Chapter 14

Seth stood awkwardly to the side of us; I could tell he wanted to hold Layla. I nodded towards him and Paul sat us down, I passed Layla to Seth, who exclaimed happy "Sethie!"

"There's a ton of food in the house, if ya'll are hungry." I called smiling as the men broke away from their imprints and raced inside. The women followed shaking their heads. The only thing that could make the men leave their imprints was food.

Seth stayed though, and moved closer to my side. "Jacey, I know it's a lot to ask, but…"

"Seth, you can." I interrupted. "I know you don't feel like that towards Layla, you just want to protect her so yes, you can stay the night. I know how hard it's been on all of us."

"Thanks. Uh, and would you mind telling Paul? I don't want to be the person to break the news." Seth muttered nervously, glancing towards the house.

I rolled my eyes; shaking my head I held my arms out for my daughter. "You're a big baby, Seth." I replied walking towards the house.

Soon after the food was eaten, the pack left, each pair going to their own homes. I lifted the sleeping Layla off the couch and carried her into her room. I tucked her in and kissed her gently, "Night, Layla. I love you." I whispered. I flicked off the light and joined Seth and Paul in the living room.

"Seth, you know where the blankets are, make yourself comfortable. Come on Paul, let's go to bed." I said extending my hand out to Paul.

Paul ignored my hand and instead narrowed his eyes at Seth. "You are not staying here."

I sighed. "Paul. Stop. I gave him permission. Imagine if it was me missing. How would you feel?"

"I would…"

"Exactly man. Go to bed, I'll be good here." Seth extended across the couch.

With some reluctance Paul grabbed my hand and followed me into my, now our room. He flopped on the bed as I changed. "You know I haven't slept in here yet, I wanted to wait for you." Paul said holding out his arms for me.

I fell into his arms, warmth eloping me for the first time since Layla went missing. I rested my head on his chest, "I'm glad you did. I wanted our first night to be special, but…your probably exhausted."

"Jace, you don't mean?" Paul said pulling my face up to meet his.

I nodded slowly, "But, I can see you don't want to..."

In a manner of seconds, I was flipped over to my back and Paul was hovering over me. His lips a few inches from mine.

"Jace, whatever you want, I'll do whatever you want, anytime." Paul replied softly, kissing my forehead. Blood rushed to his kiss, making it warmer.

I smiled and nodded, and this time it felt right.