Page 36 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“I think I’d like being attacked by you as long as it ended up with me being able to kiss you.”
“I think I can manage that.” Jost suddenly yawned, and Apollo knew it was time for his mate to go home. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s getting late and we both need to be at work early tomorrow.” Apollo kissed his mate slowly but thoroughly, leaving Jost breathless when he pulled back. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
Jost beamed up at him, then returned his kiss. Okay, they could leave in ten minutes.
Chapter Seventeen
Joststaredathisovernight bag on his bed and again wondered if he was doing the right thing. They’d known each other a matter of weeks, and here he was about to spend the night. He’d done this with Jenrick, too. Ran before he could walk, but the feeling this time was different. He’d known what his instincts had been screaming at him back then was to walk away, but this time, they told him to carry on. Apollo wasn’t Jenrick, and Jost trusted his mate. His admission the previous week had surprised the hell out of him, but it had been instinctive to say it.
“Jost? Elvin Higgins is here to talk to you.” Jost turned to Ella, his brow furrowed. “It’s about you and Apollo.”
“How does he know?”
“I imagine Apollo said something to him. They’re both alphas, so Apollo may have mentioned it.”
“Oh yeah.” Jost glanced back at his bag, then back at Ella. “I’ll come now.” He followed her out of his bedroom, down the stairs, and into the living room, where Elvin sat waiting.
As soon as he entered, Elvin stood and smiled. “Hi, Jost. First, congratulations on your mating with Apollo. He’s a good shifter. Second, why didn’t you say anything?” The question was asked in a soft voice, and Jost remembered Elvin knew what he’d gone through. He’d been there to make sure Jenrick had left.
“I wanted to be sure after everything.” Elvin sat and patted the seat next to him. Jost sat and let Elvin hug him. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Anyone who knows what you endured will understand why you hesitated, but let me put your mind at rest. I’ve met a lot of alphas, or leaders, as some prefer to be called, and I’d say Apollo is one of the best I’ve met. He came into his dazzle at a difficult time and held them together.”
Apollo had kept that quiet. “I didn’t know about that.”
“He doesn’t talk about it. He was voted in when the old dazzle leader had almost bankrupt them and there was tension in the dazzle. I’m sure in time he’ll tell you about it, but he’s earned my trust and if I have an issue, he is someone I know I can talk to. I can’t imagine a better mate for you than him. You’ve done well, Jost.”
Jost leaned close and whispered, “he said we can go slow.”
“See,” Elvin murmured. “A good man and shifter. He puts you and your needs above his own.” Elvin tucked a lock of Jost’s hair behind his ear and smiled. “I’m happy for you. Really happy. Take all the time you need.”
Jost nibbled his bottom lip. “I’m staying over at his place tonight. He said we don’t have to, you know and…” Jost felt his face heat up, but this was his alpha, a shifter who had seen him at his lowest point. “I trust him to keep his word.”
“Good. And if he doesn’t, which is highly unlikely, let me know and I’ll have a word with him.” Elvin growled his last words out and Jost shook his head. “You saying I can’t tell him off?”
“No, but he won’t do anything unless I tell him to. I know.” If it was possible, Jost’s face heated up even more.
Elvin gave him a knowing smile and patted his leg. “I’m repeating myself, but I’m so happy for you. You deserve someone who will cherish you for the amazing shifter you are.” Elvin stood and Jost followed him, then yelped when Elvin hugged him tight. “Enjoy this time. Let him court you.”
Elvin stepped back. “I’m off. I have a million things to do and no time to do them in.” He grinned. “I’ll speak to you again, Jost, and Anslem? When you have five minutes, can you go over those figures?”
“Of course I will, Elvin, and it was nice to see you. We know how busy you are.”
Elvin squeezed Jost’s shoulder and waved to Ella, then quickly left. Jost collapsed on the sofa, then smiled. “I sometimes forget how busy he is.”
“Well, he has two businesses and runs the pack. I think he needs to delegate some responsibility, but you know what he’s like. A true alpha to the core.”
Ella held her hand out and Jost took it, squeaking when she pulled him up. “Someone needs to get ready.” She hugged him and whispered, “I like the way he looks at you.”
“Mom,” Jost whined, but he smiled too, because he liked the way Apollo looked at him too. “I need to get ready.”
“Go, and remember to call if you don’t want to stay over.” Ella stroked a hand over his head and Jost leaned into her touch. “Stay safe.” He heard her voice waver and hugged her. She’d been there every day as he’d put himself back together and learned to live life again.
“I will. I think this time, though, you don’t need to worry.”
“I will always worry because you’re my son.” Ella sniffed then pulled back and straightened Jost’s T-shirt. “Now go and get ready. Don’t keep him waiting.”
