Chapter Seventeen
Pascal
I didn’t know whether it was my bear or my internal clock, but one of them woke me up at the crack of dawn.
With my eyes still closed, I replayed the events of the night before in my mind.
Rue was incredible. He’d opened up to me during our night together.
Becoming bolder, telling me what he liked and what he didn’t.
How he liked to be touched. And when my knot swelled inside him, he cried out my name in the throes of passion.
I never wanted the night to end. But life called. Rue had to be at work this morning and, even though I didn’t want him to go, his work was more than a paycheck. It had meaning for him and to the omegas that leaned on him and the community for support.
“I know you’re awake, alpha,” he whispered next to me. My body was wrapped around his and had been since we’d made love for the third time only hours ago. I would feel bad for exhausting him but I wasn’t. Not one bit.
“I am awake, my love. I am. Thinking about last night. Not wanting to face the day without you.”
He sighed, snuggling deeper into my embrace. “It’s okay. You have me for a very long time.”
“That I do. How about a shower and coffee and we have a lazy breakfast?”
Turning around to face me, he ran his finger along my jawline. “Open your eyes.”
I did and was once again struck by his beauty. “You don’t know this about me, but I live for slow mornings. Long showers. Hot coffee. Easy breakfast. Taking my time. It cuts back on my morning anxiety and helps me have a good day.”
“I always have fast mornings. Coffee on the go. Rushing to get things done. I only eat cereal about once a week.”
“Hmm, let’s try it my way and see if you like it.”
“If you’re here, I already know which one I’ll prefer.”
We shared a long, hot shower and I washed my mate head to toe. While he washed me as well, I couldn’t help myself. I pulled him into my arms, and we made love under the warm spray and then had to clean up again.
“I didn’t know what kind of coffee you like so I got them all.” We stood in front of the coffeepot. I nuzzled his neck and ran my lips over his marking.
“I like medium to dark roast. I don’t know how this thing works, Pascal. I use a vintage percolator.”
Chuckling, I made the coffee. My mate was old-fashioned, beautiful bliss. He liked things slow and easy. I had a lot to learn from the cute raccoon who now bore my mark.
We poured coffee and had leftover cake for breakfast. Rue sat on my lap all morning. We laughed together. Made plans for the future. Talked about the night before.
Everything. I never wanted to be away from him.
“You really need my help,” he said, feeding me another bite of the almond cake bursting with wild berries.
“With what? If you’re involved, I’ll take it.”
“With those flower beds. We need to give this place some color.”
I pointed to the back porch area. “I have paint already picked out, but I’ve been occupied with a gorgeous omega I met.”
“Really? Gorgeous, huh?”
“Yes. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Stunning. Sexy. Should I go on?”
“No, but you can show me those paint colors. I want to see what you chose.”
After we got dressed, we looked over the paint colors, which he approved of. I told him what they meant to me and that led to almost another session of mating.
“Today, in between working, I’m going to draw up a plan for your flower beds. That porch needs some love as well.”
Watching and listening to him go on about his passions did things to me. I grabbed him up and sat us both on the rocking chair. “I need some love before you go.”
“You are insatiable,” he giggled. “How about dinner at my place tonight?”
“That sounds like a long time from now.”
“I know. I’m going to miss you. I’m afraid you’re going to change your mind.”
“Hey, look at me.” I put my hands on his face. “You’re mine and I’m all yours, omega. Nothing could ever tear you away from me. What time do you eat lunch?”
His eyes widened. “About eleven if it’s not busy.”
“Would it be okay if your mate came by with a sandwich?”
Nodding, he blushed again. “Only if he brings one for my assistant as well.”
“You got it.” I kissed his button nose. “Now, go on before I drag you back to the bedroom.”
Some people walking by giggled at us, making Rue smack me gently on the shoulder. “Uncalled for, sir.”
“Sir? We can try that tonight, if you want.”
More blushing. Yeah, we would definitely try that tonight.
Once he’d left, I went back inside and made plans. I had a mate now. A mate. Me. Someone who never thought they’d settle in one place.
The furniture was coming in. Rue was making plans for the garden. And I had a full day of painting in front of me. I wanted Rue to think of this house as home, to convince him to move in with me.
It had all happened so fast, but I loved the raccoon. My bear was settled. I bore the mark of raccoon teeth.
Life was good.