Page 9 of Jabba's Journey

“What are you saying, Jabba?” I’m equal parts terrified and exhilarated. No matter what he says next, I need to pull my big girl panties up and accept it. It may take a minute for me to digest whatever it is, but this won’t be the first time I’ve taken a hit and swayed with the punch.

“You’re my mate.”

My upper body rocks backward and skepticism sets in. These things, these miraculous things don’t happen to me. I need him to be absolutely sure before I allow myself to accept this information as truth. “How can you be sure?”

Great, Electra. Such a smooth conversationalist. He’s a dang shifter and from all the lore I’m aware of, their mates emanate a particular scent just for them when they’re nearby. I briefly wonder what I smell like to him. I mean, if water is part of what he smells, that has no odor as a rule. So, does that mean I have no discernible essence I emit?

“Because to me, you smell like a warm, clean breeze, like freshly washed sheets hanging out, with a light, floral undertone. You smell like home to me, Electra.Myhome.”

“But how would that work, Jabba? You’re a shifter and I’m a witch. I don’t have that mate instinct inside of me like you do,” I reply.

Hope fills my heart as I wait for his response.

“I know you feel the connection between us,” he states.

“I do,” I admit. “But it’s not like one where I’m grateful that you rescued me. Oh, goddesses, I’m messing this up. What I mean is, Iamattracted to you, even though witches don’t have that intuition inside of them for their partner.”

“Harmony and Karsyn are both witches mated to wolves,” he replies to my earlier question. “So, the mate bond, once we complete it, that is, will grow within you, just like it has with them.”

“The mating draw. I’ve heard of that in my family’s grimoire,” I whisper. “There are legends that say the strongest coupling stems from a witch and shifter relationship. According to the lore that was passed down to my grandmother from her mother, you will find a large quantity of those relationships in great times of danger.”

Chapter Five

Jabba

Her words haveme wondering what else is in store for our respective clubs. We’ve already faced Death and beat him, now we’ve gone up against the Red Caps. Is there something coming that has the goddess Luna preparing us for? I need to let Cyrus know so we can begin planning and forming a defensive strategy. The best defense is a good offense and I trust my brothers, as well as Corbin’s club, to ensure that the women and children are safe.

My mind is in turmoil as I wonder if there is greater danger out there than any of us are aware of. It’s like once we discover one thing and solve it, another mystery pops up. Some days, it feels as if we’re fighting an enigma. We can’t protect ourselves against unknown forces if we don’t have any clues about what we’re battling against. There’s a bigger picture, one we aren’t privy to and that has me ready to dig an underground bunker and store the women and children inside of it until we make sure all threats to them have been neutralized.

One thing I know we’ll always take a stance against, and that’s our family being the object of another's malicious intentions. They are to be sheltered and kept safe at all cost, even if that means sacrificing ourselves.

“So, what you’re telling me is your lore is saying we’re a power couple?” I tease, deciding to lighten my thoughts as she now looks worried.

When she giggles, I find myself joining in, the freeing sound drawing me closer to her.

“It sounds funny when you put it like that,” she finally says. “I honestly thought I’d live my life alone, except for Sprinkles, of course.”

“Babe, you may be a cat lady, but you’re nowhere near the place in your life where you should even think you’d spend the rest of your life alone.”

“So, what are we going to do about this mate thing?” she probes, the insecurity in her eyes has me wanting to lift her into my arms and soothe her fears.

“We’re going to take our time and get to know one another first. I’m going to prove to you that you’re mine and I’m yours. By the time I’m done, you’ll never doubt what you mean to me,” I decree.

“You sure your wolf will be patient enough to give me time to wrap my head around this, Jabba?”

“He’s not going to have a choice. We’re both on the same page when it comes to you, Electra. Your happiness and comfort are our top priority.”

Her arousal flares and it takes everything in me not to cross the room, take her into my arms and make her mine. She’s still injured, and I have no desire to add to her pain since the mating dance isn’t gentle by any means.

“Can I leave the room?” she asks.

“Absolutely, let’s go down to the common room for a change of scenery,” I say, standing up and moving toward the bed to grab the tray.

She grins at me as I help her stand, needing to at least touch her. We talk about inconsequential things as I take her downstairs to the common room, then through to the kitchen so I can take care of her tray.

“Electra!” Jazzy exclaims, running through the back door into the kitchen. “Uncle Jabba!”

I swing her up into my arms and nuzzle her neck as she giggles. “What are you doing, pretty girl?” I ask, finally setting her back on her feet.

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