Page 20 of Stargazer

I shook my head casually. “No, she didn’t. And no, they are not.”

Her eyes sparkled with slight confusion. “But you came anyway?”

“I’ll always come for you.”

She swallowed as she took in my words. I needed to get them out, these … feelings … that I had. They were taking over all reasonable thought. So I continued, “I know I didn’t make it clear before. I know we fought it, but this isn’t some causal thing between us. I think we both know it. Both feel it. And have felt it for months. I didn’t mean to act like a prick when you said you were coming here. I was an idiot. But I don’t want to fight it anymore. I’ve never been one to shy away from fear and I won’t do it anymore. I want more … from you. From us. I’m willing to try for you. I’m willing to fight for you.”

She attempted to turn her face away from mine but I stopped her, no longer able to keep my hands to myself. My thumb and forefinger gripped her chin, directing her back towards me. I held it firm so she couldn't look away while I reiterated my point.

“I will always come for you.”

The words were slow and firm. I wanted her to know it—to feel it—with every fibre of her being.

Those stunning eyes widened, glistening slightly like she was holding back tears. Her expression was soft yet still unbelieving as she gave me a subdued smile. But then she looked in the direction of the house, as if she could see the wolf that waited there for her. I watched as her brows crumpled. She looked distressed. Confused. Torn.

For a second, fear rippled through me at the thought of her rejecting me. Of choosing him instead. But fuck fear.

I wanted to rip the dog’s head off for even having that hold over her—that she had to think about him in this moment between us. But seeing her, being around her again, it fully grounded me. And I didn’t want to stress her out. I watched her heal from him. Saw how much that furball meant to her.

She needed to deal with it all and make her decision. I knew I was the right choice, but I’d let her come to that conclusion on her own. Even if it went against my possessive nature. I’d do that for her.

“Supernova.” I said her nickname as a gentle command and her attention snapped back to me. “It’s okay. I get that all of this is probably unexpected. But I’m not going anywhere. You can do what you need to do and we can talk about this later.” My words, the fact that I wasn’t forcing her to choose right now, seemed to calm her down.

She nodded and I pulled her into me, wrapping her in my arms. Her head rested on my chest, and she seemed to gently nudge it as she hugged me back—tightly. I felt her breathe me in and her body visibly relaxed. A gesture I took no small amount of satisfaction in. Even though there was clearly some initial hesitation there, her body let its guard down around me. It reacted to mine, just like mine did to hers, clearly comforted in her presence.

All the pent-up energy—the dazed state I was in—it all dissipated into nothing, and I let the energy between us sustain me.

I took my fill, breathing her in.

“I’m happy to see you,” she let out with a small sigh.

“You sure?” I laughed, low and deep. “Didn’t seem like it before.”

“You scared me,” she swatted my chest as she pushed back a bit. But her eyes danced with humour and lightness. I just smirked down at her. “You need to behave if you’re going to stay, okay?” She pressed.

I forced one hand to let go of her—keeping the other firmly on her waist—and raised it to my heart.

“Scouts honour,” I mocked.

Her eyes rolled again and I swear I groaned.

“What do we do now?” She stepped out of my arms.

“We’ll figure it out.”

“Where are you staying?”

“I’ll find a hotel or something. Surely this tiny town has somewhere decent to stay?” I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Hadn’t thought past the burning desire to come to her.

“No.”

“No?” I quirked a brow.

“You can stay with me,” she said firmly.

“Can I now?” I gave her a suggestive look, humour causing my mouth to twist into a devilish smirk at how quick her reply had been.

“Don’t get any ideas. I mean you can stay at the house. The one that my mum and sister also happen to live at. We have a guest room. I’m sure mum won’t mind. Especially for Thea’s son.”

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