Rook (Black Mountain Pack Book 2) Page 10
Casey leaned forward. “That’s a question I should be asking you, Rook. Is she the one? Is she your mate?”
“Yes, though she hasn’t accepted that yet.”
“Good.” She settled back snuggling under Mack’s arm and rubbing her belly. “She will continue her sessions with Katarina, and her work with the cubs. Mack and I have already discussed putting a security detail on her while you are gone. You, of course, would get to choose who.” Casey glanced at Mack before continuing. “She has a lot of things she has to work through, more than you can even imagine, and she needs to focus on healing herself before she can let anyone in, especially her mate. Don’t give up on her though, just be careful how far you try to push her right now. You will have to keep your cat on a short leash around her.” Again she glanced at Mack. “But we both want you to know we approve of your choice, and you have our blessing on your mating when she is ready.”
I smiled even as my cat bristled at the words ‘short leash’. “I want DJ to be her security,” I blurted. “If I’m not available he is my choice.” I made a mental note to have a heart to heart with DJ before giving Jazz over to his protection. I knew he would take the job seriously, and not let emotions to cloud his judgement. He would also be her shadow without Jazz ever knowing.
“Ok. Now that we have that decided let’s go eat. I’m starving.” Casey stood.
“When aren’t you hungry.” Mack laughed as he rose to join her.
She smacked his chest. “Hey now, I’m eating for two, or maybe even three,” she teased him.
Mack’s eyes followed her as she left the room as he whispered, “Three?”
I clasped his shoulder. “Let’s go, Dad, we can’t keep her waiting.”
“He’s right. Let’s go.” Casey’s voice echoed back to us.
We joined members of the Pride at the meeting house for dinner. Jonah was in the kitchen helping Tamara. Those two were giving off enough sexual vibes to put everyone on edge. I peeked around the kitchen door to find Tamara trapped against the counter between Jonah’s arms. “You both need to take that outside, to the jungle, far away. You have everyone on edge out here.” I tried to lightly joke. Jonah growled at me. I knew then that his cat was in control and not Jonah. I walked over, my voice low. “Jonah you need to get control before your cat takes her here in the kitchen with everyone listening.” I clasped his shoulder, adding extra pressure to my grip. He growled again, not taking his eyes off Tamara.
I knew that this needed to end tonight, either with a mating or a final no from Tamara. I looked at her over Jonah’s shoulder. “Tamara, it’s time to make a decision. You see Jonah right now, his cat has more control than he does. You have to decide, will you take him as your mate or not?” Her breath came in short spurts, her body vibrating. “Stop letting your fears choose, reach down inside and let your instincts lead you. Mates are destined and for life. Jonah has accepted it, will you?” I waited for her response.
“I’m scared, Rook,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving Jonah.
“It’s okay to be scared, but deep down, how do you feel?”
“It’s him, it always has been.” She exhaled.
Jonah moved at that instant, scooping her up and throwing her over his shoulder as he roared. He moved so fast after that I didn’t even see him leave the building. I went out and joined Mack and Casey to finish dinner.
“Was that Jonah?” Casey asked.
“Yup.”
“About damn time,” Mack commented. “Maybe now he can focus on more than convincing her.”
“Hahaha, you know that won’t happen. Now he’ll be focused on showing her in every way, position, and place how he loves her. We won’t see them for a while.” Casey smirked. “This is good for the Pride. The first mated couple since the fall of my father’s reign. Now maybe others will see that they can take the chance too.”
We finished dinner with a happy and uplifting feel to the air. Pride members stopped by our table throughout the meal with well wishes for the new Alpha and her pregnancy. With offers of help on one project or another, or simply to say hello and introduce themselves. The Pride members were finally seeing Casey for the Alpha that she is. I took longer to eat than normal, hoping Jazz would join us for the meal. She never showed up, and I only assumed she was eating with the cubs. She had a very emotional day and I wouldn’t blame her for not wanting to be around the Pride. I saw Katarina as I was leaving the dining area. I changed direction and headed toward her.
“Hello Rook.” She greeted me in her clipped professional voice.
“Hello Katarina,” I replied gruffly. I still didn’t care for her, but if she was what Jasmine needed to heal and move on I would learn to accept her.
“Jasmine had a good session today.” She looked up at me. “You were a part of that.”
“I was?” I stood shocked. How was I a part of her session?
“Yes, she came to see me when you both returned to the village. Just being there for her today was the best thing you could have done. Now I can’t discuss what happened during our session, but I can let you know that patience, love, and support are what she needs right now. Keep it up.” She lowered her eyes and returned to eating. Effectively dismissing me. It should have pissed me off, but I was shocked that she had said something nice and encouraging.
I left her, my heart a bit lighter, and searched for Jasmine. I wanted to see her again before I had to head out on my first mission for Casey.
SIX MONTHS LATER
ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT as I traveled the rutted gravel covered road to the village was taking a long hot shower and finding Jazz. This last mission had kept me away for over three weeks and I was ready to be back. The last four months I had been on the road more than I had been home. If you could call the Pride village home. Being away from the Pack for over six months made me realize that was where I wanted to plant myself permanently. South America was way too hot and humid for my taste, and I was ready to go back. Not without Jazz though. Every time I returned from a mission I saw her and every time she seemed to have blossomed more and more. Her daily sessions with Kat were really helping her deal with her past, forgive herself, and realize that she had a lot of life left to live. Her work with the cubs helped as well.
I pulled up outside the Alpha house and stepped out of the Jeep. Niko was guarding the door today.
“Hey Rook. Glad to have you back man.” He greeted me.
“Thanks, it feels good to be back.” Part of taking on these missions was agreeing to step down as Casey’s head of security. I handed that job over to Jonah and his elite guard. They had hand-picked a great group of shifters over the last six months and now had a strong security force devoted to Casey and the Pride. They had eradicated all the dangers and had created the Pride they always wanted.
I turned to look down on the village, which was more of a small city now. New buildings had been erected for the Pride needs. A small hospital/doctor's office had been built, with the newest of technology having been flown in so that all medical needs could be handled here and not need to be transported to Rio. Jax had done a fabulous job training the staff before he returned to the States. A school house and dormitory was positioned between the Alpha house and center of town for the cubs and any on the way. Housing them on the third floor had been adequate for the first couple months, but Casey decided they needed their own space as well. She had searched the globe for teachers and tutors to bring in, along with a child therapist who focused just on our Pride. The cubs were out of school for the day and happily running around the center of town. It amazed mehow resilient they were. They had done a complete one-eighty from when we had found them trapped in the basement filthy and starving.
There were new houses built, a small store where they could shop and request items not kept on hand. The newest addition that i saw was a small park with equipment for the kids to play on but also areas for families to enjoy picnics, or just allow the cubs to romp around free of cares.
“I am so glad you’re back” she sighed as she hugged me tight. We had progressed to small touches and chaste kisses the last time I was home so this display was new for me. I wrapped my arms around her, taking advantage of her open display and placed a kiss on top of her head. I wanted to do so much more but held myself and my cat in check. Plus, I was way to filthy to do much more.
“I’m glad to be back, sugar.” I breathed in the scent of her shampoo, a light coconut scent, and below that I smelled the beginning of her arousal. My body responded in kind. “How have you been?” I asked as I moved her to my side, securing her under my arm as I walked toward the house.
“I’ve been really good, other than missing you.” She blushed. “Casey is probably tired of me asking her when you would get back.” She laughed. I loved that sound. My heart leapt when she turned that smile on me.
I don’t know what happened in her sessions with Katarina, but I did notice the changes that came over Jasmine in the last six months. She smiled more, was more open with everyone, and had started responding to my small advances. Every time I returned I made sure I searched her out, asked about what she did while I was gone, and showered her with affection. It was hard to hold myself back from what I really wanted to do. Right now I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her to shower with me. My hands itched to touch more than her shoulder or arms.
I wanted to taste her. Every. Damn. Inch. I wanted to touch her and memorize her body, and then I wanted to give her pleasure she would never forget. I couldn’t hold back much longer.
“Well I’m back now, but in desperate need of a shower.” I looked down at her. “Care to join me?” I waggled my eyebrows. I loved teasing her too, knowing she would say no.
“Maybe next time. You do stink, and I wouldn’t want to distract you from removing that stench.” She giggled.
I stopped in my tracks, mouth hanging open as she continued to walk into the house. Did she just flirt with me? I shook my head no. I had to be hearing things. I looked at Niko to see if he had heard her response.
“She’s made some big strides while you were gone, boss.” He smiled smugly. “You better catch up.”
My cat roared inside at the look on his face. I moved in the blink of an eye, standing nose to nose with him. “She. Is. Mine.” I growled out. Niko put both hands up in surrender.
“We know, boss.” Then his eyes went dark as he added, “But if you hurt her, you’ll have the entirety of our security team on your ass.” I nodded once in understanding. Niko backed up a step and smiled again. “Now go get your girl, boss.”
I took his advice and went inside the house in search of Jazz. I checked the rooms downstairs and didn’t find her so I ascended the stairs to the second floor. Mack and Casey had redone the Master Bedroom, and totally scrubbed any signs of Tomas away. Katarina was still in the far room in the right wing. Jasmine had the room closest to the stairs to the third floor. She chose that room when the cubs and harem were still living in the house. She stayed there even after they moved out, and the third floor was changed to house the elite guards on duty and myself. The rest of the rooms on the second floor were used as guest rooms.
I searched each one except for Katarina’s and couldn’t find her. Giving up for the moment I climbed up to my room preparing to shower and refresh myself. I’d search for Jazz once I was clean. When I looked around the common room I noticed the door to my bedroom was open and I heard water running. I moved through, excitement coursing through me. Maybe Jazz had changed her mind and decided to join me after all. I walked through the door to see her laying clothes out on my bed and unpacking my bag I thought I had left in the Jeep.
She looked up and smiled. “I got the water running for you, I know it takes a while for the hot water to reach the top floor. I thought I would get your dirty laundry started, and was just waiting to get the rest of your clothes.” She looked me up and down, a hunger flashing in her eyes. “I also put fresh towels in the bathroom, three weeks is a long time to let linen sit. Just throw what you have on outside the door and I’ll get everything started.”
I just stared at her. Jazz was in my room, going through my clothes, starting my shower, and offering to launder my clothes. All things a mate would do, and with a smile on her face. Not head down, not in fear, but with a joyful smile on her face. I couldn’t hold back. I walked over and framed her face with my hands placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “You don’t have to do any of this for me, but I thank you for it.” She looked into my eyes, not backing away. “We need to talk when I’m done. Will you come back and wait here for me?” I asked.
Jazz nodded yes. Then surprised me by raising up to meet my lips again, her hands lightly grasping my shoulders as she hesitantly kissed me. I held still and let her explore, placing small kisses along my mouth. I vibrated with the need to take her kisses deeper but held back letting her take the lead for now. She stepped back quickly color rising up her neck. She was gorgeous when she blushed and I hoped to make her do it again soon. “I’ll come back up after I get the was started.”
I blew out a breath and smiled. “Good.” I went to the bathroom and quickly peeled off my clothes, wrapped a towel around my waist , opened the door, and held them out for her. The look on her face brought satisfaction to my cat. She liked what she saw. I flexed a bit, my cat and I showing off for her. I placed my clothes on the chair outside the door. “I'll just leave these here for you, I hate to waste hot water.” I turned around and closed the door partially dropping the towel as I did so giving Jazz a good view of my ass. I heard the hiss of her intake of breath. My body stirred at the sound hardening like a rock. I jumped in the shower and scrubbed off the weeks of dirt and sweat. Itching to relieve the pressure that had built up, but I wouldn’t. Relief would come with Jazz beneath me, or next to me, or against a wall,or even in this very shower. Soon.
HOLY HELL, WHAT HAD I just done? I rushed downstairs with Rook’s clothes to get them started. I had kissed him. But he kissed me first so that was ok, right? But then, he came out with just a towel on and my heart stopped. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. His body was chiseled with muscles that were used, not just created for show. His tattoos fascinated me. Covering his upper arms, part of his back, and down his abdomen. I had wanted to reach out and trace every single one, first with my fingers and then with my mouth. But then he turned around and dropped his towel altogether and my knees almost gave way. I started tingling in places I never thought I would.
On the way back from the laundry I ran to Katarina’s room. I didn’t know if she had a session right now but I needed to talk to her. I pounded on her door. “Kat, are you in there? I need to talk to you!” I pounded again as Kat opened her door. She looked like she had just gotten out of bed, hair messy and belting a robe around her waist quickly.
“What is it, Jasmine?” She asked, her eyes checking to make sure I wasn’t injured.
“It’s Rook, can you talk?” I gasped. My body was still on overdrive and I didn’t know how to handle it.
Kat looked over her shoulder and then opened the door fully allowing me in. “What happened with Rook?”
“He kissed me.”
“How did that make you feel?” she asked.
“Stop with the therapist crap. You have helped me come so far, to forgive myself, and realize that what happened to me wasn’t my fault, and that it’s okay for me to want someone in my life, to want a mate. But I’ve never had anything like this. Felt like this. What do I do?” I whined.
Kat smiled at me. “Jasmine, do you trust Rook?”
“Yes, with my life.”
“Does he seem to have the same feelings?”
“I think so.” I bit my fingernail. “No, I know he does.”
Kat sighed. “Then it sounds like
you should give in and see where your feelings take you. You trust Rook, and you know Casey trusts him, so give him a chance. You may find that your mate has been right in front of you. I think you’re ready. Enjoy it, Jasmine.” Kat hugged me.
I took a few deep breaths. “Okay.” Kat led me to her door and ushered me out closing it in my face. You can do this, Jasmine. You’re ready for the next step. I bolstered my confidence and headed back to Rook’s room. There was no reason to fear him. I trusted him and knew he would never hurt me. My sessions with Kat had really helped me face my fears, forgive myself and those that had hurt me. Forgiveness was a huge factor in my healing process but I was ready to take the next step. To let myself feel again and to let my instincts take over. My cat purred inside me in agreement. She was ready to go and pounce Rook herself.
I laughed on the way up the stairs. Scared and giddy at the same time. My body warmed at the thought of Rook, naked and wet in the shower. Visions of surprising him in the shower filled my head as I walked into the room. I wasn’t that bold yet in real life, but in my imagination I did that and more. I had myself so worked up I didn’t hear him come out of the bathroom. The sound of him clearing his throat brought me out of my daydream. I looked up to see him standing in the bathroom doorway, towel slung low on his hips and water still beading on his chest. My mouth went dry and my girlie bits went into overdrive at the sight.
With a mischievous glint in his eye he grasped the end of the towel. “Like what you see, do you?”
My eyes followed his hand words escaping me. My breath came in shallow gasps as I waited to see what he would do with that towel. My eyes followed him as he made his way to the bed where his clean clothes lay. His deep chuckle broke my trance. “No..uh yes..I was just waiting...like you asked.” My words stumbled out of my mouth falling over each other. He turned away from me and dropped his towel flexing as he reached for his boxers. I watched as he donned them and then his jeans, foregoing the t shirt and turning to face me. With a smile he sat and scooted back against the headboard.