Page 56 of Sunshine

Ms. Renata approached me with her own tasting plate. “She’ll make a beautiful addition to your pack.”

I huffed a quiet laugh. “She’s still a bit…skittish.”

“All things in time, you taught me that.” Ms. Renata smiled, her eyes twinkling. “This food is divine. Logan out did himself.”

“I’ll make sure you have some to-go trays for your trouble.” I nodded. “It was quite wonderful of you to open up the house early for this set up.”

She took a bite out of a chocolate chip cookie. “I’m being well rewarded, I assure you.”

I smiled, but at that moment, through the mate bond, I felt Julian get tense. I shared a glance with Logan. Julian was at work, and he must be out on a call. He struggled to feel calm and controlled when he was called out, even though he never showed it outwardly.

I took in a deep breath and let it out. I would never stop Julian from following his dream, but it was so hard when I knew he was in danger, and I couldn’t be there. Loving a person was like handing them your heart and praying it came back in one piece.

I looked at Sunshine, thinking about how her last pack had betrayed her in the worst way possible. No wonder she was skittish. She had given them her heart and they had thrown it into the dirt.

The impromptu party continued as I chatted with Logan and Ms. Renata. After a little while, I looked around for Sunshine, and when I didn’t see her, I decided to let my alpha instincts out a bit.

Using her sky and linen scent as my guide, I left the front room and followed her aroma to the next room over.

Through the floor to ceiling French doors was a balcony, overlooking the cliffs. I paused on the threshold. Sunshine was leaning on the railing, looking out at the ocean. Her shoulders were relaxed, and her breathing even, so I didn’t think she was upset.

“Room for one more?” I cocked my head.

She looked over her shoulder. “Always. I just needed some air.”

I strolled over and leaned my elbows onto the balcony’s marble railing, matching her position. I also stood closer than was generall considered polite, but I didn’t want to be polite. I wanted her to know she was mine. Mine and my pack’s.

“You did well.”

“I’m glad I was able to come up with something.” Sunshine nodded, watching the ocean breaking against the cliffs. “You were a huge help, Luca. Seriously, thank you.”

“You can have anything you want.” I watched her intently.

She looked at me, the same surprise and shock on her face as earlier. She bit her lip and looked down at the railing.

Slowly, I told myself. Slowly. Give her space to feel comfortable. I edged my hand resting on the railing closer to hers.

She watched my movement, her entire gaze focused on the inch of space between our two hands.

“I told Julian I got Mrs. Cullen’s approval.”

“Good.” I smiled, shifting my hand closer. “He’s on a call right now, but he’ll reply when he’s back.”

She checked her phone, probably for a text message from our omega.

“I felt it.” I tapped the center of my chest. “He gets really focused.”

“Oh.” Concern filtered on her face. “That must be really hard.”

“It is.” I chuckled. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I don’t expect him to drop everything he’s doing just to reply.” Sunshine tucked some of her blonde hair out of her face. The wind was surprisingly calm, this close to the ocean.

“He was sad he couldn’t be here.” I brushed my fingertips against hers. We’d snuggled on the couch, but this somehow felt more intimate. Harder to brush off as casual.

Sunshine’s breathing measured out, and she looked at our hands touching. “When you came over to Cosmic Bonds earlier in the day. Last week.”

“Yes?”

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