Eventually we made it back to the bed. I bit my lip as I ran my eyes over him. He laughed before reaching out a hand and clasping my face gently. He pulled me up to meet him halfway. His lips pressed into my own as he expertly seduced me with his kisses. This time there was no pausing, our bodies needing this after all the time apart, the reassurance that we were both together and that the bond was intact. The only break was when I had a moment of clarity and asked about birth control.
He shook his head. “Walkers make the choice to create life. I would have to release energy at the exact moment, otherwise there’s no chance of a baby.” He ran his hand gently down my body, distracting me. “And there are no diseases that we need to worry about.”
Our bodies moved closer and just when I thought I couldn’t take any more the final moment came. The pain was brief as my body adjusted, and then there was only pleasure. It surrounded me, blocking every sense, shutting out the world and all my worries. I shattered beneath him, and was surprised as he too lost control. When he said my name, I think my heart swelled to breaking point.
Exhaustion overtook me as we lay there, and just before I closed my eyes, surrendering to the darkness, I whispered to him, “Best night ever.”
His chuckle was the last thing I heard as he pulled me close. The golden glow surrounded us, tightening its loving embrace.
Chapter 13
“Tell me everything. Don’t leave one word out.”
Talina and Lucy had just cornered me in the cinema room. Lucy had knocked me to the ground and was sitting on me firing questions. I managed to lift my head and look between them. Lucy’s eye didn’t look too bad today but it would have been a decent shiner without the help of the gel pack.
“Seriously? Why would you want to know about my sex life?” I didn’t bother to struggle. I knew my friend and she was far more determined than I was.
Lucy’s brow furrowed. “Uh, because we’re girls, you’re our best friend and ...” She paused, glancing at Talina.
“Because we have no choice but to live vicariously through you,” Talina added.
I sighed. “You’re not going to give this up, are you?”
They shook their heads.
“Alright, I’ll dish, just get your ass off me.”
Lucy’s slight weight lifted and I dragged myself over to the couch. Rubbing my burning eyes, I leaned my head back. I was strangely tired, but at the same time invigorated. Brace and I had stayed all night at the snow cabin, and it had been sort of magical. The brilliance of the night sky had kept me mesmerized, along with my mate, so I hadn’t had much sleep. I’d only been back at the house for ten minutes before this ambush occurred.
On the couch Lucy and Talina crowded in on either side of me. Looking at their eager faces I had to smile at these crazies I called friends. I spoke quickly, trying to find the words to describe the best night of my life. I might have left a few of the moments out, the ones I really wanted to keep private.
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” Lucy sighed. “He built you a dream home.”
“He said he loved you.” Talina sighed as well. “I wish I knew what happened to Ladre.”
She didn’t mention him a lot, but I knew he was often in her thoughts.
“We’ll find out one day, Talli.” I gave her a hug.
“At least you don’t have to worry about the love of your life turning into a traitorous bastard who will be sliced and diced into ten pieces the next time I see him.” Lucy stared at her nails; they were bright orange.
First World had this machine which tinted your nails, skin or hair. Lucy loved hers and almost every day had different colored nails.
“I want to see this cabin, Abbs. We need to have a sleepover under the stars. After you wash the sheets, of course.” She wrinkled her nose.
Shaking my head, I elbowed her in the side. “What you both need is a new love interest.” I changed the subject.
I wanted to see them happy and just because I was off the market didn’t mean they couldn’t branch out and have some fun.
“Well –” Lucy started.
But before she could finish we were interrupted.
Josian strode through the doorway. “I’ve been looking for you three. We have things to discuss. Everyone’s in the sitting room.”
He waved us out the door, bringing up the rear so we couldn’t escape. I skipped every second step on the way downstairs and managed not to fall. As I walked into the room, I noticed the Reds were missing. They must already be off informing everyone of the Walker gathering.
I sat on the long couch, Talina and Lucy squishing in next to me. Brace was against the wall, Lucas beside him. They were having a discussion, but Brace caught my eye, locking me in his gaze. The slightest smile crossed his lips and, before I could stop myself, images flooded my mind and the blush spread like a sunrise across my face.