Bas rolls me over, nudging between my thighs. “You know what else would be a travesty?”
“Mmm? What else?”
“Not claiming that pretty pussy so I can knot you. Do you have another round in you?”
I can already feel that he does. His cock is hot and heavy against my inner thigh.
“Mmm, I might. But oh! We didn’t book or anything. Won’t the owners be mad if they find us here?”
He shrugs. “Gryff took one look at me when I arrived and offered me a place to hole up and lick my wounds, but we should do something to thank him.”
“We definitely should, right after we give them plenty of reasons to need thanking.” I reach between us and stroke his cock with my hand, making him thrust into my grip. “Starting with making a proper mess of these sheets.”
We leave a long thank-you note before shifting to make the trip back home. Both of us felt the need to reconnect there, and with Bastien’s parents gone, it’s starting to feel more like my true den. I could still use more pillows on the bed and some softer lighting, but Bas says I have free rein to decorate the place however I see fit.
It’s midnight by the time we get back, and I had completely forgotten about Riley’s promise to wait for me. When we trot back into our drive, Bas stops to lean back and nuzzle my nose before shifting.
Riley pushes up from his position leaning against the doorframe to grin at us both. “I take it this means you were successful, Ver.”
It feels a little strange to shift back to human and stand in front of my brother completely naked, but I force myself to do it, determined to act like any other shifter would. To Riley’s credit, he doesn’t react other than to give me a proud smile. “Look at you, shifting like you’ve been doing it all your life.”
I do feel rather proud of myself. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He brushes off my thanks with a half-shrug.
Bas laughs. “Well at least you didn’t have to punch me this time.”
“Maybe I should have, though. What were you thinking running out on my sister like that?”
Bas looks a little sheepish. “Ah, I guess I wasn’t thinking. And I would probably deserve it. You’re right.”
I step between them, hands raised. “Listen, no more hitting each other, OK? I’ve had enough drama for one day and…” I break off and look down as my stomach growls angrily.
Bas laughs and pulls me against his side in a hug. “Sounds like someone is hungry. I remember what it was like my first few shifts. I think I ate through a week’s worth of groceries. Let’s fix you something to eat. You coming in, Riley?”
My brother scents the air and makes a face. “I take it you’ve reconciled and I won’t have to see anything that will make me want to scrub my eyes with bleach, so yes. I could use a beer, now that you’ve offered.”
I sit on the kitchen counter in my pajamas and eat pickles out of the jar—don’t judge me, I’ve always had a thing about pickled vegetables—while Bas makes grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone. We’re in the middle of a friendly argument about whether the Jacks should have traded their most experienced running back in favor of a younger player who came at considerable cost, when I go looking for my phone to settle the debate about player stats. When I find it, it’s tucked down the side of the couch, and I blink at the notification on my screen for a full minute before I work up the courage to open it.
New email from Ireena Starkis, Superintendent of Regional National Parks Operations - Mosswood Highlands District.
That has to be good, right? It’s good news.
Bas wraps his arm around my shoulders, nudging me out of my stupor. He hands me a plate with a grilled cheese on it, but I can’t take it yet. “Hey, you good?”
“Yeah, I just—” I turn the screen so he can see the notification. “What do you think this is?”
“Won’t know until you open it.”
Riley stops monologuing about the Jacks’ quarterback and looks over. “What is it, Ver?”
I swallow around the lump in my throat and open the email, and my eyes immediately tear up.
Dear Ms Ballard,
I was thrilled to receive your proposal for landscaping work at Black Pines National Park. It’s not often we get such a promising intern, especially in our quiet neck of the woods. I trust that you enjoyed your internship with Sebastien Powell and found it valuable. Sebastien is a highly accomplished ranger. I am pleased to note that a position with our service has recently become available, and if you are interested, I would like to offer you a chance to interview. I understand you are due to graduate this summer.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. I hope to have the chance to meet you in person.
