Page 29 of Banishing Regrets

When they both pulled away from each other, Selene, Brayden’s wife, was standing beside them.

“Can I get in on the hugs?” she asked.

“Of course,” Jane laughed.

All three of them embraced again before Jane took the plate of meat from Brayden and urged both him and Selene to sit. She made her way around the table, ready to put the plate down in the only tiny, empty space that was left. As she passed Kas, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in for a kiss. The plate of meat disappeared from her hand as a mystery person rescued it before she dropped it.

“Everything all right?” Kas queried when he finally let her up for air.

“It’s perfect,” she replied, feeling the biggest grin beaming on her face.

It was then she noticed that the room had fallen silent. Both she and Kas turned to look at everyone around the table. The other members of the pack all stared at them, many with pieces of meat halfway to their mouths.

“Is anyone else finding it strange seeing Kas so loved up?” Scott asked.

Several murmurs of yes came from the rest of the pack.

“Get used to it.” Kas pulled her into his lap. “Jane is mine, and with Brayden’s permission, once we’ve sorted out my brother, I’ll be taking her as my mate.”

Jane gasped, shocked at what she was hearing. “Kas?”

“If you’ll have me?” He looked a little worried now.

“Of course, I will.” Jane leaned into his chest.

“And I’m giving my permission,” Brayden added.

A big cheer went up around the room before they all started digging into their food again. Jane slid from Kas’ lap, and after another quick kiss, she took her place in the seat next to him. Everyone hurriedly ate, enthusiastic chatter between them all, but she sat in silence, watching.

A thought suddenly hit her, and she tapped her fork against her wineglass on the table. Everyone fell silent again.

“Sorry to disturb your eating, I just wanted to say something if that’s all right?” She looked to Kas, and he nodded. “I’ve been around supernaturals for almost as long as I can remember. You’re a massive part of my life and definitely one I can’t live without. I know whenever I come to the Glacial Blood mansion I’ve come home. The feelings of welcome, support, and love I’m given here are beyond comprehension. It’s something that’s lacking in the human world. Many humans have forgotten their compassion. They’ve evolved into selfish beings, intent on looking after their own needs and protecting only themselves. A key strength of supernaturals is you’re willingness to do whatever it takes to stay together, to protect and support each other. You can and will win this war because you don’t just fight for yourselves. You fight for each other as well.” She raised her glass, filled with a nice, full-bodied malbec. “To a future where you can be yourselves and live in peace.”

She toasted and everyone around the table joined in.

“To the future. To peace.”

The rest of the meal passed in merriment, tinged with a little bit of sadness. They all knew Nuka would put the rest of his plan in place tomorrow, and their lives would change forever. They were ready for it, though.

“You did really well with the meal tonight.” Kas came up behind Jane where she was sitting at the dressing table, removing her make-up. “And the speech was perfect.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“I just felt I had to say something. You all give so much to the world. As a bit of an outsider, I was watching the pack at the table, and all I could see was love.”

“You aren’t an outsider anymore—you never really were. You’re my partner and their queen now, and as my mate, you’ll rule alongside me, if ruling is what I do. Personally, I think it’s just another word for a person who does all the paperwork.” Kas chuckled.

“If that’s the case, then you better get a bigger desk in your office so I can sit next to you. I’ll help you with whatever you need.” She winked at him in the mirror.

Jane finished removing her make-up and turned around in her seat to face Kas. She was wearing a long silk nightdress. Kas wore just a pair of lounge pants. The taut muscles of his torso glimmered in the low light of the bedroom. She reached out and traced her hands over the lines of his abs. They both fell silent. He looked down at her, and she raised her gaze to meet his.

They needed no words at this point.

Tomorrow was the future. She was terrified of what Kas would have to do to save the pack. She feared in her heart he wouldn’t be strong enough. Tonight, however, was about them.

Kas swooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. She felt her desire for him pooling between her thighs. She was ready for him. She’d been ready for this moment all day, ever since they’d make love this morning. She couldn’t get enough of him. He lowered his pants down his toned thighs, and she watched as his hard cock sprang from its confines. She parted her legs, ready for him to enter her. She didn’t want foreplay right now—she just needed him.

Kas understood and instantly covered her body with his. She felt him at her entrance and welcomed his cock when he pushed inside her. They moved together as one, both of them staring at each other. Unspoken words of reassurance, love, and a desire to stay in this moment forever passed between them.

Jane’s orgasm hit her hard. She struggled to get breath into her lungs as the pleasure cascaded through her body. Kas must have felt the same because as he roared his own release, the very foundations of the room seemed to shake. He gasped for air, just like her.

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