Chapter Three

A Chapter by elektra373

I breathed in the fresh Washington air as I stepped onto the tarmac. It was like being home. Marina was right behind me ushering me to the car. Even at almost two hundred years old she still couldn't stand waiting longer than necessary.

I nibbled my lip, pretending to read, as our driver drove us to Cal's estate.

“Did you really think that I don’t know that you two have a long distance barely seeing each other relationship?” I blinked. "You and Jason."

I slid deeper into my seat. Jason. It had to have been almost two years since I’d seen him. He was so sexy, ruggedly sexy. I stifled a moan which caused Marina to laugh.

“I can’t say I blame you sweetie.” She squeezed my hand. “He’s not one of those boys your age. He’s a man which is what you need.”

I was speechless. How was I supposed to react to that?

“I…um…It’s not…Well it is…But…”

“That’s a mouthful.” A shadow cast over my book.

“I know.” I placed my book down, and glanced at her .

“Jennifer.” She scowled.

“Marina.” I retorted.

“It’s your birthday make the most of it.”

“I’m sorry.”

The remainder of the journey was filled with Marina convincing me to fully embrace my heart even if only for a short while.

I was getting settled in my room when I saw him arrive. He exited his car full of confidence. His hair had grown since we'd last seen each other, and his features were more dominant than before.

It was then I remembered that we would be staying on the same floor.

Jason strolled in laying his bag on a chair as he perused the living area. I knew then that he knew I was here.

“Jen?” He called out but I gave no response.

He undid his tie as he knocked on my door.

“Jen are you ok?”

“I am now,” I smirked from behind him. Don’t get me wrong I liked that technology kept us in touch but nothing compared to being in the same room spending time just being with him. I knew his wolf loved being touched. I knew some of the shifters who’d been in the forces would come back and go at it like rabbits but being an alpha gave Jason just that little bit more control.

He turned and was amazed by the sight before him. I was wearing a pair of pink barely there pyjama shorts and a matching pink lace cami top. He groaned.

“Jen...”

I stepped forward and fisted his shirt.

“Welcome home.” I stood up on my tiptoes and kissed him deeply.

“Cal-”

“Not due back for over an hour.”

Jason kissed me, lifting me so I straddled his hips. He pushed the door closed behind him as he walked us towards his bed. He laid me down on the bed and pulled away.

“We can't do this Jen.”

“Do what?”

“F**k.” I sat up to look at him.

“Jas, I wasn't trying to.”

He fisted the edge of my shorts.

“Do you know how hard this is for me?”

“I have an idea.” I bit my lip.

“Baby, you doing that doesn't help.”

“Neither does my boyfriend coming home rejecting me.” Jason froze. He fisted his hair.

“Jen I don't know what to say except sorry.”

“So you should be. All I wanted for my birthday was for you to come home to me.”

He took my hands in his and kissed my fingers.

“Sometimes I forget how hard this is on you even though you were brought up with it.”

“It's ok babe.” I caressed his face. “You were on a long tour of duty.”

“Yeah I just wish I could of come home to you sooner.”

“Me too.”

“Good dreams, though.”

“I wish I could make them real for you.”

“One day you will hon. I'll make yours real too. How have yours been?”

“Hot. About you as usual.”

“Making love? F*****g? Loving?”

“Yes to all the above.” I blushed.

“I knew it.” He winked.

I went to playfully slap him on the chest but he caught it.

“You know that I want all of you and will have all of you.” Jason looked at me seriously.

“You already do. Just got to make it official.” He kissed my fingers. It had been three years since we’d met during my training.

His phone rang.

“I’ve got to take this.” He looked at me apologetically.

“Take as long as you need.” I caressed his shoulder.

I decided to have a relaxing bath.

When it was full I slid in, eyes closed, my hair up in a messy bun. I smiled as my mind transported me back to the early days.

I was in the company gym. Marina had booked us in for two hours everyday but today she wasn’t coming. I did my stretches and warm ups for a good half an hour. I put my iPod in the docking station. I chose my Cascada playlist and headed for the punch bag. I got into a steady rhythm quickly. I did a range of different combos. Some were just punches, others were just kicks and some were mixed up.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side, Jennifer." A masculine voice called from behind me. I turned to see Jason staring at me with his gorgeous blue eyes. I was relieved that it wasn't one of the High Council members checking up on me. He was wearing a navy tracksuit and a white vest which fit him snugly.

"I'll try." I laughed. "And it's Jen. Pleasure to meet you."

"Jason Matthews, shifter. And the pleasure is all mine." He gently took my right hand and kissed the back of it. "So you're Marina’s descendant, right?"

“I see word gets around.” I rolled my eyes. He chuckled.

" I wish today wasn’t my only day here."

"Why?"

"Cos I could've gotten to know you better." This caused me to blush slightly. “I hear you were booked in with Marina.”

“Yeah.” I felt him appraise me with his eyes.

“You’re gonna train with me.” It wasn’t a question.

“You can’t tell me what I can and can’t do.”

“Is that a challenge?” He laughed.

“No but if you want to make it one I’m open to it.” I stated. He stopped laughing.

“What?” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“You heard me.” I crossed my arms. I really wish I’d come up with something better.

“You’re human. I’d hurt you.” He held my arms tightly, showing me his strength. I knew strength wasn’t everything.

“Sure, you would.” I replied rolling my eyes as I broke his grip on me. He went to kick me in the ribs only to have me block it and elbow him in the face. “Listen, I don’t want to fight you or anyone else but don’t fight someone you don’t know anything about or their fighting style.”

I approached him carefully, checking if he was ok. I didn’t want to hurt him.

“Sorry Jen.” He stated. “I’m not normally the guy that tries to show off. You just reminded me to never underestimate my opponent.” I couldn’t help but want to smile. “Can I make it up to you?”

“No.” I replied seriously but my face broke into a smile. “But, you can promise to not be an a*s from now on.”

“Promise.” He nodded.

Jason stood there with a half-smile on his face. I noticed something different about him just then. His eyes were very dark. “Now, are you really alright?” He asked me. I considered his eyes and something clicked. I nodded as my mouth went dry. “Good.”

I heard a buzz, and he checked his phone. “I’ve got to take this.” He turned and started his call.

I grabbed my things. He noticed me leaving and looked frustrated. I gave him a wave mouthing ‘It’s ok.’

A few weeks later, there was a letter on my desk. It had an American post stamp. I shrugged it off, putting it to one side until the end of the day.

I waited until the office was empty before I opened it.

Jennifer,

I’m sorry that my call cut our time short. Sadly, my job called me away. I’m a U.S. Navy medic. Meeting you was different to what I thought it would be. I felt something. I would like to get to know each other better. You can contact me through the address on the back.

Regards,

Jason Matthews

Sounded like a plan. I bit my lip wondering where this path would take me.

“They're back.” His sexy voice pulled me from my stupor.

“I guess play time’s over.” I groaned as my eyes fluttered open. He knew what seeing him in uniform did to me, and he knew what seeing him in half uniform really did to me.

“Shame.” He held up a towel concealing my body from his view. I wrapped the fluffy blue towel around myself and accepted his hand getting out of the bath.

I went to walk away but his hands around my waist stopped me. I leaned back against his chest which rumbled in contentment at the gesture. He kissed my crown.

“Marina's waiting for you, Princess.”

“I know.” He handed me my pyjamas from the floor. “Better not take any chances.”

“Right.” I tenderly kissed my lover's jaw as I took the garments from him.

Jason popped his head out the door and was greeted by Marina across the hall.

“Quick.” She gasped.

I scurried to my friend who slammed the door behind her. Just in time too.

I could hear footsteps in the hallway. I pressed my ear against the door.

“I take it everything went well?” Jason asked nonchalantly. I loved how he could be so cool and calm.

“How did you guess?” Cal’s tone was happy. “Guest of honour getting ready?”

“Marina's assisting her now.”

“Only with your hair.” Marina waved her tongs.

I sat down and let her get to work. We’d agreed on curls because my hair was naturally wavy anyway. Besides I didn’t want to go overboard as shifter parties were very casual.

Before long we were at the top of the stairs. Sam, one of Jason’s Betas, who was going to be my bodyguard for the rest of my stay, wolf whistled at the red dress that complemented Marina perfectly.

“Glad you enjoyed the show.” Cal took her hand as she reached the last step.

“Long time no see, Jen.” Isaac, Jason’s other Beta, leaned against the banister as I followed suit. We’d met a few times when he’d come to visit the council on Jase’s behalf.

“Too long.” I smiled. I caught Jason’s eye. I loved seeing his reactions to me. Although i was wearing leather effect jeggings and a orange tiger top, his eyes popped wide.

“Marina?” Cal gestured.

“Ok. I know you and the majority of tonight's guests are all honourable.”

“Hear hear.” They cheered.

“But no one can make a scene tonight. It's the main rule, okay?”

“We wouldn't dream of such a thing.” Sam rolled his eyes.

“Wouldn't dare.” Isaac agreed half jokingly.

“Why do I even bother?” Marina asked rhetorically as she headed to the kitchen. Isaac and Sam chased after her.

“Thirsty?” Jason asked hopefully.

“Parched.”

Jason took my hand as we headed over to the bar. He went to pour us a drink before the celebrations commenced but Cal halted him.

“I have a favour to ask.”

“Ok?”