CHAPTER 10
Stracey
I’ve spent the last sixty-three minutes watching Jasper sleeping beside me on the relaxing reclining chairs. Anyone can see he’s absolutely shattered. I don’t even want to think about the way he was treated, because that just boils my blood and leaves me feeling out of control, and my grandmother taught me to never lose control, because it makes me vulnerable. I rest my head back, imagining what my grandmother would say to me right now. She would’ve given me a piece of her mind for treating Jasper the way I did last weekend. My flight mode kicked in, leaving my fighting side defenceless. I couldn’t see another way to protect me and Jasper, but I fear I’ve pushed him away for good.
I lift my hand slowly and place it over his. His hands are large, very soft, and for a man, they’re beautiful. I can just picture these hands on my body, taking my clothes off, making me forget everything bad in this world, because just having Jasper around starts that process.
I close my eyes, never releasing Jasper’s hand. I want him to wake up and feel our connection. I want him to see that I need him more than anything in this world. I don’t just want to be his soulmate. I want to be his friend, lover, and protector. I want every title known to man. I can’t help the way my mind works when I’m this close to the only man I’ve ever loved.
The only man I ever will love.
***
“Strace…”
I jerk myself awake and try to sit forward, but a large hand on the side of my cheek stops me. “What time is it?” I ask groggily.
I can’t believe I fell asleep. I never sleep up in the air because I hate flying. I’d rather walk a million miles than fly, no joke.
“We’re going to land in thirty minutes. I didn’t want to wake you because you looked so peaceful.”
I’m distracted by Jasper’s hand caressing my cheek. His head is a mere centimetre away from mine. I can smell his aftershave, and that sets a fire burning in my stomach.
“I don’t usually sleep on planes.” I shake my head softly. “Did you get enough sleep?”
He nods, a smile creeping across his handsome face. “I did. You know why?” I shake my head and concentrate on his lips. “Because I felt your hand on mine. Because I could smell that floral perfume you wear. My wolf was relaxed for the first time in days. He still is.”
“Th… that’s good. I’m glad you feel rested. You looked terrible when I met you at the hangar.”
“I felt terrible. I guess I’m getting too old for pulling all night stunts like that. How about you? How do you feel?”
“Good. I’m good. I’m rested.” I roll my eyes and chuckle softly at my rambling. Why am I nervous? It’s only Jasper. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’d like to know why you’re nervous. It isn’t like we don’t know one another.”
“Exactly. We know each other too well.” I blush at the thought of him knowing my secrets.
He bends over to my ear and whispers, “Are you nervous because I know that, right now, you’re aroused? Are you nervous because I know what you want?”
My cheeks heat to an unbearable temperature, and no matter what I do, I can’t get any words to form. I’m rendered speechless, and that’s not something that happens to me, especially not around Jasper.
His head moves back and his lips are practically on mine. I can feel his warm, minty breath caress my soft lips. My heart is beating ferociously in my chest; I swear it’s going to jump out at any moment. “Keep that thought for later.” He lets his lips touch mine softly. It’s barely even contact. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to prepare to land at our destination. Can you please ensure that all tables are returned to their upright positions, and all seatbelts are secure? If you have any problems, please don’t leave your seat, just press your call button. Thank you for your cooperation.”
When Jasper’s body returns to an upright position in his seat, I suddenly feel cold. Shivers run down my spine and I miss his contact. I lean into his side and wrap my arm around his. I think I’ve said a million times how I hate flying, but I hate the landing and take off more. I know this is probably safer than a car, but at least we can see what’s happening in a car. Here, we could crash into anything, land in the sea, or burst into flames. I’m a coward at this, I know.
“You okay?” asks Jasper as he pats my hand.
“Yip.”
“We need to cure your fear of flying.” He smiles brightly. His perfect little dimples make my panties wet.
“I doubt that will ever happen, even with magic.” I giggle.
“Hey, Jasper. What happens when we touch down?” shouts Callum from a few places behind us. Jasper turns his head slightly.
“Lelland or Lavina will be there to pick us up. We’ll be staying with them until this is over. I daresay we’ll be briefed first thing in the morning. The quicker we take care of this issue, the quicker we can get home.”
My eyes lock on Jasper and I catch his cheeky wink in my direction. I can’t wait to go home and get on with the rest of our lives. It will be good to have Jasper away from the council. But I know he’s going to have to adjust to it. He has a full family that will help him accomplish just that.