Her Guardian Angel (Fire and Snow)(21)

Jake did his best to hold off his laugh, but Dominic, frozen in shock, was funny as hell. After a moment or two, Dominic shook his head and focused on him.

"You sure, Dad? You won't miss it?"

"Hell yeah, I'll miss it, but I'll still hang around to volunteer and help out when I can--you won't be rid of me that easy."

"When will it be official? Who knows about it?"

"Just as soon as you say yes it will be official. And I haven't told anyone yet--except your mother of course. Thought you would like the pleasure of that task. Perhaps dinner down at Top Pub? Maybe you could convince your lovely little mate to stop ignoring you for the night?" Jake finished on a chuckle. The last couple of weeks had been highly entertaining watching Dominic try to get Adele's attention and Adele trying to avoid Dominic's. Jake wasn't worried though. They were mates, so sooner or later Adele wouldn't be able to resist and would cave in to Dominic.

"I wish, Dad. She's still ignoring me. I got one amazing kiss three weeks ago. Then the next day she had closed right up on me."

"Talk to Kit, she'll be able to convince her into coming along with her. Adele is still living with her, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she sure is. Do you need me for anything right now or can I go start planning for tonight?"

"You're good to go, son, enjoy your freedom while you can," Jake said with a wink and a chuckle as his son all but ran from the room.

~ * ~

As Adele stood in front of Top Pub with Kit, she wondered how the hell she'd let Kit persuade her into this one. Oh yeah, that's right, she was half in love with Dominic after their one and only--albeit toe-curling--kiss three weeks ago and couldn't seem to keep herself away from him. Kit nudged her toward the door while whispering in her ear.

"C'mon, Adele, you know what you really want to do--and it ain't hanging out here on your own." Adele glanced over her shoulder, glaring at Kit, her new best friend, as she raised her hand to open the door. Since moving to town and staying with Kit, they had bonded. Adele felt like Kit was her sister, the one person she could open up to without fear of judgment or rejection. She knew Kit would keep her secrets; she didn't even freak out when Adele had confessed to her about her dreams of snow leopards.

"That's what scares me, Kit. I shouldn't want what I want".

Kit gave her a wide grin and a wink as they entered the pub that was full to capacity for Dominic's promotion celebration.

~ * ~

Dominic knew the moment Adele entered the pub. He'd felt her presence long before he managed to catch sight of her. After about ten minutes of watching her mingle with the others, he started to head towards her--no way could she avoid him at his own damn party, that's for sure. She spun around to face him as he approached her. Hmm, good to know she could feel his presence too. Kit was standing behind Adele and winked at him over her head so she didn't see. What the hell was that about? He didn't have time to work it out as his mate's delicate scent was calling him: natural woman with just a hint of vanilla, so subtle it must be her soap not a perfume. No shifter liked his nose offended by heavy perfume on his mate, especially when her natural scent was so damn irresistible.

"Congratulations, Dominic, our new captain." Adele's sweet voice was like a gentle caress over his skin.

She stood on her tiptoes, placed her hands on his pectorals and chastely kissed Dominic's cheek. Dominic couldn't resist. He wrapped an arm firmly around her waist, lifted her up and pulled her close so they were touching from chest to hip. His other hand wrapped possessively around her neck before he splayed his fingers into her hair. He put his mouth near her ear and whispered quietly so only she could hear him.

"Please, Adele, stop fighting against us. I promise I will never hurt you. Please come out with me on Saturday? Nothing big, I promise. We'll just go for a hike up near the lake, and I'll bring a picnic for lunch. Keep it nice and casual." He could hear the edge of desperation in his voice, but he didn't care. He needed his mate in his arms; needed to claim her.

Dominic turned her face as he nibbled his way from her ear to her mouth. He gave her a quick but passionate kiss he was sure they both felt down to their souls.

"Okay." Adele breathed out once he released her lips.

Dominic grinned like a fool, he was so happy. She'd said yes.

"I'll pick you up at ten Saturday morning; make sure you wear your hiking boots."

He gave her another quick kiss before returning her feet to the ground, releasing her from his arms. His eyes followed her as she wandered over to the bar to get herself a drink. He smelled Kit as he felt her laced hands come to rest on his shoulder, her cheek resting on them.

"So, she's finally weakening to your charms, Dominic. Where are you taking her?" Without removing his gaze from watching Adele's every move, he answered in a quiet voice.