Page 62 of Before the Bond
I scooted over, inviting him to take up the empty space.
Caleb put the cup down on a windowsill and sat next to me. I realized this — and earlier — was the closest we’d been since that time in the kitchen.
I rubbed my arm.
"You should’ve moved when I started to shift," he said.
"Probably."
"He could have —"
"He didn't."
Caleb went quiet. The look he gave me, though, was one of awe. He shook his head. “You were amazing out there.”
“Jake was,” I said. “That’s a lot of control.”
We could hear the laughter inside. It was pleasant, but not something I particularly wanted to join.
The quiet was nice.
Caleb leaned against the railing.
“You don’t have to immediately go, you know,” he murmured.
“Oh?”
“Jake’s still adjusting,” he said. “And I’m sure he’d appreciate you being here a little longer. It’ll take time to find another contract anyway.”
I nodded.
"Do you want me to stay?" I said. I found myself leaning a little closer.
Caleb stared at me. He didn’t move away.
“Of course I do,” he murmured.
I smiled.
I shifted closer and kissed him softly.
Caleb gently took my lips into his. He embraced me, but without gripping me too tightly.
Our kiss was slow, gentle, patient. The calm relief of the night settling between us, and the warmth of one another's company.
When we pulled apart, he kept his forehead against mine, and neither of us said anything.
We stayed there, watching the night.
Chapter 13
Caleb
Icaught it on the second pass.
On the eastern line, just past the ridge, there was another scent. Fresh. The dew hadn’t taken it yet.
I was on another of my patrols. Donovan and I were taking turns in shorter cycles. With the Voss this close, we needed to read any tracks they left with utmost care.
