Page 22 of Forever Mine

I had known exactly how to walk with Maddie through an attack, but there was something else that had happened between us that morning. I had seen my brother and sister and their mates constantly touching each other. I had harassed them all over it on more than one occasion, but I think I was beginning to understand it some now. Every time I touched Maddie, a sort of warmth and peace washed over me. I suspected it was the same for her and that it was actually my wolf calming hers on some unseen level that caused her attack to end so abruptly.

Wolves cherished closeness and connections. I had heard about it. I knew it existed, but that in no way prepared me for the reality of it. I knew if it wasn't for the kid, I wouldn't leave her side, and I wouldn't be able to keep my hands to myself. That warmth that only she provided was more addictive than anything I had ever experienced in my life, and I hadn't exactly been the poster boy for clean living in my fraternity days.

When we finally left the museum, I was surprised to see the sun already high in the sky. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was nearly noon.

“How about we grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the boat?”

The others agreed as Oscar announced he was starving. We walked to a nearby area with outdoor vendors. They had everything from tacos to lobster. The food was good and despite the tension the day before, everyone was relaxed and amicable.

As we finished our meals and headed back to the wharves and down to Pier 37, I hung back behind the others. It didn't take long for Maddie to slow down so she was walking next to me. Oscar was holding both Jacob’s and Annie's hands, talking up a storm. When I reached for Maddie’s hand, she didn't flinch away. I smiled down at her, feeling like the luckiest man alive.

We hadn't talked about what the future would hold for us, but with Maddie and Oscar by my side, I knew I could face anything. Just being with them made me feel strong and protective in a way I never had before. My mate. I smiled and shook my head. Lily was going to freak out when I told her.

Steph and Mark were already waiting for us at the dock when we arrived. Stef bit her lip, trying to hide her grin as she watched us approach. I knew they were happy for me, being true mates themselves. Steph squealed and waved. Before I could stop her she'd passed the others and launched herself onto Maddie. I was relieved and a little surprised that Maddie seemed okay this time.

“I'm so excited to spend time with you guys today,” Steph started. “Now, who is it that wanted to see the island so badly that this fool called in a favor for it?”

“Me!” Oscar said, raising his hand and jumping up and down.

Steph turned to check him out. I took the moment to apologize to Maddie.

“Sorry,” I mouthed.

She shrugged and leaned in to whisper, “I was ready for her this time.”

I chuckled.

Oscar was already onboard and chatting it up with Steph and Mark as Steph made the introductions all around and passed out life jackets. We set sail as Steph gave us a quick list of rules. First, she gave the official tour at sea, circling the island and giving a history of the place. Of course, Oscar already knew every detail she shared, and he even told a few stories they hadn't heard before.

Annie had pulled Maddie over to sit with her, close enough to hear Steph's stories. I wandered more to the back of the boat to give them space as a family. It wasn't long before Jacob joined me.

“Annie's ecstatic at the progress Jane's making with you in such a short time. Don't let her fool you, that woman's got eyes in the back of her head. Always watching.”

“Is that a warning?” I asked with humor.

“Jane looks happy when she's with you. That's all any father really wants, right? And make no mistake, in my heart, that girl is every bit my daughter.”

“So you've warned,” I said fondly.

“Your friends seem nice, but you're not from around here. How'd you meet?” he asked, referring to Mark and Steph.

“Mark and I were college roommates.” I laughed thinking back on it. “Steph too for much of it, least it felt that way.”

“It's nice to have friends like that. You can learn a lot about a man by the company he keeps. I'd say you're doing pretty well for yourself.”

I blew out a hard breath and ran my fingers through my now windblown hair. “Some days, Jacob. I won't pretend it's always easy. I'm twenty-four-years-old and the CEO of a major cooperation. Sometimes I wonder how the hell this happened. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the opportunities, and I always knew I'd go into the family business, but this was supposed to be my older brother's job, not mine. Life doesn't always quite work out the way we thought it would, does it?”

“No son, it doesn't, but that doesn't make it bad.”

“No sir, I'm not complaining. Truth be told, I'm proud of the work I've done so far and have solid plans for the company's future.”

“And what about your future?”

“What about it?”

“Being CEO, especially at such a young age, can't really afford you much free time.”

I shrugged. “It's not as bad as it sounds.”

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