Page 138 of Dream Girl
“I’m unsure about this–bringing someone new into the pack. I don’t know Grace at all. She’s this little wispy, capricious, force of nature, and the unpredictability terrifies me.” He exhaled sharply and tipped his forehead to mine, still holding my hands.
“I hear you. Change is scary.” That was quite an admission on his part.
“There’s also… I can’t help but feel like there’s something still off about Grace.” His brow furrowed.
“Grace’s story is complicated, and I’m sure she’ll share it with everyone in time,” I replied. “She and Wes still have a lot to work out.” At some point, we’d have to explain everything to everyone if we were going to make this work.
“What if we bring her in, accept her, and eventually she leaves because they’re irreconcilable?” Brennan pushed. “Mates still have issues. Being soulmates doesn't automatically mean a relationship will work.”
“Cynical much, Bren?” My eyebrows rose.
But he had a point. Relationships were work. A bite and a bond weren’t the magic fix many thought it was.
“You’re right, opening your heart to love also means opening your heart to heartbreak,” I added.
“I don’t want her to break your heart,” he murmured.
So much came through the bond–like worry.
Putting my head on his shoulder, I brought our bodies together, wrapping my arms around him, the fabric of his shirt soft against my bare chest. “I don’t want her to break my heart either, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to love her. I’m not going to stop loving you. Sure, I enjoy doing things with her–going to the spa was fun. But I’m not going to stop spending time with you and Jett. Promise.”
He buried his face in my hair. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
“Please do. I don’t want to slight anyone inadvertently.”
“I missed you tonight.” His erection pressed into my leg, his hands running down my bare back.
I looked up so our faces touched, breathless as his alpha pheromones put my cock on high alert. “The night’s not over yet.”
“We’re good?” He pressed his body into me, his hands resting on my ass, as he nibbled on my ear.
“We’re good, just try, please. Also, let her know you don’t hate her?” My eyes closed, and I ground into him, my need increasing.
He trailed kisses down my neck, his arousal intensifying. “Fine. Now, what do you need?”
Desire consumed me. “You, Alpha. I need you.”
He took my hand. “I need you, too. Let’s go to bed.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Grace
Opening the oven, I checked the cookies. Today was the first day I’d been home alone all day.
It had been nice to have some time to myself. Evan had asked me to watch a bunch of videos and Spencer sent me project information to read over. I’d checked in with Mrs. Beekman, did my assignment for Luc the integration counselor, and then Jetthad texted asking me if I’d bake the chocolate crinkle cookies he liked so much.
Still, I’d taken a bubble bath, eaten the takeout Wes had delivered to me as a treat, read one of this world’s romance novels while in the window seat, listened to music, and played the piano.
So nice.
The door to the garage opened. A moment later, Jett came into the kitchen, carrying bags of groceries.
“Need me to get the rest from the car?” I asked as I removed the tray of cookies from the oven.
“No, this is it.” He set the bags on the counter and looked at what I was doing. “Ooh, cookies?”
“As requested. I’ll put the cookies on the racks to cool in a moment. Is the kitchen table a good place?” I had towels and cookie racks all set up.
