Page 11 of Refuge
Leaning down, he kissed her again quickly, pulled away, then stared so deeply into her eyes she could have sworn he saw her soul. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to taste you.”
Her body tingled as if electricity ran through her body, his words going straight to her heart. “Then why have you waited so long?” she whispered, really wanting to know the answer to the question.
“Because I’m a fool.” Cole’s small smile was sad. “And I was trying to be respectful of your brother, of you, and then that bastard, Fost—”
“Don’t ruin the moment.” She pressed a finger to his lips, stopping him. “I understand. My life was in turmoil, and things always got in our way.”
“True, but that stops.” Cole took her hand in his, removing her finger from his mouth. “Nothing will ever stop me from doing this again.”
His kiss was soft, yet hard at the same time. It was commanding yet giving, and she had never felt so possessed by someone in her life. She had been kissed by others, but nothing compared to this connection with Cole Jackson.
“Come on, we better go. I don’t trust Kile, and he likes to run his mouth,” Cole said against her lips.
“Would that bother you?” Leeza pulled away, glancing up at him as they rounded the trailer. He stopped, his eyes staring down into hers with a seriousness she had never seen before.
“I don’t care who knows, Leeza. I think it’s time everyone knows exactly who you belong to,” Cole replied as he took her hand in his. “I’m only thinking of you and your feelings.”
Before she could answer, Eric yelled for them to hurry it up. A deep sense of belonging filtered through her at his words, her heart pounding so hard she could only hear the thumping in her ears. Everything else was tuned out. She hoped that not pulling her hand out of his was answer enough of her feelings.
Chapter 6
Cole held her hand tightly, relieved she hadn’t pulled away. It was definitely time to let everyone know she was his. He should have done it long ago, but things always seemed to get in the way. Not anymore.
They made their way toward the tents, where everyone stood around. Eric glared at him as usual, but Cole ignored it. He wasn’t going to apologize for being late, considering the reason.
Eric’s eyes went to their hands as a small grin appeared on his face. “About time” was all he said, before turning to address everyone.
Glancing down at Leeza, Cole chuckled at the blush on her cheeks from Eric’s observation. He gave her hand a squeeze before focusing on what his brother was saying.
“We need to make some decisions.” Eric looked around at the group. “All work here will be voluntary, and I know some of you need jobs. Lance Cutter, who owns land not even a mile from here, has positions open. He will be here for a little while longer to talk to anyone who may be interested. Lance, why don’t you let everyone know what you’re looking for.”
Cole watched as Lance walked up next to Eric. He still didn’t like the man, and by the look Larry shot him too, Larry still didn’t trust him either. But Lance offering jobs to some of their pack said something about the man.
“I have the need for at least six men or women with different laboring skills. Such as fencing, help with branding, feeding, and carrying out the daily needs of my cattle as well as the horses on my ranch. The pay is decent, but I can talk to each of you interested individually about that.” Lance glanced around at everyone, his eyes stopping on Leeza before moving on. “As Eric said, I will be around for another few hours helping out here, so just come and find me.”
“Thanks.” Eric gave him a nod. “Town’s not far from here, and Gemma’s said there may be some jobs there for those who need it. She also said she’ll help in any way she can. She knows a lot of people, and so does Lance.”
“What about housing?” Lim Fryman asked. He was an older pack member who was always ready to help. “Some of us old folk have a hard time day in and out sleeping in tents, unlike you youngin’s.”
Chuckles rose from the group, many of them nodding their agreement. Cole had already talked to Eric about this situation after hearing a few members talking.
“Gemma and I bought the property next to this one. There’s plenty of room to expand the sanctuary, as well as build housing. We have a construction crew already getting plans together, but I need a count of who’s interested. Gemma has also found a realtor who is willing to work with anyone interested living off the property and closer to town.” The crowd’s murmur grew louder as they talked among themselves. “Listen, I know this is a totally different setup than we had before. Some of us will be separated, but not far enough away that it will matter. I’ve thought this through completely and I want everyone to know how grateful I am to each and every one of you for following me here.”
“We are a strong pack,” Carter Baker called out. “Always have been, always will be.”
“Yes, we are,” Eric agreed, as he put his arm around Gemma. “I think this sanctuary is where we were supposed to end up. I sure know I was.” He bent down, giving Gemma a big kiss, gaining yells of agreement.
Cole glanced down at Leeza, who watched Eric and Gemma with a sad smile, and wondered where her thoughts were taking her. Before he could actually ask, Eric pulled away from Gemma to speak again.
“The last bit of business is something that was brought to my attention.” Eric glanced toward Leeza, and Cole watched her cringe and pale all at once. “I’ve always prided myself on being a fair alpha, but up until last night, I realized that I’m not.”
The crowd once again began to talk amongst themselves, growing restless at this news. Any time an alpha showed any type of, what some would consider, weakness, the pack became agitated. Cole was ready to step in for his brother’s sake if needed, because he knew, with 100 percent certainty,Eric Jackson was not weak.
“That’s not what I said,” Leeza whispered, letting go of Cole’s hand. Cole glanced down at her just as she looked up at him with wide eyes.
“You did call us idiots,” Cole reminded her, then grinned. “And you were right. He’s making this right, Leeza. Let him.”
He knew by the look on her face that wasn’t going to be the case. She turned toward Eric and walked away from him. Cole let her go. He’d already made the mistake of not giving her a voice; he wasn’t going to do it a second time.