Keeping Secrets From My Mate

Nikki and Cassie

Dedicating this story to Slim Shady because she gave me Reece Carter to fantasize about.

And I am so sorry about the long wait....I went through a hard time and I couldn't write for the longest time. But things are finally starting to turn around and look up and I've started to heal thanks to my frinds and family. For those of you who stuck with me through this thank you and sorry to those I disappointed. And welcome new comers! Let's finish us a book shall we? 

Jericho's words were still ringing in my ears even long after I had retired to my chambers. His story had hit me square in the chest and yet, even as he grew farther and farther into the story, I couldn't help but realize the lack of emotion he felt towards the subject. He had gone into deep thought for most of the story and yet his expressions had betrayed nothing.

I couldn't help but compare this Jericho to the young teen he had once been when I had first brought him home to meet father. I hadn't known his past story then like I do now but he had been nothing but joy and smiles. He had always been charismatic and was still so. But that spark that had resided inside of him had now dimmed to a faint glow.

Ace had somewhat been the same way before I came and yet I had replaced his despair with a shining glow. I don't know what made me want to do this but I had this urge to bring back Rico's glow as well. Maybe I could help him realize that death and terror wasn't the way that we had to live anymore.

Sitting up in my bed I glanced at the clock laying on my nightstand: 7:20.

I still had a little over an hour before I needed to join Rico and the kids in the training arena. Flipping over onto my tummy I laid my head down on the pillow and let my thoughts wander over to Ace. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander over his features.

I pictured his blonde locks that have a knack for standing up in different directions, his grass green eyes that lit up when his laughed; the way his cheeks flushed red whenever I talked freely about his body. I could almost feel the ripples etched into his abdomen and the hard muscle that ran the length of his body. His deep laughter that caused wrinkles to form around eyes made me bite lip and burry my head into my pillow.

I had decided long ago that there was no hiding the attaction I felt for my mate. I had fully opened myself to him, and though it had made me happier than I had felt in a long time, I was also mildly disturbed about my continuous attraction to Jericho.

I fianlly decided that I had been in bed long enough and stood up out of bed. Making my way over to the doors to my balcony I pushed the long curtains aside and opened the glass doors, welcoming the cold breeze that caressed my skin.

The coldness reminded me of my first "hunt". Not only had my father been reluctant to let me go but Rico demanded that he come along as well or  he was going to side with my father! Even though I'd almost ripped his head off I was glad for his company. We hadn't even ended up hunting anything since Jericho had persisted in distracting me. 

That had been the day I had my first kiss with Jericho.

"You are a much quiter soul than Jeremy." The corner of his mouth lifted a bit.

"I'm hungry. I'm tired. Sage, you're walking too fast. Stop walking so fast. My tummy hurts, my feet-" slapped my hand right over his mouth and let out a low chuckle.

"Remind me again why I let you come." He gave out a deep laugh.

"Sage, please. We both know you had no say in this. I just wanted to make sure you didn't hurt yourself your first day." He feigned me a sympathetic look and I shoved him into the tree he was passing by.