Page 73 of Sparks Flying

*****

Day 4.

Patrick called to tell us that Westin Force would be pulling out. They were on a twenty-four-hour exit plan. Bernice had been instrumental and stepping up to assist in my absence, and was doing a great job at keeping my team organized.

I had to admit that I was starting to feel guilty for this rouse. Even though I’d learned more about my little wolf these last few days than most couples learned in the first year.

Without sex, I was resolved to listen and learn all I could about her. It was a different sort of connection and I could feel our bond growing stronger because of it. I already knew there was no way in hell I was letting this girl go.

In the past, I’d be irritable and downright hostile without some sort of release every day. Instead, I was learning patience, something I wasn’t very good at. When my siblings joked that I was the spoiled baby of the family, they weren’t wrong and they were all partially to blame for it, too. I was used to instant gratification, something my stubborn mate was standing firm against for the time being.

It wasn’t all bad though because I was learning to communicate in new ways. It wasn’t about a physical relationship, though I’d discovered that as a wolf she craved physical touch. So while we weren’t being intimate in a normal sense, holding hands, the occasional back or shoulder rub, and snuggling up on the couch together were a vital part of her everyday needs and I loved that. Plus, we actually talked about real, deep, and meaningful things.

I’d shared more with Bailey in our quarantine days than I had ever shared with anyone. I knew she already had a best friend back home, but I could honestly admit that she was easily my best friend and I might even be falling in love with her.

*****

Day 5.

The day everything changed.

Doc came by to check on us. He was none too pleased to learn we hadn’t sealed our bond yet.

“Westin Force is leaving. I have to get back to work, so you’re going to have to lift this fake quarantine.”

“I have noticed that you have not sealed your bond yet.”

“No, we haven’t. Now, are you going to lift the quarantine or not? It will draw a lot more attention if I go into the office without being medically released.”

“I will not,” he surprised me by saying.

“Come again?”

“As far as I’m concerned, the two of you will remain on quarantine until I see some results.”

“But you already know this is bullshit. There’s nothing wrong with either of us.”

“Nothing wrong? What is the matter with you, boy? You’ve slept your way through every Flock in our Congress and you can’t manage to close the deal with your true mate?”

My jaw dropped in surprise at his candor.

“Oh yes. I know all about that. Do you have any idea of how many pregnancy scares I’ve fielded with your name all over it this past year?”

“No way. I was always careful.”

“Maybe so, but things can still happen.”

I paled. “You’re not saying. . .”

“No, of course not. I said scares.”

“You’re trying to give me a heart attack, aren’t you?”

“I sure hope not. But back to your mate.”

“We’re spending the time getting to know each other.” That sounded lame even to me, but it was the truth. “Besides, sealing a bond isn’t the same as sex. This is forever and I have to ensure that it’s what’s right for her.”

“Her?”

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