. “And I make the best popcorn.”
Jade laughed. “I will, promise.”
“Have you met the others yet?”
I thought of the Superhuman Security males and growled. River smirked at me.
“Relax, big guy, I’m talking about the other mates.”
“I haven’t, but Kendal’s told me about them. I guess there really are only a few of us, hunh?”
“Just the four of you, so far.” She sighed and put a hand on her chest, looking up at the ceiling. “The rest of us are still seeking.” She straightened and smiled at Jade. “At least we have hope now, thanks to you and the others.”
“How long was it,” I asked, “before Virginia?”
“We think for the bulk of shifters it was centuries. There’ve been rumors that have circulated through the years of one or two shifters finding their mates, but never more than that and always unsubstantiated.”
I couldn’t imagine the horror of never finding Jade, but so many must have gone through just that. Jade verbalized my thoughts.
“That’s awful.”
River shrugged. “It was what it was, but now it’s not.”
Nanna broke the melancholy. “Come on everybody, I’ve got brunch waiting at Roul’s.”
River hesitated. “I should get back to Jade’s house.”
“Nonsense! Her house will keep, and you have to eat.”
River shook her head, but Nanna didn’t let her say another word.
“Roul, pick her up and cart her ass if she won’t come willingly.”
River threw her hands up in surrender as Roul stepped toward her. “Okay, okay, fine! No need to sick scary on me, sheesh.”
I thought I was the only one who noticed Roul’s wince until Jade wrapped an arm around his waist.
“He’s not scary. He’s a big marshmallow. They all are.” She reached up and patted his cheek.
My chest ached with a swell of love. Roul may be the biggest, the deadliest of us, but he was also fragile. And my mate defended him. I didn’t deserve her, but I would work every second for the rest of my life in the hope one day I might.