Dark Fates (A Paranormal Anthology)(74)

Jasmine pulled out two bottles of water and handed her one. “Luna couldn’t take it away from the kids. So Keegan and a couple of sentries will be there, too.”

A sense of guilt filled her. Jas would be alone. “What are you going to do tonight?”

The other female studied her for a long moment, a slow smile lifting her lips. “You have a date.”

Cora picked at her water bottle. “I can stay….”

“No way. You’re not getting out of it that easy. It’s about time you gave into Torin. I mean, the male has been chasing you for the last few months.” Jasmine tried to hide her smile behind the bottle. She failed terribly when it came to teasing Cora about Torin.

“Well he isn’t leaving much room for me to run anymore. Working on the security system means also working with him.” She sighed and leaned against the counter. “I don’t know how to handle him. He’s so much male and dominant.”

Jasmine laughed. “You don’t handle a male like Torin. You tease, love, and bite him.”

Desire settled in her abdomen and traveled farther south. The thought of sinking her teeth into his flesh made her ache all over.

“I don’t have bite.”

“Yes, you do. Be yourself, and do whatever comes natural. But never, ever let him push you. Don’t be afraid to push back. Dominant males like for their females to put them in their place from time to time.” Jasmine leaned into her so their shoulders touched.

Cora rested her head on her friend’s shoulder. “What will I talk about? All I can think when I’m around him is how I want him naked, and I want to run away at the same time.”

Jasmine laughed. “Talk to him about Jason and your family.”

Heart stuttering, Cora went to move away, but Jasmine wrapped an arm around her, holding her in place. “You have to talk to someone. Torin knew your parents, worked with them on occasion. He was also friends with Jason. I bet he hurts from their loss, too.”

Cora stilled, her heart breaking. Pain consumed her at the thought of her family, but Jasmine was right, and so was Keegan. It was time to let them go, honor the happy memories and their love. Hugging her roommate and best friend, Cora nodded. “I’ll try.”

“It was so hard right after my parents died. I see both of them in the twins every day. But I had them to think about, so I forced us to talk about them, keep their memories alive.” Jasmine sniffed and pulled back, tears in her eyes. “It was also the strength of the Pack and their love that helped.”

The doorbell rang, sending Cora’s heart to her feet. Quickly she wiped her cheeks as Jasmine let Torin in. She turned to see him glancing between her and Jasmine.

“What happened?”

Jas rolled her eyes spoke up. “Can’t we have girl talk with a few tears without something being wrong?”

He shook his head. “Females and your emotions.”

Mischief sparked within the depths of his silver stare, telling her he was teasing them. Relaxing, she advanced toward the door, but stopped when Torin stepped into her path. Confusion clouded her thoughts, while desire for this male lit up her insides.

He held a hand out to her and softened his usual stern expression. “How was work?”

“Good. Actually great.” She smiled and took his hand, fighting off a groan at the connection.

Jasmine kissed her on the cheek and whispered, “Have fun. I’m going to hang out with Cam and Shay, eat chocolate ice cream, and pick out baby names for Cam’s triplets.”

“Triplets?” Cora and Torin said simultaneously.

Jasmine giggled and pointed at Torin. “His expression almost matched Blaine's and Graham’s when they found out.”

The left side of Torin’s mouth lifted. “I’m happy for them, but they’re going to have their hands full.”

Indeed. Cora loved kids and thought she would even make a great mother one day, but she couldn’t imagine being one until much later. Lifting her gaze, she met Torin’s stare and quickly turned away. Nope, definitely not ready for motherhood.

“Have fun with your girls’ night.” Cora hugged Jasmine, then moved past Torin, careful not to touch him, and went to wait for him by his truck.

The moment he emerged from the apartment, her heartbeat sped up. He stalked toward her, his gaze fixed on her like she was a prize he looked forward to claiming. Her palms went damp, and her stomach twisted in knots. She wondered how upset he’d be if she bailed on him to hang out with Jasmine and the other females.

When he stopped in front her, he ran his knuckles down her cheek. She tried to suppress a quiver at the soft, warm caress, but failed.

He drew his brows together. “You don’t have to come to dinner with me.”

“What?” Caught off guard by his hushed statement, she studied him. He gave her a choice, always had given her a choice. Not once did he demand anything from her. Yes, he pushed her, taunted her with those sexy smiles and low growls, but never made her do anything she didn’t want.

How did she repay him? She ran.

Not anymore. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her spine, raised her chin, and stared into his gaze until her wolf whimpered. “I want to have dinner with you. I’m done running.”

The next moment he had her flattened against the truck, and his lips covered hers in a searing kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, threading her fingers through his blond hair and drawing him closer as she opened for him.