I finally know where to take this now! It's all worked out and I'm so happy I just had to update as early as I could as a way of celebrating. Enjoy!
~Jade~
I had to admit, being in a good mood myself puts everyone else in a less than good mood. That was because when I'm in an exceedingly good mood I tend to like messing with people more often. As of right now my target was my very patient Bond mate. She had a lot of tolerance so I wasn't getting anywhere really besides confusing the fuck out of her and making her slightly uncertain. With Trina as a sister though I wasn't surprised she still held out. I was halfway through wondering if she thought I was still angry at her, because I wasn't, when I realized I had a better target than Tori; Trina. We had just stepped off the staircase when I spied Trina at the breakfast table. Tori's mother was finally home and busy cooking up a ton of food. I saw Trina look up from her food and watch us enter so I wrapped my arms around Tori's middle and kissed her neck chastely. She giggled and scrunched up, lightly reprimanding me for tickling her. Her confusion and uncertainty vanished almost instantly.
"I was just messing with you, Tor. I was never really mad," I whispered in her ear. She jabbed me in the stomach at the news, making me grunt but I barely felt it.
"What? I had to. You put me in a very good mood. So let's say we do something with that and mess with Trina instead?" I suggested, kissing her jaw once before resting my chin on her shoulder. A smile tugged at her lips and I knew she was in without having to say a thing.
"That's my girl. First order of business, blush for me," I breathed in her ear, pulling her back against me tightly.
"I can't just blush when you want me to-Jade!" she exclaimed midsentence. I chuckled, my groping hand hidden behind her and on her ass. Her face had a nice blush to it now. I saw Trina frown heavily and avert her gaze.
"How will this bug Trina?" she asked me skeptically.
"Let's just say, while we were having fun, Trina was being tortured. I promised her I wouldn't try and jump you with her around but I'm sure any intimacy towards you will make her relive what she went through anyway," I explained.
"Oh, that makes sense I guess. So…she heard?" Tori questioned, clearly embarrassed as well. I smiled at her cute slowly growing blush but nodded before snaking a hand up to turn her head towards me. I waited for her to come to me, my lips centimeters from hers. She groaned before giving in and melding our lips together. I moaned when her tongue slipped in to slide against my own. She untangled herself from my hold on her to turn around and pull me closer. I encouraged her with one hand buried in her long soft brown hair to stop at the back of her head. My other hand cupped her jaw. Her hands clenched at my waist, the kiss getting rough and heated. My hand at her jaw skimmed down her neck, shoulder, chest, stomach, and hips to continue around to her ass. I slipped my hand in her back pocket and prepared to squeeze when Trina suddenly shot from her seat. I knew that would get her, seeing as Tori's back faced her.
"Will you two come eat and stop swallowing each other? Control your hormones for crying out loud!" she exclaimed haughtily. We pulled away with identical smug grins to face Trina. Her outburst caught their mother's attention who looked up to raise a questioning brow at us. Tori cleared her throat and stepped further away from me at the sight of her mother's scrutinizing gaze.
"Morning mother. What's for breakfast?" she greeted with a sheepish wave.
"You would know if you just get over here and eat," Trina shot at Tori before their mother could answer. I wanted to burst out laughing at the blush covering Trina's face.
"Come on girls, get in here and eat so you won't be late for school," Mrs. Vega called to us, opting to not question what was going on.
"Yes, mother," Tori replied, hastily making her way into the kitchen. I followed, surprised when Mrs. Vega handed me a cup of what looked like coffee but smelled like it was mixed with blood.
"Thank you, Mrs. Vega," I told her gratefully.
"No problem, Jade. And call me Holly," she responded brightly, reminding me of her daughter who stood behind her with the same smile. I took a seat at the table across from Trina who gave me the stink eye before going back to eating. Tori joined us soon after once she got a plate full of food. By the looks of just how much Tori ate and still kept her figure, I'd say that was a wolf thing. The sisters ate in silence while I sat back, deciding to give Trina a break for now. Mrs. Vega took a seat at the table soon after, breaking the silence.
"We've been getting more and more patients these days," she sighed. I flicked my eyes to her as I took another sip. Tori stopped eating to look over at her mother too.
"Do you think it has anything to do with St. Claire? Is he hurting innocents?" Tori questioned. She sounded legitimately concerned. She should seriously consider taking the leader role once her father's time to step down came around. I bet she would be a great leader and I'm sure others would agree.
"Possibly, or just the fact that the nomads are passing through. They're a rowdy bunch," she commented. Tori and I exchanged glances before she stuffed her mouth and I took a gulp of my drink. Mrs. Vega gave us both a narrowed yet calculating stare but let it slide.
"So, back to school, right? It'll be good for you both to have a normal day," she commented approvingly.
"Yeah, maybe once this is all resolved we can have a day out with the gang. What do you say, Jade?" Tori asked me jovially. She really did need a break from all of this. In fact, she deserved it for all her hard work. I grumbled internally at my fluffy thoughts.
"That sounds like a good idea," I agreed with a nod.
"So, not to interrupt the gooey lovey moment goin' on here but school is going to start soon and neither of you have rides," Trina stated, standing to put her dishes in the sink. I glared at her before turning to Tori's mother.
"If you don't mind…Holly, could we get my car so that when we return here after school I'll have it for the next day and so on," I asked politely. Tori's eyebrows rose and I shot her a quick wink before returning my attention to her mother. Trina stopped to stare before carrying on out the door unconcerned. I saw Tori watch her go with a curious expression.
"If you go quickly and take no detours I think it should be fine. I don't need to tell you to keep an eye out for each other, but please do. We still don't know who and how many followers St. Claire has. If he still has plans for you two then you're still in danger," Mrs. Vega emphasized. I nodded and reached under the table to take Tori's hand in my own, breaking her out of her thoughts so that she could join the conversation.
"We'll be careful mother. I promise," she confirmed.
"Go now then so that you have time to get to school. I'll clean up here. When you come home I most likely won't be here. Like I said, we're running a little thin," she responded, standing to start collecting the dishes. We stood to leave.
"Thank you for everything," I told her, hoping she understood when I said everything. She gave me a smile.
"Don't mention it. You're part of the family, Jade," she replied sincerely. I couldn't help but think Bonds were just as good as wedding rings in this world. Maybe even better. Tori laced our fingers together and led me to the door. We grabbed our bags on the way out. We made quick and efficient progress to my house, stopping next to my car.
"Hold on, since we're here…" I began, unlocking my car to toss my bag in before circling around to the window into my room. I heard Tori toss in her own bag before chasing after me.
"What are you doing?" she whispered. I rolled my eyes and gestured to the window.
"You don't have to whisper, you dork. I'm going to pack so we don't have to keep coming over here. I've seen enough of this house for far too long. I'm perfectly happy not having to see it as much for the next several days or so," I grumbled, crouching down to enter my room. Tori held the window and I slipped in.
"You comin' in or waiting out there with the baddies?" I teased. She pursed her lips, eyebrows slanting down, before finally entering.
"Maker, I miss this. Not the house. Just my room," I explained specifically. Tori drifted past me on her way to idly looking around, a smile on her face. It was then I realized what I said.
"Are you seriously going to get all giddy every time I use that phrase?" I asked her, moving to dig in my closet for the black hoodie Tori had given me. She only smiled wider as an answer. I sighed and continued gathering everything I would need, estimating a week's worth of things. I dug up my old duffle bag from when I played volley ball back in junior high and stuffed everything inside. By the time I had what I needed I looked up to see Tori spread out on my bed, her nose buried in my pillows, the sheets pooling around her limbs, and a content smile on her face.
"Hey pup, off the bed. You look like you're having a little too much fun there," I told her with a light laugh, walking over to drop the duffel bag so that I could reach over and flick her nose. She caught my hand before I could do so and yanked me on the bed, pinning me under her before I could even realize she had done so.
"Your scent is everywhere here and I'm just enjoying it before we have to go," she explained casually, leaning down to skim her nose across my neck. I could feel her breath inhale and exhale, taking in my scent with it.
"It's too bad we haven't been able to do anything on your bed yet," she commented innocently, sitting back so that she looked down at me from her perch straddling my waist. I grabbed her by the shirt and tugged her down so that our noses touched.
"You tease," I told her spitefully. Her grin turned devious. Fuck, Tori looks so hot and sexy right now. It really isn't fair that she has so much control over me.
"You are such a fucking tease and you know it. Stop doing that," I growled, my teeth on display. She laughed, her right hand running over the sliver of skin showing between my shirt and pants.
"I know," she agreed with a slow nod of acknowledgement. I shoved her over and held down her hands. I glared at her, my rumbling growls a warning that I was done messing around. We had to stay focused and get to school. What was wrong with her?
~Tori~
I could feel the wolf clawing at me from the inside out, desperate to relieve the intense wave of pure, raw, sexual need that suddenly presented itself. I was desperate. I wanted Jade and I had nothing to hold me back this time. I fought against her hold but her grip on me only tightened.
"We have to get to school," she reminded me sternly. I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut, unwilling to accept now was not the time. Repressing such a need took great practice but it was harder to do so once it got started.
"I can't go to school, Jade. I can't. I have to…" I tried to caution her before I trembled. Her nails dug into my arms to keep me steady.
"I have to get to the woods," I warned, feeling the wolf finally fight free. My hands were curling into claws and my teeth sharpened. This was the reason I tied myself down. If left unchecked, the energy that would have gone into mating with a Bond mate usually became uncontrollable. The only way to work off all that excess energy was to transform and run, hunt, or find an area where it would be safe to release the pent up energy in the form of violence against the environment. Trees and other such objects were the most common targets of sexually frustrated young wolves.
"What about St. Claire? I'm not leaving you alone," she stated, worry seeping into her voice. I shoved her aside and leaped for the window. I heard her follow quickly behind me. Before she could fully clear the window and stand, I snagged her by the front of her shirt and slammed her against the wall of her house. My mouth attacked hers roughly, my hands running over her body. I pulled away from her to stare hungrily into her blue eyes.
"Trust me. I'll be alright like this," I assured her. She looked conflicted but she eventually nodded.
"Meet up with me as soon as you can, Vega. No exceptions," she growled in warning. I chuckled and gave her a single nod. I pulled her in for a languid kiss before bounding for the woods, stripping then transforming fluidly. Just running in this form was starting to ease the tension. Don't worry Jade, I'll be quick. I cleared a fallen tree with a powerful leap and kept on running. I made sure I was well away from town before letting the wolf take over.
~Jade~
I slid in my car, threw the duffel bag into the back, and then slammed a fist against the wheel. Damn Vega, losing control like that. What the fuck was wrong with her? She better make it back in one piece or I swear I would rip her a new one myself. I growled in frustration before yanking the door shut and starting the car. I made a mental note to wear Tori out further the next time around before I backed out and drove off. I really didn't want to be in school if Tori wasn't there but I had no other choice. I found a parking space, hurried across the wide lot, and entered the building. In all the commotion of the morning my mind was distracted enough to forget my hat and shades in my car. Fuck, I didn't want to have to go back outside and I was already late as it was so I continued on to my first class. I wouldn't need them anyway if I just stayed in for lunch. If anyone asked, I had work to catch up on. I made it into my class halfway through the lesson and took a seat in the back. A few students glanced my way and the teacher shot me a sour glare but I ignored him.
Each class passed relatively quickly and I was surprised I could follow along when all I could really think about was if Tori was okay. By the time lunch came around I made my way up the main hall stairs to kick back in the recording studio. I plopped in the hanging hammock chair, sat back, and closed my eyes. I could feel the Bond spike occasionally and I wondered what Tori was doing to cause it to fluctuate. As soon as the bell for the end of lunch went off I was up and on the move again. I had to keep myself busy if I wanted to stay focused. The Bond had evened out a few minutes prior so Tori must be calmer than she was before. By the end of school the day began to drag. It was inevitable. I quickly made my way back out to my car when Andre caught up to me. He stopped me before I could push the door open and enter the blistering sun again. I allowed him to place his hand on my shoulder, glad to put off going into the sun again but still irritated that I couldn't just leave already. It wasn't the same without Tori by my side talking constantly.
"Hey Jade. How's it going? You and Tori have been gone for the past few days and I was beginning to worry about you guys. Now that you're here, but where's Tori? Have you seen her since the day you hung out with her?" he asked me. I briefly contemplated telling him she had been with me the whole time but dismissed it. I was sure Tori wouldn't mind Andre knowing we were together but I wanted to ask her first.
"I was sick the last couple of days. I haven't seen Vega since hanging out with her. Who am I, her keeper?" I snapped at him, crossing my arms and frowning.
"I figured as much, but I was hoping you knew something. I mean, we all know not to bug you when you disappear, but for Tori it's unheard of. She hasn't answered any of our texts or calls. Don't even get me started on Beck. He's been MIA too. I really hope they're both ok," Andre continued, his face reflecting his acute worry. His hands began rubbing together nervously as his eyes shifted. I didn't know if being with Tori made me want to comfort Andre, or at least put him at ease, but I found myself doing just that.
"I don't know about Beck, but I managed to get a hold of Vega the day after we hung out. She was sick like me. She was probably the one to get me sick in the first place," I grumbled.
"Oh, so she's ok? That's good. I was really worried and it was making me all wonky. It's a good thing you guys are settling your differences and being friends," he remarked. My frown deepened at his observation.
"Don't get too used to it. I reluctantly answered her text. I'll have you know I was going to plain ignore her but I couldn't pass up a chance to blame her for getting me sick," I responded dully.
"Either way, thanks for the update. I'll spread the news. Robbie and Cat were wondering too. Well, I have to get going. See you," he said with a pat to my shoulder. He walked around me and out the door, letting the heat of the day in until the door closed again. I sighed and braced myself before shoving it open and jogging to my car. I swore under my breath the whole way. It made me feel a little better. I jumped in and started up the car, flipping the switch for the air conditioner, hoping that would make things better. It didn't. I groaned and rested my arms on the wheel, waiting for my body to patch up the minor damage, before taking to the road. I drove straight for Tori's house. I really hoped she was back by now, for the sake of my nerves as well as for her safety. I parked across the street to keep the driveway open. A quick run across the street and under the house's awning was the last I'd have to deal with the sun for today, or so I hoped. I knocked on the door and it opened quickly by Trina who glared at me. Damn, she rushed home. I wondered why she was so quick to get home this time.
"Tori wasn't at school," she stated. I shrugged and pushed my way past her, effectively removing her from my path with the three bags I carried in. She grumbled something about me being rude and shut the door behind me.
"I know," I responded with a heavy sigh, turning to face her.
"Well, where is she?" she demanded. I opened my mouth to answer when Tori herself stumbled into the house. She was a mess. Her hair had twigs and leaves woven through it, her clothes had smudges of dirt, and a smear of blood glistened on her cheek. I tensed at the sight before dropping our bags and rushing to her.
"What the fuck happened to you?" I commanded, my hand going to her cheek before plucking at her shirt.
"Ran, dropped a few smaller trees, and fell on my way back. No big deal," she replied lightly, her smile in place. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose to stem the rising irritation and then yanked her into a hug. She smelled just like the woods; soil, plants, water, and all. I pulled away to look at her.
"Today sucked without you and now I have a shit load of work to do," I told her bluntly. She laughed and squeezed my hands in hers.
"I bet you do," she replied.
"Hey, I worried about you too!" Trina chimed in.
"Sorry, I would have filled you in Treen but I figured you would get the information through the pack system-" Tori began to tell her but Trina silenced her explanation.
"The message was scrambled so I didn't get all of it. What the heck had you so out of whack? It's like your mind was running a thousand miles an hour," Trina said with a wave of her hand. Tori glanced at me and Trina followed her gaze.
"What did you do?" she suddenly demanded of me.
"You don't want to know," I answered her, actually taking into account how she would react and choosing for once to show her mercy. But it seemed she didn't get the hint.
"Just tell me, Jade. This concerns my sister and her safety, which you willingly put in danger," she pressed. Tori placed a hand on her arm softly, the gesture catching Trina's attention. She looked over to her sister, a silent conversation taking place between them. Trina's expression went from angry, to confused, to horrified. She blushed almost at the same time Tori did. A smirk curled my lips.
"Well…next time, you should just-ugh, just take care of that stuff so she won't have to go out alone!" Trina finally spat out in frustration and embarrassment. She flung up her hands before stomping to the stairs.
"So I have your permission too?" I called after her, unable to hold back anymore. There was only so much courtesy I could give to Trina of all people.
"Whatever. Just take care of it on your own time and well away from me," she responded waspishly, taking the stairs quickly so that she could get away from us. I chuckled and turned to see Tori fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
"You ruined my favorite outfit. I liked seeing that on you," I commented evenly. She glanced up to grin at me.
"Sorry," she replied, but I could tell she wasn't really.
"No you aren't," I replied. She let out a laugh and I advanced on her, my fingers aiming for her sides so that she was a laughing mess in seconds. She managed to get out of my hold and ran away while I chased her. I was so happy to have her back that I didn't mind that we essentially started a game of tickle tag. I would have to kick myself for it later, but right now, I was having too much fun with my mate.