Adea
We sat side by side on the couch, Shane’s arm wrapped around my waist, his grip firm. He held me as if it was the last time.
I inhaled deeply. The room smelled of sex. Of us. I smelled of Shane. Shane’s scent filled my senses, and the last thing I wanted to do is leave him. The smile that spread across my lips is genuine. I smelled of my mate.
The muffled music was a reminder of the reality that waited for me. I was betrothed to an alphahole and said alphahole was formally introduced as my mate.My near future was bleak.
I didn’t know how much time had passed, but I knew I’d been gone for too long. I needed to get back before they came for me, if they weren’t on their way already.
When I went out there, Ethan would smell him on me. As strong and controlled as he was, he’d lose it. He’d know what we’ve done, and nothing I said would convince him otherwise. Not that I’d even try to. I didn’t care about what Ethan thinks. I was not his and I never would be.
What we just did was amazing. I didn’t have the words to explain how I was feeling. I just knew that I was in awe, and the fact that I was, had me speechless. I was shocked that I liked it as much as I did, but also not shocked because it’s Shane. Was there anything he could do to me that I wouldn’t like?
I clenched my thighs together and Shane chuckled. He knew my body better than I did. I felt content and safe with him.
I’m not ready.
I don’t want to go.
I don’t want to leave him here and go back to the party… to Ethan.
I don’t want to spend the night with him and I don’t want him to take me back to his pack territory.
The longer I thought about it, the more I didn’t want to leave Shane’s side. I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes tight. That was when it came to me. My eyes fly open and I sat up straight.
I turned to look at Shane and found him staring down at me curiously. No one was watching us right now, no one was around, and no one knew where he was. Jumping to my feet I turned to him and maneuvered my way between his thighs. I grabbed his arms and wrapped them around my waist. When he was holding me tight, I let go of his arms and slid my hands down his chest.
“Shane,” I said seriously.
“Adea,” Shane said, matching my serious tone. “Adea…” Shane urged when I didn’t say anything.
I looked up into his obsidian eyes and felt a warmth only Shane gave me. There was no way he’d say no.
Why are you hesitating?
I’m… I don’t know why I’m hesitating, Korra. I’m unsure. I’m scared.
I don’t know how he’ll feel about it but he’s our person. A future together is promised.
Where would we go?
If I remember correctly… you agreed that it didn’t matter where we went or what we had.
Yes, I did.
So ask him, Adea.
“Run away with me.”
Shane blinked, and when my words registered, his grip around my waist tightened.
This was a good sign. I kept telling myself that, but he wasn’t saying anything. I was probably overthinking it, but the longer he didn’t say anything, the more anxious I became. His eyes searched my face before they closed tightly. When he opened them again I was confused by the pain there.
“Run away with me, Shane,” I repeated. I ignored the way he looked at me. He didn’t need to answer me, but I knew. My mind was reeling, and I couldn’t accept it. My heart screamed that it was a lie. It swore it wasn’t what it looked like. I went with my heart and chose to pretend I didn’t see the clear rejection in his eyes. I couldn’t help it, I couldn’t stop. I needed him to agree with me. I pushed against his chest once, twice, three times. His adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.
“We can’t,” Shane choked.
I cocked my head to the right and my brows furrowed with confusion. I stared into his eyes to try and understand why he was denying me, but he kept his answers and stared right back.
It didn’t make sense to me; none of it did really. I know it wouldn’t be easy when we left here, but wasn’t that always what we talked about? We wouldn’t, couldn’t have a future here in Clear Mountain pack. There was no future here for the two of us. How were we going to work out if we didn’t leave? Had I overthought everything? I stopped that line of thought. I didn’t question Shane’s love for me. I knew for a fact that he loved me, and that’s why this was so bizarre.
I knew that as long as we were together we would be okay. Our path would be bumpy and filled with obstacles, but none of those mattered. As long as we were together, everything would work out. Sure I would have to get used to some major changes, but I didn’t need the fanciest material or a large packhouse. I would be happy as long as I had him. All I needed was my mate, my best friend. If I had him we could figure the rest out together.
“We can. We can leave right now. No one knows you’re here yet. No one has come for me. The guests are enjoying the party and dancing. Can’t you hear them laughing?” I asked. “Please, Shane. No one has noticed that I’m missing or how long I’ve been gone. We could leave right now and no one would know… not right away anyways. Ethan is probably still distracted with Ava and that should be for a while. What is stopping us?” I pleaded.
“I am, Princess,” Shane said through gritted teeth. “I am.”