Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31025 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31025 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
“Morning,” his father said.
“Morning.”
For several seconds, neither of them said a word. Jaxson didn’t know what to say.
“Can I come in?”
He stepped away from the door, made his way back into the kitchen, and his father followed.
“You were angry last night.”
“Yeah, I was. I know The Hunt is serious, but I thought it was meant to bring people closer, not bring their childhood games into the mix and making them fucking real.”
“Is that what it did for you?”
“Yeah, it did.”
“Son, The Hunt is different for everyone. You could have petitioned to the elder and had it removed or changed. You were aware of the risks when you and Calliope didn’t take it seriously.”
“I knew Calliope was my mate. I knew we were meant to be together. I just didn’t expect it to be so real.”
“You and Calliope have known each other your whole lives. It is rare for people, mated couples, who have known each other as long as you two, to go into The Hunt. Normally, in your situation, it is an easy mating. No stress, no worries, nothing. Your history is what guided The Hunt.”
He looked toward the bedroom. “She was nearly killed, more than once. We nearly lost each other, and I can’t bear that.”
“And yet, you found each other. Even with all the impossible tasks, you made it work.”
He nodded. “She fought for me, Dad. Against a pack of wolves. We were talking about the marking and the mating, and I was snatched from her. She could have left me. I know that. She could have gone.”
“But she didn’t.”
“Armed with just a crossbow and a bad attitude.” He laughed. “And she came for me.”
“That’s love, son.”
“I know it is, but I don’t deserve her, Dad. I pushed her away when we were kids, and not for a good reason. I was freaked out because my best friend suddenly became a girl I liked.” He shook his head. “I don’t deserve her.”
“Yeah, you do.”
Jaxson turned to see Calliope there, wearing his sweatpants and an oversized shirt.
“Hello, Mr. Crease,” she said.
“Good morning, Calliope. Thank you for saving my son.”
“Always,” Calliope said. “You do deserve me, Jaxson. I love you and you love me, and yeah, The Hunt sucked, but we got to experience something not many people do. We got to live our past and present together. I know there is no one else I would have done that with. No one I would have trusted or fought for, other than you. There is no one else.” She went to him. “You do deserve me. We deserve each other and I love you.”
Jaxson tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “You’re not mad at me?”
“No, I’m not.”
“But I didn’t go to the elder. I didn’t put a stop to this.”
“And you know what, The Hunt sucked, but it brought us together. We were never going to make this work unless we were forced into it. I love you, Jaxson. I don’t regret what happened, and I hope in time you don’t either.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
His father put his hands up. “Don’t mind me. It is so good to see the two of you finally working this out. It was always sad to see the two of you not working this out.”
Jaxson looked toward his father. “Dad, there is something I would like you to do.”
“What is it, son?”
“I’d like you to organize a wedding, by the end of the week.”
“Jaxson, come on, we don’t need to do that.”
“You have mated to me. You’re my mate, and there is nothing that is going to change that. But you’re human, and as per your traditions, I think it is only fair I become your husband, as you become my wife.” He looked toward his dad.
“Your mother and Calliope’s are already organizing it. They are waiting for you back at your parents’ place, with the wedding dresses. I will give you two some time alone.”
His father left and Calliope turned toward him.
“You don’t have to do that,” she said.
“Why not? I know for a fact you would love a wedding. Even when we were kids, and you were elbows-deep in mud, you still wanted to get married and have the pretty wedding. Even if it wasn’t for you, but for your parents.” He cupped her face. “And I am going to make sure you get everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
“I love you,” she said.
“And I love you.”
There was no time to waste. He was going to take every moment with her as the gift it was.
****
By the end of the week, everything had moved so fast, but Calliope wasn’t afraid. She had moved in with Jaxson. The whole pack had taken a moment to congratulate them. The whole town was invited to their wedding.