Storm carried her bag. It was lighter than when she’d first arrived. Many of her t-shirts, skirts, shorts, you name it, had been ripped to pieces. She was wearing her last pair of underwear. There was a lump in her throat. Her feet felt heavy and her heart heavier.

This was it.

The end.

She could do this. There was no way she was begging Storm to let her stay…for real. No way she was expressing her feelings for him. No way she was running after him. She'd done enough chasing in her life. It was her turn to be chased. There was someone out there who was going to love her and want her enough to pursue her. Someone who was going to appreciate her. Deep down she'd hoped that someone would be Storm. She swallowed down the lump.

He seemed completely relaxed. Head held high. Greeting the odd person. He slid his arm around her. It was moments like this that it felt like they were together. Really together. Sometimes when he looked in her eyes or touched the small of her back. When he kissed her. Especially when he kissed her. Whether hot and heavy or deep and tender. Those were the moments she felt the possibilities between them. When she felt herself wishing for more. It was stupid. She knew it was stupid, but she hadn’t been able to help it.

She spotted Beck and Flood. There were another two guys with them she didn’t recognize. Jolene waved and all the guys, barring Flood, waved back. Flood gave a deep nod of the head instead.

Storm tightened his arm around her and stopped walking. They’d technically said goodbye already. “This is it,” she said, trying hard to hold it together.

“Yes, this is it.” Storm swallowed hard. “You’re sure I can’t convince you to stay for another week?”

She shook her head. “No. Thank you. I had a really good time though.”

“Me too.” She wasn’t sure what she expected but having Storm fold his arms around her and hug her close was not it. A cocky smirk? Sure. An even cockier remark? Definitely. But this? No. He was breathing fast. His arms tightened even more. She hugged him right back, squeezing her eyes closed. Trying hard not to cry.

All too soon he was pulling away. “You need to take care of yourself.”

“Yeah, you too.” She nodded.

“I would tell you that everything you ever dreamed of is coming your way. A mate and babies…but I’m a selfish bastard. I don’t like thinking of you with another male.” His jaw had tightened. His eyes seemed darker.

She grit her teeth together to keep from talking. She didn’t have to be with anyone else. She could stay here with him. They could be very happy together. Shit! She was going to cry. Jolene sniffed and forced out a laugh. Amazed at how flippant it sounded. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that. You’ll mate the next girl you’re with. You’ll take part in another hunt, fully expecting to have a bit of fun,” she put on a voice, “and you’ll end up with her. Story of my life, remember?” She raised her brows.

“I wouldn’t be too sure.” He cupped her cheeks and looked her in the eyes. “I’m going to miss you, Sweet Lips.”

That lump in her throat grew impossibly big. “You’re going to miss my sweet lips alright.” It was her turn to make the silly remarks. It couldn’t be helped. It was that or cry.

“The sweetest.” His eyes were trained on her mouth. There were still no flippant remarks forthcoming. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her. It was sweet, soft and tender. It spoke of things that it really shouldn’t. Made her false promises. He ran a thumb along her bottom lip as he pulled back. “Go get that promotion and everything else you’ve been dreaming about.”

You. I’ve been dreaming of you.

“It’s all there waiting and you’re worth it.”

Shit! She sniffed and nodded. Then he was letting her go and taking her hand, so that he could lead her to the group of waiting dragon men.

He handed the bag to Beck. “You take good care of her.” His voice was a deep rasp.

“I will…” Beck narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to take Jolene back yourself?”

“We spoke about this and yes, I’m sure. You’re okay going with Beck and the rest of the males?” Storm looked down at her as he spoke.

I want to stay.

You want me to.

Why won’t you admit it?

“Yes, I’m fine with that.” She nodded.

“You sure…” Beck began.

“Very sure,” Storm snapped. “Get my female home safe. Follow your orders.”

“Yes, my lord.” Beck handed her bag to Flood.

“Does everyone know what’s expected of them?”

They all responded that they did. One of the guys took a step forward. “I am Bay and this is Harbor.”

“Good to meet you both.”

“If you are ready, Jolene,” Beck said, his eyes filled with what looked like pity. “We can head out.”

“I’m ready.” She nodded, squaring her shoulders. She didn’t need pity.

Storm brushed his lips against hers one last time. This was it. She turned away, tears stinging her eyes, not sure how much longer she could hold them back. Maybe the pity was fine since she was about to have a pity party.

The four men spread out and changed into their dragon forms. Flood took to the air, he clutched her bag in one of his claws. Beck leaped into the sky, hovering above her so that he could pick her up. He made one screeching roar before lifting. Then they were on their way. It didn't take long for the tears to fall. Hot and heavy. Her heart felt like it was being ripped from her chest. Jolene forced her eyes on the horizon ahead. No looking back.