Chapter Eight

James

I run.

I run for hours until my wolf is beyond the point of tired and I can easily shift back to my human form. I had to do it. I knew at that moment in April's kitchen, if I stayed, I would take her.

But now that my beast has been brought to heel, I return to her home. I need to make sure I didn't hurt or scare her this morning. I grab a pair of sweatpants from the clothing at the back gate before I make my way through the compound to her home. It's well after midnight and I know I need to head to Peyton's house, but I can't seem to force my feet to follow that path. Instead, I let my feet lead me. I walk around April's house checking that the windows are closed and the doors are locked.

When I get to the back door, I am surprised to find April sleeping outside in one of the wooden deck chairs, a pink wool blanket pulled over her sleeping form.

She is dreaming, a frown on her face, and I want to comfort her, but we aren't there yet.

A mewling sound falls from her lips and all my thoughts from a moment ago fall away. I can't stand here and listen to her struggle and not do something about it. Gently, I lift her into my arms before carrying her into the modest little house. Walking down the hallway, I open first one door and then the next before finding the room with the large four-poster bed and its pure white bedding.

Striding across the polished wood floor I walk to the edge of the bed before placing her on it. I want to slip in beside her and hold her through the night, but I know she won't appreciate the invasion. She is probably already going to be pissed off that I'm in here.

I should leave.

Turning to do that, a small hand grabs my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. Looking down, I see that April is awake and staring at me.

"Are you leaving?" she whispers.

"I think it would be best."

"I'm sorry about this afternoon," she says softly, pushing herself upright. "I'd hoped you would come back so I could apologize."

"Is that why you were sleeping outside? Because you were waiting for me?" I ask, shocked and a little touched.

She nods quickly. "I don't know what I'm doing but I do know I don't want you to be angry at me."

I cup her face, forcing her to look at me. "Little one, I could never be angry at you for saying what you're thinking or feeling."

A soft smile curves her lips. "I can't stop thinking about the way you kissed me," she whispers.

"Fuck," I mutter lowly. "I shouldn't have done that." Sadness clouds her eyes and I want to kick my own ass. "I wanted to but it's too soon, April. You aren't ready yet," I clarify, trying to erase the hurt.

"I may never be ready," she says with a frown. "There are so many things against us that it may never be the right time, but I don't want to lose you. I want my mate. I want you."

A groan falls from my lips as her words wrap around my old soul and soothe over past wounds I didn't even know I had.

"And what about taking it slow?" I ask. "What about getting to know each other?"

"Will that change how you feel about me?"

"I don't think anything could ever do that," I reply honestly.

"Then I don't understand the problem. You told me to come to you when I was ready. I spent the entire day thinking this through and I don't see anything changing. So, unless you want to refuse me…"

****

April

The words fall from my lips, and I hope they will push him over the edge.

"April," he says with a sigh, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "This is a big decision. And even though I am happy you want me to be your mate as the Goddess has decided, you should take more time to make sure."

"If you feel that way, you should probably leave," I say softly but in the back of my mind a plan is already formulating. "Can I ask for a favor before you do?"

"Anything, little one."

"I want you to kiss me again."

"April…"

"No, James. I know you're in control of your animal, you damn near ran him ragged today, so it's just you and me," I say, cutting him off. "You may be able to hold out for days or weeks more but I'm not sure I can."

He studies me closely before grabbing my hand and pulling me onto his lap. James stares into my eyes, looking for any lingering doubt, but I know he won't find any. I've set my mind to keeping my mate and nothing will keep me from my goal.

"Just kissing. April, I'm serious. I won't claim you until you are completely sure this is what you want."

"I'm sure of what I want," I say softly, my animal purring inside me and projecting the sound outward. "But I'll wait for you to believe me."

His left hand tilts my chin up, tipping my head back, before his lips softly caress mine. It's the most beautiful, intimate moment I have ever had. My heartbeat thumps in my chest and I'm instantly breathless, my breasts heaving.

He pulls away slowly, looking at me with those pale grey eyes, and I can't help the blush that burns across my cheeks.

"You need to tell me if I'm doing something wrong," I say softly. "It's only my second kiss."

A low rumble builds in his chest before he slams his lips down on mine once more.

"You can't say stuff like that, little one," he chastises once he pulls away.

"Why?" I ask playing dumb and fighting a smile.

I know how men's minds work and I know exactly the effect my words and our kissing are having on James. If I can push him a little further, he will cave and claim me.

His hand fists in my hair harshly, holding me in place as he frowns at me. "Don't be a brat, April," he grumbles. "You know I can smell that wet virgin cunt. I don't need the words to remind me."

"James," I mewl, my hips shooting forward involuntarily.

"April…"

"Please," I beg softly.

His other hand massages my ass cheek, pulling me harder against his erection as his lips kiss along my throat. A loud moan falls from my lips, and he growls in my ear before nipping at the lobe.

"Ride me, little one. Grind that needy pussy against my hard cock," he whispers in my ear sending goose bumps skittering across my skin.

"Yes," I hiss, rocking against him.

I hate the material separating my skin from his and rip my tank top over my head before he can stop me. His gaze is drawn to my uncovered breasts, and I know I am pushing my luck.

Lying back, he smirks at me, his hands behind his head.

"I know what you're doing, April."

"I'm not doing anything," I retort with a moan.

"You're trying to break me," he says. "I'm not a boy, I can control myself."