Page 141 of XOXO

“Hey, stop making me feel bad,” Jack said, drawing her into his side. “You two obviously worked it out, and it seems like you’re happy. You’re happy, right?”

Adelyn nodded. “I love him so much, Jack. If he dies…” Fear snaked up her spine and she shook it away.

“We all face danger in our own ways, Addie. But you come from a family of soldiers.” Placing his fingers under her chin, he forced her to meet his gaze. “And your bonded mate wants to fight with us. I’d be honored to train him and have him by my side. I hope we never have to use our skills, but we’ve all read the prophecies.”

Adelyn recalled the Elven prophecies that foretold of one final future battle, although the details were cryptic. “It’s hard to imagine since Callie defeated Bakari.”

“The prophecy says there will be peace before the final war. And who knows? It could all be hogwash, but if Leo wants to train, wouldn’t you rather he learn now than when we’re thrust into war?”

Expelling a deep breath, she nodded. “I guess. When did you start making sense? Symon is usually the one with the brains.”

“Okay, I’m kicking you out before you piss me off more and I give the kids back,” he joked. Ushering her down the porch stairs, he gripped her shoulders. “Have fun. You’re picking up the kids around noon on Sunday, right?”

Nodding, she drew him into a hug. “Thank you.” Drawing back, she flashed a grin. “Speaking of fun, do you have a spare pair of handcuffs?”

Jack grimaced. “I don’t even want to think about what you plan to do with them. But, yes, I actually do. They’re in there.” He tilted his head toward the nearby shed. “Grab them if you want, but I need them back eventually.”

“You’re the best. I only like Symon slightly better than you now.”

“Get out of here,” he said, playfully shoving her. “I’ll see you on Sunday.” Waving, he walked behind the house to find the kids.

Adelyn headed toward the shed, finding the handcuffs hanging from the wall beside some rope. Contemplating, she grabbed the rope too, for good measure. Tossing both items in the four-wheeler, she hopped behind the wheel and revved the engine, already anticipating the sexy times she was going to have with her hot Vampyre.

After they discussed the heavy stuff.

Ready to resolve their issues, Adelyn’s hair whipped in the breeze as she drove home.

Leo strode into Sadie’s infirmary on Friday, excitement thrumming in his veins. She’d called him earlier in the week to let him know she’d procured the necklace from Adelyn’s birth grandmother, and he couldn’t wait to give it to her.

Not romantic? Leo huffed as he spotted Sadie heading down the hallway. He’d show his pretty little mate exactly how romantic he could be.

“Sadie?” he called, rounding the corner to her office. “I didn’t see Tarin at the front desk, so I headed back—”

“Oh!” Sadie exclaimed, her cheeks reddening as she gazed at him over Nolan’s shoulder. She was perched on the edge of her desk, her legs draped around her husband’s waist.

“Looks like I interrupted more than a kiss,” Leo said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, Nolan.”

Nolan chuckled and released his wife, placing his arm around her shoulders to steady her. “That’s what we get for being naughty in the infirmary. Right, dear?”

“You were being naughty.” She playfully swiped his chest before hopping down from the desk. “And you’re going to be late for the clinic at Lynia. I’ll see you when I get home.”

Nolan leaned down and pecked her lips. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart. I hope you like the flowers.”

Sadie lovingly gazed at the bouquet on her desk. “They’re gorgeous. Now, get out of here so I can concentrate.” She shooed him away.

Nolan patted Leo’s shoulder as he breezed by. “Good to see you, Leo.”

“Take care, Nolan.”

Once they were alone, Leo flashed a grin. “Sorry, Sadie. Didn’t mean to ruin the fun.”

“My husband knows the office isn’t the place for stolen kisses,” she said, although her tone was affectionate. Walking behind her desk, she lifted the bouquet and inhaled. “But man, I like it when he breaks the rules.”

“Never saw him as much of a rule breaker, but I’ve been wrong before.”

Her eyes sparkled as she set down the flowers and reached inside the top desk drawer. “Oh, you’d be very surprised.” Clearing her throat, she shook her head. “Anyway, I think you’ve come for this.” Lifting a tiny pouch, she drew it open and shook out a necklace on her palm.

Leo approached, gazing at the chain that held a small purple stone encased in silver. Running his finger over it, he couldn’t contain his smile. “It’s pretty.”

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