Page 199 of Storm

Okay, then.The previous concoction had featured tuna. Not her favorite topping, but it was all they’d had in the house. It hadn’t been as bad as she’d thought, to be honest. Cheese hid many sins.

Jessie was glad he was in a good mood. She needed to get out of this rut. Ever since that day at Cara’s, they’d been trying to come to grips with the hole in their midst. Every time she thought she had, the pain surfaced again. Making it hard to breathe. Or eat. Or do anything at all.

Kade was coping better than her, but he was also hurting. And sometimes, she caught glimpses of his anger. It had no easy outlet. If a rogue Dire appeared now, she thought Kade would welcome the chance to unleash.

She pitied anything going up against Kade. But today, he seemed to have turned a corner. Perhaps she could too. She pushed her way through the double doors leading out of the emergency ward.

Someone stood at the administration desk. His back was to her. Tall, with amazingly broad shoulders. And a scrumptious butt...

Her heart accelerated as he turned. Green eyes lit up as he smiled. And then—wonder of wonders—he reached for her. With his mind. Joined the link, smoothly, as though he’d been doing it all his life.

Hello, Jessie.

Anger. Pain. Fear. They all crashed through her, and for a moment, she stiffened. How dare he just show up, like the past few weeks hadn’t happened?

Jessie, I’m sorry.And he was. It flowed over and through her, his overwhelming regret for what he’d done to her. To them.

And it washed her anger away.

Suddenly, Kade was there. She braced for his rage, but it didn’t come. Instead, there was overwhelming relief.

Kade’s mental presence rumbled like a giant purring cat.He’s here. He’s come to stay too,he said.

And with a snap, they merged. Energy flowed between them like a continual, gentle wave. Soothing, calming, supporting energy.

What the hell took you so long?she demanded of Zach.

Little matter of a stubborn head and a lack of sufficient ass kicking,Zach replied.

He is a stubborn one,Kadeagreed.

It does take one to know one,Zach countered.

This,Jessie contributed,is going to be interesting as hell.

Lots of make-up sex,Kadepredicted.

Participants will be negotiable,Zachcategorized.

Jessie blinked up at Zach as the words sped through her. She’d have to get used to this three-way sparring. It promised to be entertaining.

The woman behind the desk was looking from Jessie to Zach and back. Her confusion resonated through Zach and into the link.

Jessie smiled reassurance at her. Then she gestured to what Zach held in his hands.

He handed her the bag. “Thought you might like these.”

Jessie took it and peered inside. Decadent chocolate cupcakes. Three of them.

As she took Zach’s arm, Kade purred through their heads.

Bring them all home.The pizza will be ready.

THE END