Page 33 of Lucky Dance Date
He growled low at the insult.
“I’m headed to the police department before classes tomorrow to talk with the officer and get it on record so that we have a paper trail if we need to file a harassment claim against them.”
José shifted, then leaned in to kiss me.
I hummed happily as our lips parted. “What was that about?”
“I’m proud of you,” he replied. “You were so scared to stand up for them that mailing that letter was hard, but you’re growing stronger and more confident every day. You’re flourishing, and it’s beautiful to see.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I said.
José shook his head. “No, you could have, and I know eventually you would have. I didn’t give you anything you didn’t already have inside, be it strength or determination. Remember, you mailed that letter on your own, I was just there to remind you that you wouldn’t be alone.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Anything for you.”
“Anything?” I teased.
One of José’s eyebrows went up. “What are you thinking, omega-mine?”
“Brownies, with whipped cream.”
He laughed. “Is that all?”
“First in the kitchen, then in the bedroom.”
He stared, then laughed. “Home made, or shall I head to the store for some brownie bites?”
I crawled across his lap, running my palm over his developing bulge as I did. “Do you think you can walk around the grocery store like this?” I asked, giving him a squeeze for emphasis.
José hissed in a breath, then smiled. “I’ll go preheat the oven.”
I chuckled as he hopped up to rush to the kitchen.
There were still things we were working on: José’s lingering guilt, and my process of decoupling my life from my parents’. But I knew in my heart that mating José was the right choice.
He was my mate—my alpha— and I couldn’t imagine anybody better.
∞∞∞
~December~
I watched my group of elementary-aged kids as they danced around the room, scrutinizing their movements to correct any lingering mistakes.
It was their last studio-practice before their winter performance of The Nutcracker, and I wanted to make sure they were as ready as possible before the dress-rehearsal.
I noticed one of my shy students, Trevor, attempting to hide. But it made him stand out rather than blend in with the others.
I clapped my hands and my assistant instructor—Raven—turned off the music.
I stood, adjusted my stomach, and strode to the floor. “Big movements Trevor,” I said. “I know it’s scary, but you’re in the mouse army. Now watch.”
I took a deep breath and ignored a twinge in my back. The steps were simple, and I wasn’t going to do any jumps so it was safe to do.
I made my way through the first steps, then reached the first pirouette, which I skipped. I extended my arms, then cried out.
The kids all squealed in surprise.
