Page 39 of Breathe Again

As she chatted away, I began to notice the stares from people on the street. Elizabeth seemed oblivious. Most ranged from shocked to upset. I wasn’t sure why anyone would be upset, maybe it was the fact we were discussing her leaving Collier. I could see why her current packmates would be less than thrilled with the idea.

My shoulders had begun to stiffen and square off in alarm, but she still seemed unaware of anyone else but me. When we reached the Alpha house, I felt like I could finally start to relax some.

“We’re in the living room,” Lily yelled, and Elizabeth bit back a grin.

Mom hates it when she does that. Like really hates it. We were never allowed to yell through the house like that,she filled me in.

I guess in a way, it’s sort of Lily’s house now though,I thought.

Which is why Mom would never say a word to her, but if you watch, she’ll flinch and fight not to scrunch up her face every single time.

“Hey you guys,” Lily said, genuinely happy to see us as we walked into the living room still talking through our bond.

She jumped up and walked over to give me a hug, then pulled back and frowned. “Nothing? Not even a little growl?” she asked, sounding very disappointed with my mate.

“Afraid not. Having a bond helps, I think,” she said candidly.

I don’t think she knows about our bond,I reminded her.

Is it supposed to be a secret?she asked.

I don’t think so. It is weird and might freak people out, though.

Why aren’t you freaking about it?she wondered.

I’m not sure. Why aren’t you?

Me? Why would I freak out? I love knowing exactly what you’re thinking and where we stand without having to guess or worry about every little thing. This is the coolest thing ever. A little embarrassing at times, especially when you know about my box of toys and how I want you to take them out and really show me how to use them. Shit, did I just think that again?

I laughed, and Lily looked thoroughly confused as she watched us.I promise you, sweetheart, as soon as we have some real time to ourselves, we’ll explore that side of you. Thoroughly,I added.

I loved how aroused that made her and was second-guessing my decision to help and not just let Liam deal with everything.

Lily sniffed the air. “Gross, get a room. You two looked like you were off in your own world just then. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were communicating through a bond.”

Elizabeth and I shared a knowing look, but didn’t correct her.

“Where’s Liam?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Thomas’s office, working on the arrival plans,” Lily said.

“Shit, I better get in there then. Watch my girl for me,” I said with a wink to Lily and a quick kiss for Elizabeth.

When I knocked on Thomas’s door and let myself in, Liam shook his head at me.

“Dude, I have this. You’re newly mated. Go enjoy it. From what little I’ve been briefed, you’ve more than earned it,” Liam said.

“I did hear congratulations were in order,” Thomas said, a little too strained, setting my wolf immediately on edge.

“Is there a problem?” I asked him, fighting back the aggression welling up in me. I knew Thomas was a strong Alpha. I’d felt his wrath once before. There was no way I was going to encourage it again.

He took a deep breath and I could see he was trying to calm himself. His mate had been infatuated with me for much of her life, and I suspected it would always cause a barrier between us, but we were family now, and for Elizabeth’s sake I knew I needed to play nice.

“I just find it really difficult to understand is all,” Thomas finally said. “I mean, Lily filled me in a little and I just have to wonder, what sort of dickhead leaves his mate in limbo like that for so long?”

My fists were clenched at my sides as I fought back the desire to punch him in the face. “You have no clue what you’re talking about, so I suggest you just shut the hell up before one or both of us do something we’ll regret.”

“Is that a threat, Cole? Did you really just threaten me in my own territory? Do you have no respect for anything or anyone?”

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