Page 46 of Alpha Bond

Fuck.

I don’t think I could get enough of her if this ever went any further. But it can’t. Of course it can’t. Still, that doesn’t stop me from keeping my lips sealed over hers, my nostrils flaring with the lush scent of her.

“I think that should answer your question.” It’s Titer, but his voice seems to come from a distance. Sierra is warm and sweet, and I don’t want to let the moment end. The kiss is all-consuming, to the point that I barely notice when Titer adds, “We get the point, Jagger.”

I ignore him.

“Enough!” The authoritative sound seems to snap us out of our trance, and we both end the kiss at the same time.

“We should probably stop,” I say breathlessly, resting my forehead against hers.

“I know,” she whispers, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth.

What the hell was that?

I’d thought that the kiss we’d shared before might be an accident. That we’d caught each other in a moment of weakness. But this… This…

I glance around and realize that everyone is staring at us in silence. Reluctantly, I step away from her, keeping an arm around her side.

“So, if we’ve settled any doubts, I think we should continue,” Titer says. Nobody objects. Thank fuck. “I ask Jagger Law and Sierra Barr to share their intentions.” He looks over at us.

I focus on her. “Sierra,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I, Jagger Law, vow to protect and cherish you. With you at my side, I know that I am capable of anything. Two become one.” I twine my fingers through hers, and somehow, it feels right.

“Jagger,” Sierra begins, her voice wavering slightly, “I, Sierra Barr, promise to be your mate and your true companion. I will stand by your side, forsaking all others, and face any challenges that come our way. Two become one.” She locks eyes with me, a question within them. I give the slightest of nods of approval. There hasn’t been time to come up with formal vows, but she did pretty good.

“Right. I think we’ve already dealt with the kissing part of the ceremony.” Titer chuckles from nearby. “And I don’t think we want to encourage any more heat up here. There are children present, after all.” He walks up and faces us, resting a hand on each of our shoulders. “And so the bond is forged before the pack and before your alpha.” He fixes a firm look at us. “Now it rests upon you to seal the bond of the flesh.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” someone calls out from the crowd. “With chemistry like that, they’re going to need a four-bedroom unit with all the beautiful pups they’re going to make.”

“Hold your tongue, Raura Pierce!” Titer replies. He hasn’t turned away from us, and I hope that he hasn’t noticed the way that Sierra has stiffened. Perhaps he didn’t because he goes on, “Now that you join our ranks as a mated pair, we look forward to having your young joining us soon. Good luck, Jagger and Sierra.” He returns to his place facing the crowd, and I steal a look at Sierra. She looks stricken.

Shit.

I’m going to have to set her at ease about this.

And I just pray that I can get my position secured before anyone starts to ask why my mate isn’t pregnant.

Because that’s not going to be an option.

Chapter 19

Jagger

“What the fuck is this bullshit about, Jagger?” Casey and I have been silent for half an hour since we left Steel Lakes, but I knew it was only a matter of time before she brought this up.

“I’ve found my mate, Casey. Try to be happy for me.” I keep my focus up ahead. In a couple of hours, we’ll reach the warehouses where I found Sierra.

“Happy for you?” She doesn’t bother to hide her disbelief. “How can I be happy for you when I’m pretty sure you’re making the biggest mistake of your life?”

“That’s a bit extreme. Why would you think that?” I frown because a part of me doesn’t like hearing her talking this way. I’ve made a good decision. The right one for my pack.And maybe even for myself.

Stop it.

“Because this female pitched up out of nowhere, and now she has you tied in knots. What the fuck is wrong with you? Has your dick taken over all of your decision-making?”

“Of course not. I know exactly what I’m doing.” The going has grown a little more rugged, and we’re clambering over rocky outcrops. This would be much easier if we were traveling as wolves.

“And just what is that? What are you doing?” She puts a hand on my arm, and I break stride as I scowl down at it. “Dammit, Jagger. I need some real answers here.”