My Beta's Mate

Wine and Perfume

Sam

Ever since that night happened, the atmosphere between Jewel and I has changed. We hold each other's hand when we’re alone. I haven’t pushed for anything more than that. I notice her gaze on me more. We’ve both been able to finally sleep properly. Both of our wolves are appeased. At least for now.

It’s late now and I’m reviewing reports. I’m still trying to figure out the best layout for the new influx of members. Right now, our facilities are feeling cramped. Which means expanding everything. Training facilities, common areas, our own schools. I sigh, knowing that I should go to bed, but I haven’t had time to properly look at all of these plans and it's been months since we took on an additional two hundred and fifty people.

I heard a knock at the door and in walked Jewel with a tray of food. Damn, I managed to miss dinner.

“You were missed at dinner, Sam.”

That's another thing that has changed. She has been using my name more instead of just my formal title.

“...I didn’t realize. I’ve been looking over multiple plans to expand. I got lost in my work, I guess.”

She gave me a small smile. As she walks in, I can smell perfume on her. That’s new, but not bad. It’s floral and sweet. Just like her.

“..I bought decaf coffee too..can I help?”... she is wringing out her hands. Which is something that she does when she is nervous. Why is she nervous? What am I missing?

“Uh, sure” She comes and grabs the plans in front of me before putting the tray of food in front of me.

It felt nice to have someone to go over this stuff. Is this what having Luna and a partner feels like? To have someone, besides my own mother, to make sure that I don’t just end up eating cereal later. Someone to share all of the damn details that goes into running a large pack.

“..Sam...can I ask for a favor?... but you can say no...if it’s a bad time.”

I look up from my soup and she continues.

“My birthday is in two weeks and I’d like to fly back to California to see my family. Maybe have a beach day or two. I just miss my family there.”

What kind of sh*tty mate am I for not realizing this? It’s been what? Over a year since she saw her adopted parents and pack? Although this might be a good sign. She asked me months ago to stay here. She didn’t want to go back because most of her memories with Jake were back in California. If she wants to go back, then maybe she is getting over him. Also, I completely forgot that her birthday was coming up.

“Yes, of course that is fine. I’ll come with you.”

She blushes, “Oh, I want you too...but.. you don’t have to, I know things are busy right now.”

I waved a dismissive hand in the air.

“It’s always busy here. Plus, if anything, I deserve to pay Amber a visit.”

She and her mate Eric have been coming back here to help get the dust settled and it helped a ton.

“My parents are back from their travels and have been pestering me to take a few days off. Plus, with Liam finding his mate, we have two Omega’s now. Between the four of them. This place won’t burn down if we leave for a few days...also, if I remember correctly, I still owe you a date.”

I keep going to plan one, but with her managing the children’s home, and my Alpha duties increasing by a good twenty five percent, we just haven’t had the time and I didn’t want to put more on her plate.

“Oh true, you do! But we’ll be in California. Maybe I’ll be the one to plan the date.” she says this with a lot of sass in her tone. While planting her hands on her hips.

I raised my hands in mock defeat. “You can plan it. I’m all about equality, but that just means that I’ll plan one when we get back.”

There, I secured at least two dates. I smile feeling slightly smug and finally go back to my soup.

“What are the dates? I’ll look up flights right now and send Amber an email.” I asked her quickly.

She rattles off the dates and I put them on Google and even bump us up to first class. We’re going away for a weekend. I'm taking all of the chances to woo her.

I sent Amber a quick email letting her know of our plans and dates and flights. Which I immediately get a response back. What is she doing at this hour?

Of course, Amber cuts straight to the point.

“..so is this a romantic trip, or an official visit?”

“I’m not sure. Jewel wanted to come back to Cali for her birthday and I kind of just invited myself and hoped that she agreed.”

I can feel my sister’s eyes roll from here.

“Well, is anything between you two ever simple? But she agreed to you coming and that is a good sign. :)...we’ll make sure to give you two lots of alone time. ;)”

I roll my eyes and shake my head. My sister is ridiculous.

“Flights are booked.” I said without looking up.

Jewel comes over and puts the plans down with some notes on them.

I review them and honestly, her ideas are brilliant.

“I have a few small tweaks, but this makes more sense than my previous ideas. Thank you for your help, Jewel.” I said while looking back at her and I noticed how happy her expression looked.

She shrugs, “It’s the least that I can do...Also, I’m going to plan one hell of a date.”

Oh I can’t wait.

What she does next leaves me completely stunned.

She leans down and lightly brushes her lips against mine. Her lips are so warm and taste lightly of wine. She pulls away way too soon.

“Good night, Sam. Please get some sleep.”

She goes to leave and there is no way that I am leaving our first kiss to be that simple.

I stood and reached for her hand and pulled her close to me. To my surprise, she doesn’t stop me or push me away. Her eyes are so bright and daring me to continue. But part of me feels cautious. I still feel the pain of the night when she ran away from me as soon as she found out that we were mates. I run a finger over her cheek bones and give her every chance to pull away. Her expression doesn’t change. I ran my hands from her face, down her body, to her hips. Her body is so soft, but firm from being a warrior. I must be dreaming. There is no way this is real. I’ve been intoxicated before and that’s the closest feeling to this. My senses are heightened, taking in everything about her. Her breath...her perfume...her pupils that keep dilating. I brought my face close to her and I could hear her breath catch. At the last minute, I kissed her jawline and made my way to the right side of her neck.

I felt her put her hands on my chest and make their way up to my neck. Damn it. I’m losing my mind. I want to kiss her so badly, but at the same time, if this is a dream, then I don’t want it to end anytime soon. I bring my face close to hers again, but instead I move her hair and kiss the other side of her neck. Hoping that I’m not leaving any marks in my passionate state.

“Damn it Sam, you’re such a tease.” I couldn’t help but smile at her response. I’ve been waiting for months to kiss her properly. I raise my head with the full intention of kissing her cheek, nose, and everywhere else but her lips, but instead, she raises herself on her tiptoes and kisses me, hard, and I smile at her eagerness. It’s nice to feel wanted.

Author’s Note

Between the perfume. and the wine. I think that Jewel went in there with the full intention of kissing Sam.

What are your thoughts readers?

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