Page 18 of Delivered to My Shadow Unicorn Alphas

“May I have the first dance?” Shaman asked, standing to help her up.

“I was wondering how long it would take you. Of course. I’d love to.”

I watched as they got up and turned an upbeat song into a slow dance. While they had their time together, I cleaned up some of our dinner mess and helped the others picking up. Some of the little ones had sparklers and were writing their names in the darkness.

This was life. Not working. Not worrying. Not fretting over nonsense. This was living. Spending time with the people you loved. No one in need. Sharing yourself and your blessings. Peace. Music. Celebration.

I couldn’t imagine giving this up, but I would if it meant a lifetime with my mate.

While I helped Gillian slice the pies, I felt Amber’s touch on my arm and turned to see her. She had a slight sheen along her forehead.

“You’ve been busy. Want to dance with me, Juven?” Damn, I did love it when she said my name.

“Absolutely.”

Hand in hand, we walked to near the bonfire where couples were swaying to the music. I pulled her in close, and we began to move as though we’d practiced for years.

“Are you having a good time?” I asked, stroking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I am. This place is fantastic. What you all have built. It’s incredible. Like a utopia.”

“I’m so glad you like it, Amber. It’s important to us that you love it here. Makes it even better when you’re here.”

She nodded. “It’s so different from the city. And honestly, from being a human. It’s peaceful and there are no rigid rules. No expectations. Just freedom to be who you are.”

“That’s why we moved here. That and to keep ourselves hidden.”

We danced a few rounds in sweet silence until she wrapped her arms around my torso and squeezed, getting my attention. “So, how long is it going to take before you kiss me?”

“You read my mind.”

With my finger curled under her chin, I lifted it slightly and pressed my lips against hers—gently at first and then with more pressure. Moaning quietly, she licked at my bottom lip. I lifted her up and deepened the kiss, not caring if we had an audience. When I let her down, she started to retreat, but I kept my hands firm on her back. “Not yet, baby. We don’t want to make a scene.”

Her eyes got wide. “Oh. Oh. Glad to know I have that effect on you.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m a hot-blooded shifter, and you’re my mate. Beautiful. Kind. Loving. I can’t help myself.

“I hope you know that I really care about you and Shaman too.”

“We can feel it,” I answered, pressing her hand to my chest. “Our animals can too.”

I noticed everyone around us was packing up and gathering their young. The bonfire was only embers and the moon was at the peak of the sky. “It looks like everyone is going home.”

“It’s getting late. Let’s follow their lead.”

We brought Amber home and at the top of the stairs, we all paused. I didn’t want to sleep alone, especially when our mate was under our roof, but she wasn’t ready. We were taking all of this at her pace. She would let us know when she wanted to mate, just like she found me when she wanted to dance.

“Good night, mate,” Shaman whispered and was the first to walk away.

“Good night, Shaman. Juven.”

Still, she hesitated, but I moved first to go to my room. Hardest thing I’d ever done.

Chapter Eighteen

Amber

Next morning, I left bright and early because I had to go to work. But when I came downstairs, prepared to thank them and leave, I found the table set for breakfast, Juven sitting there with a cup of coffee, and Shaman standing at the stove scrambling eggs.

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