37. Raul

37

RAUL

A war of emotions had broken out within me. It wasn't the regular type of war. Nobody would be killed or wounded fighting it. Joy, relief and happiness had come together, and they struggled for which one would prevail in this strange battle.

To be honest, I couldn't care less about who the winner would be. My healer had returned, and I had another chance. Why should I wonder about all these enormous feelings in my heart? They were mine and they had kicked out fear and uncertainty alike. If they fought each other all night long, it was fine by me.

We kissed for a long time. Kissed as the dusk fell darker around us. The sounds of the mountain and the forest a background chorus for our celebration of us. Her lips were so soft and sweet, I could have stayed there all night, doing nothing more than tasting her. Filling my nose with the delicious scent of her. But time waited for no man and no shifter. The night was cool, and she shivered in my arms.

"We should go," I murmured, between soft kisses.

"Hmm," she hummed into my mouth, not stopping.

That was the moment I knew I had to be in control. It was clear she didn't want this to end any more than I did, but for her own good we should get inside. She was not dressed to be out in the chilly air, and it was only going to get colder as the night deepened.

"Okay, we're going," I said at last, breaking the kiss at last.

"If you insist…" she said, trailing off and leaving no doubt where her thoughts were at.

A grin spread over my face, and I couldn't keep a growl out of my mouth.

"There's a fireplace and a really nice rug…" I said letting the rest of my thought hang in the night air.

"Oh," she said, flashing a coy smile. "Mr. Crawford, are you suggesting…"

"An offer," I said. "Only an offer."

She batted her eyes in a playful manner then we both broke into laughter, neither of us able to keep the ruse up any longer. I took her hand and led her back to my bike. I took it easy going down the mountain. Not for any fear of safety, the bike and the road were both second nature to me and I could have navigated it blindfolded, but because I was simply enjoying the ride. Enjoying the feel of her pressed against my back, her arms around my waist, the quick hints of her scent. It was simple, pure, and exhilarating and I could be just as happy if it never ended.

As we roared back into my neighborhood there was another surprise waiting.

Not really surprising, is it? I thought to myself.

Helena's shadow spread across the concrete of my front yard as its owner sauntered past Sam's cabin. She had her eyes glued to us as I pulled up and parked the bike.

"Let me guess," I said, the buzzing of the thunder headers still in my ears. "You knew Monica would come back."

"Of course I did," she said, shaking her head. "Wouldn't be much of a witch if I couldn't foresee that one, now would I? Do I detect a hint of discomfort in your tone?"

"Yeah. You should have told me," I argued. "Why didn't you? I don't remember any rule against it."

"I beg to differ, first born," she said, narrowing her eyes, "there may not be a rule against it, but I came into your life to protect you from harm, not to meddle with your relationships."

The witch's words, as well as her superior attitude, raised my hackles. I swung off the bike and stalked towards her, anger rising. Monica moved quickly, putting herself between the two of us.

"I'm sorry to intervene, but maybe you did spoil him a little," Monica said with a smile that melted my anger like ice in a flame. "That's why he's complaining." She gave me a loving look before returning her attention to Helena. "Listen, can I have a word with you?"

My anger flared once again. I had had plans for how the rest of my evening would go and they had absolutely nothing to do with Helena. But then I realized I was at a crossroads. This was a moment that could change everything for me, and which path I chose and moved forward on would define Monica and I's relationship.

I'd lost her once. My arrogance and know best attitude had driven her away. It had placed a wedge between us and she'd left. I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.

"If Mr. Touchy is okay with it? Fine," Helena muttered, her gaze following me.

"I'll see you later," I said with a crooked smile.

I wasn't thrilled about leaving Monica or her being alone with the witch, but apparently, she had her own reasons for being secretive. In the end, I didn't need to know them. Besides I was too happy to bother with Helena's methods. Despite her secrecy, I couldn't deny she had been a tremendous help. There was no denying that without her, the outcome of the battle against Dorian's clan could have been much, much different.

I watched the two of them walk away, doing my best to be okay with it. This was going to be my life. Monica was no beta bitch, and I had to accept that if I was going to accept her. She was an Alpha in her own right; a woman in control of her own destiny and all I could expect or ask was that we walk our paths together, but they would still be our own paths.

I turned and went into the cabin. I needed to get that fire I had promised going anyway.