Chapter 17
Elijah parks the car at a dimly lit park. He grabs a bag from the back seat while I handle the frozen yogurt. “Why are we here?” I ask, but Elijah only gives me a sly smile.
I trail behind him as he heads further into the grassy field. I’m thankful for my wolf senses, which help me see clearly; otherwise, I would trip in the darkness.
When we reach the far end of the field, Elijah sets down his bag and pulls out a pair of blankets. He spreads one on the grass and gestures for me to sit. I fold my legs beneath me, and he sits down across from me.
“Will you finally tell me why we’re here?” I say, handing him his yogurt.
“There’s a meteor shower tonight. I thought we could watch it together.” He holds up the extra blanket. “This way, we’ll stay warm.”
“I adore watching shooting stars.” I scoop up a spoonful of frozen yogurt and hum in happiness.
Elijah begins eating his frozen yogurt too, and the two of us sit together, talking and savoring our time while we wait for the meteor shower to begin. I realize I’m laughing more than I usually do. It’s been ages since I’ve felt this at ease with another person.
Once I finish my dessert, I move the empty cup aside. “How’s your yogurt coming along?”
Elijah takes another spoonful and lets out a sigh. “There’s just so much of it, and I’m already stuffed. I may have made a poor choice.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You don’t have to force yourself if you’re feeling too full.”
“I’ve made a promise to myself. I can’t just quit now.” Although Elijah digs in for another bite, it’s obvious he’s having a hard time.
“You’re going to end up sick!” I lean forward, attempting to grab the cup from him. He quickly pulls it away, dodging me, and I lose my balance, falling onto him. He topples backward, unable to stay upright, dropping his yogurt as he catches me by the waist.
As I lie on top of Elijah, I notice his chest rising and falling beneath me. I’m short of breath as I look at him, and there’s something about his arm around my waist that feels perfectly right. In that instant, I realize there’s no turning back. Elijah needs to be part of my world.
I want him to bring laughter and warmth into my life. I move in closer, stopping with my face only inches from his. He brushes some hair from my face, his touch lingering for a moment.
My heart races with expectation. His warm breath brushes against my lips, and I silently hope he’ll be the one to close the distance. I’m too nervous to make a move myself. Our breaths match, rising and falling together, and the suspense is almost unbearable.
After what seems like forever, Elijah suddenly exclaims, “Look! A shooting star! I think it’s beginning.”
“Oh.” I start to shift away from Elijah, thinking I should give him some room, but he pulls me back toward him. I rest my head on his arm as we lie together on the blanket. Elijah drags the second blanket over us.
Gazing up at the sky, I wait for another meteor to streak across. I snuggle closer to Elijah as the chill in
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the air settles around us. He radiates warmth, and even as the temperature continues to dip, I’m completely comfortable-except for my cold nose.
“There’s one!” I exclaim, pointing to the spot where I spot my first shooting star. “Be sure to make a wish.” I shut my eyes, concentrating on what I want most, and all I can think about is Elijah, so my wish becomes clear.
When I look up again, Elijah is watching me. “What did you wish for?”
“I can’t say, or it won’t happen.”
“I know what I hoped for,” Elijah replies, his gaze fixed on me.
I press my finger gently to his lips. “Don’t say it. I want your wish to come true.”
A smile forms on Elijah’s face beneath my touch. He lifts my hand and kisses its back. “Alright.”
We lean back to gaze at the stars, taking turns to point out each shooting star that streaks across the sky. Words are scarce between us. Simply being together is enough, and the quiet feels perfectly right. After some time, my eyelids begin to droop, and I struggle to keep them open. Nights of restless sleep are finally catching up with me.
I don’t even notice I’ve drifted off until I sense movement-I’m in the air, and Elijah is carrying me to his
car.
“I can walk the rest of the way,” I manage to say, my voice hoarse.
Gently, Elijah lowers me to the ground and opens the car door for me. He makes sure I’m settled inside before closing it and taking his place behind the wheel.
“Do you want to go home or back to the pack house?” Elijah asks as he starts the engine.
I pause to consider. Returning to my apartment would be simpler, but the thought of being alone there right now feels empty. “Pack house,” I decide.
“As you wish.” Elijah pulls out and heads toward the pack house.
On the drive, I struggle to keep my eyes open, fighting the exhaustion. I don’t want to drift off with Elijah beside me again. Once we arrive at the pack house, I push myself to get out of the car slowly, and Elijah quickly comes to my side.
“Are you sure you can walk?” Elijah already clasps my hand, ready to support me.
“I can manage.” I’m tired, but I don’t want Elijah carrying me just because of that. He starts toward the house, but I tug gently on his arm, halting him.
“Hold on,” I say.
Elijah turns to face me. “Is something wrong?”
I move closer and rest my hand against his cheek. “Everything is wonderful. Things haven’t felt this good in a long time, and it’s because of you.” I lean in, hoping he understands what I mean.
Elijah places his hand over mine and presses into my touch. “I made you a promise, and I intend to honor it. I’ll do whatever I have to in order to keep you safe and happy.”
My heart flutters, and I don’t want to wait any longer. “Kiss me,” I breathe.
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