Chapter 687

But then I register that nod and my eyes go wide.

“Really?" I ask, the word hitching in my throat as anxiety hits me again. “Are you – are you sure Jacks? You wanted to wait –“

He gives a tiny shrug, his own throat working. “I didn't want to wait forever. I just wanted to wait until it felt...right. And it feels right, doesn't it?"

I stare at him again, truly considering the question, wanting to give it the full thought it deserves. But it doesn't take me long – because again, I've always been ready - would have gladly let him throw me down and take me in the dirt that first time he kissed me. Jackson - I've been desperately wanting him for a long, long time. And if he's finally here with me?

"It's right," I whisper, smiling softly into his face, running a hand through his hair, so soft and dark now that it's wet.

He smiles, closing his eyes and leaning into my hand for a moment, and then he kisses me again, more gently this time, deliberate and soft, every move of his lips reflecting the great well of emotion that I can feel building on his side of the bond. And I wind my arms around his neck, delighted and thrilled and...well, and terrified.

But that's normal, right? When you're about to lose your virginity?

To be scared and...a little freaked out that you don't know what to do?

Jackson laughs a little, breaking away from me, and shakes his head a bit. "Don't be scared, Ariel."

"Why not!?" I sputter, laughing shakily, honestly a little glad for the levity in so intense a moment. "I can be scared! It's new! I've never done this before!"

“Well if you're scared,” he murmurs, dipping his head and again pressing kisses to my neck, "we don't have to –“

"Jackson McClintock," I snarl, pulling back and pounding two little rabbit punches against his chest. "If you say you're finally going to have sex with me and then you take it back I swear to god I'm going to tear you to pieces -"noveldrama

He bursts out laughing, shaking his head, his whole body shaking with joy and mirth. "I'm not taking it back," he says, grinning wide. "I just - there's no rush, Ariel, I don't want you to be frightened. If it's scary, we can wait -"

"No," I snap, a little fierce growl building in me. "I - I don't want to wait - I just..." I hesitate, biting my lip.

Jackson nudges my nose with his, quite gentle. "What? Tell me."

"I don't know..." I shake my head, a little frantic. "I don't know...how to do it..."

He laughs a little, though none of it's mocking, and starts to bend, clearly intending to put me down. I squeak in protest, very happy to be up in his arms my favorite spot - but he growls, authoritative, demanding that obey. So I put my feet down and consent to be placed on the floor, where I reach out for him, my hands landing on either side of his waist.

"You don't need to know what to do, Ariel," Jackson says, his voice hitting that low register I very much like.

"Yes, I do!" I protest, my breath coming fast again as I start to freak out. "I - I mean - I have to participate, don't I?! I've never done this before and -"

"Ariel," he growls, his voice low with command. My eyes go wide, because Jackson has never used that particular tone with me, and I look up into his eyes.

"Listen, tiny," he murmurs, slipping

his hand lower to catch my chin between his fingers and tilt my face up to his. "You handle throwing the Games into disarray, confronting the Captain, potentially getting us kicked out of the school, any magical wildfires that come along, and with albprobability the future of this war. But," he turns his head slightly, a smile turning the corners of his lips. "When it comes to fucking you? I'll be in charge."

My eyes go wide as I just...gape at my mate, discovering that I like him bossy.

That I like it very, very much.

“Now,” he murmurs, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me tight against him. “Am I your Alpha or not?"

I bite my lip, grinning a little, trusting him utterly. "Yes," I whisper.

“Good,” he says, dipping his head lower. “Then trust me, mate. And do as I say."

I breathe out all in a rush, ready to

.n

cede him complete control and pulling myself closer. But my eyes suddenly go wide as I suddenly become aware of...him. Between us, pressed hard and thick against my stomach. S

Jackson pauses, frowning at me, going still when he feels my surprise and dismay.

"Jacks," I whisper, staring up at him wide-eyed.

"What?" he asks, going still a bit.

But I shake my head at him, completely freaked out. “Jacks, this isn't going to work."

"Ariel,” he whispers, frowning down at me. "What are you talking about?"