Chapter 27
Phoebe and Peter walked through the door of their apartment, both exhausted but pleased with how things had turned out. Glancing at Peter, Phoebe noticed the blood spattering his shirt and coating his hands. Pride swelled within her. Her Mate was strong. He could and would do whatever it took to defend their Bond, their pack, and their territory.
Taking his hands gently in hers, Phoebe kissed them. Peter cocked his head, curious about the pleasure he could feel through the bond.
"Come," Phoebe said before leading him to the bathroom to clean him up.
Later, Peter sat in his chair while Phoebe finished replenishing some herb mixtures in her kit. He heard her wash her hands, and then she approached his chair, straddling his lap and resting her arms on his shoulders, playing with the hair at his nape. Leaning in to kiss him, she smiled.
"It was brilliant watching you at work tonight."
"Really," Peter asked. "You liked watching me fight did you?" His hands gripped her hips to draw her closer.
"Well, yes," she said. "But I meant watching you manipulate the hospital management." She paused. "After watching you manipulate our pack for so long it was brilliant to see that it works on everyone."
Peter frowned.
"It even worked on me," she said, leaning back to look in his eyes.
"Did I manipulate you," Peter asked carefully.
Phoebe nodded. "Oh yes. You did. In the beginning. Masterfully."
Peter eyed her cautiously. She didn't appear angry, and she was still in his lap.
"But you know something," she continued.
Peter shook his head, aware that she was close enough that her magic could fry him from this distance. "What," he asked.
"Maybe I was letting you manipulate me," Phoebe said, leaning closer. "Maybe I liked it," she whispered in his ear before giving it a little nip.
Peter stared at her, stunned, before a feral grin crept over his face. "Oh, you clever witch," he purred, leaning forward to capture her lips with his.
Phoebe sighed into the kiss, and Peter deepened it, sliding his tongue between her lips to stroke against hers. She was his mate, in every sense of the word, his match in every way.
As they gently drew apart, their eyes met, glowing red and green with the spark within them. Beacon Hills belonged to them, and this time, they wouldn't let anyone take it from them.