Page 14 of Hunting for Love

I take Zander’s hand as we step out of the bathroom and start making our way back to camp. Gods, I hope the guys don’t give me too much shit when we get back.

CHAPTER EIGHT

ZANDER

I squeeze Ronny’s hand,still completely in disbelief of what’s just happened. My heart is racing inside my chest, banging against the inside of my ribs. Ronny is holding my hand. Ronny knows that we’re true mates. He’s accepting me. Gods, hetouched my dick.

Just before we get into camp, Ronny pauses. He turns towards me with a soft smile, one that fills me with warmth. Could this really be happening? Could I truly have this?

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” I tell him seriously. “There will be another wave coming soon, but for this moment I’m okay.”

“And when the next wave comes, what then? What do you need?”

My cheeks heat up. I’m not a blushing virgin. Hell, I quite literally have a child already. But for some reason, Ronny makes me feel like I’m experiencing all of this for the very first time. And maybe, in a way, I am. This time around things are soft and gentle and filled with affection. It feelsdifferentin the best possible way.

“I’ll probably need to excuse myself to the RV. And umm,” I clear my throat, licking my lips as I find my bravery. “And I would really like it if you helped me again?”

“Yes,” Ronny says right away. His hand is shaky as he brings it up to my face, gently cupping my cheek. A small part of me wants to flinch away but the bigger part of me embraces his touch. Ronny won’t hurt me, not like John did. I trust him. “I’ll help however you need me.”

Ronny leans down, placing a soft kiss against my cheek and my face breaks out into a wide smile. I look up at him through my lashes, really wanting to feel his lips against my own again.

“Papa!”

I pull myself away reluctantly, holding out my arms as JJ runs over to us. I catch him in my arms, picking him up and hugging him tight. “Hi, baby!”

“I’m glad you’re human again. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, JJ. Have you met everyone? Is everyone treating you good?”

JJ gives me the toothiest grin as he starts telling me everything I’ve missed. “I love Lily so much, Papa. I want a baby for our family! A little brother or sister I can take care of. Lily is so cute but she has to drink blood,” he tells me, wrinkling his nose. I can’t help but snort with amusement, listening as he rambles and rambles.

My eyes meet Ronny’s over JJ’s head and I find him smiling at the two of us. A soft smile that also has a hint of longing in it. My heart clenches at the idea of Ronny longing to be part of this, to be part of our family.

Ronny and John are complete opposites and that somehow soothes my anxiety over this entire situation. Lady Fate couldn’t rescue me from John, but she saw fit to bring me someone who would be soft with me, to help heal the wounds that John left.

I’m terrified, but I’m also willing to let Ronny in. And as soon as my heat is through, I plan on sitting Ronny down and explaining everything that’s happened to bring me here. But for now, I’ll worry about taking care of myself with his help.

We make our way back over to camp. “Hey, guys,” I say, waving at everyone. “It’s nice to officially meet you now that I’m in a form that can talk.”

Jeff stands up, walking over to me. He holds out his hand. “I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he says. “I’m Jeff. And before we get into anything more I just want to say that you’re welcome here with us.” The seriousness of the statement hits me full force and emotions threaten to choke me. “You’re safe here. And I think it goes without saying that we’re a family. A weird, mismatched family of fuck ups. Sorry, JJ, don’t say that word.”

“I won’t,” he says right away, making us chuckle.

“You’re a part of that now,” Jeff says softly. “And I want you to know that that’s okay. You’re welcome here, alright?”

I clear my throat, hoping my eyes aren’t actually as watery as they feel. “Okay. That sounds good.”

“Hopefully it’s okay for me to say that,” Jeff says with a warm chuckle. “I don’t want to step on any toes or put my nose where it doesn’t belong. But Axel is very good at sensing these things. Plus,” he says, tapping his nose. “There’s no rush and no expectations. But I wanted you to know you’re safe here with us.”

“Thank you,” I say, not knowing what else to say, unable to articulate what this means to me. “Thank you, Jeff.”

He reaches out, squeezing my shoulder. The next wave of my heat is starting to make itself known. Add that with the emotions hitting me full force in the chest leaves me feeling overwhelmed. All I can do is smile back at Jeff, hoping he realizes just what his words mean to me.

“I hate to ask this since I’ve only just gotten back on my feet. Literally. But my heat is here. Would it be alright if JJ stays in your RV tonight?”

I can sense Ronny shifting nervously beside me and I reach out, squeezing his arm. His face is bright red and he’s looking down at the ground. My poor mate. I’ll do my best not to embarrass him.

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