Havoc's Mate (Badlands Territory #2) - Lila Rose Page 0,25

her tight.

I stilled.

All of this could have been taken away from me.

I’d been too close to losing my life, my mom’s also, here in Badlands Territory. With Jackson, with his family, our friends.

“There, there, you’re here now,” DeeDee cooed and rubbed my back.

Sniffing, I pulled back and wiped at my eyes. I laughed but didn’t put much effort into it. “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m suddenly like this.”

Hands landed on my hips, and I was tugged back against a large, warm chest. Jackson curled his arms around the front of me, his chin landing on my shoulder. His comfort supported me as more tears escaped.

I groaned. “This is ridiculous. I know we’re safe now.”

“Don’t you stress about it, Cora. You let your emotions take you where they want to go,” DeeDee said, gently patting my cheek before she moved back to the coffee.

Kathy nodded. “It was a close call. The shock or adrenaline is probably wearing off, so no doubt it’s going to come at you at times you least expect it.”

My bottom lip trembled. I bit down on it.

Mom smiled at me softly. “All you have to do is look around and see that he didn’t get a chance to take this away from you. He was too weak and pathetic to take away your future. A future I know you’ll be happy in.”

Another sniff, and I nodded. “You’re right.” What also helped was having Jackson wrapping me up into him. I lifted my gaze over my shoulder, and Jackson rewarded me with a kiss to the cheek. My body tingled. I pressed a quick kiss against his upper arm around me.

I was alive. I had a future I looked forward to. Things were good.

DeeDee snorted. “Mothers always are.”

My eyes widened. “DeeDee, you haven’t met my mom—”

“We have, dear,” Mom said with a smirk. “DeeDee popped by the house a few times. Told me things about your mate.”

A gasp escaped me. “You know?”

Mom grinned. “I do, and I think it’s wonderful.” She glanced to the side of me and rolled her eyes. “Finally, you’ll listen too, Mike.” She looked back at me. “Your dad wasn’t a fan of you being with a shifter, but after he saw your man here save our lives, he’s on board. So welcome to the family, Jackson Havoc.”

“Thanks” was all Jackson replied.

“Boy—” DeeDee started, but Mom laid a hand on her arm.

“He’s fine. As long as he makes our daughter happy, he can be as gruff as he likes.”

“I will,” Jackson stated.

Mom nodded, her eyes warm. “I know you will.” She clapped her hands. “DeeDee, even though that coffee smells wonderful, I think it’s time we get going.”

I tensed. “What do you mean?”

Mom laughed. “Oh, honey, do you really think I’d stay under the same roof as you and your mate for the first night?”

Heat hit my cheeks and spread down my neck. I felt, and then heard, Jackson chuckling behind me. “Mom!” I scolded.

She waved me off. “Kathy, walk with us to DeeDee’s. Your fine mate can pick you up from there.”

A wide-smiling Kathy replied, “Sounds good, Everly. Have fun, you two.” She sent me a wink and made her way out of the room.

“Yes, have a good night,” DeeDee said.

“Mom—”

“We’re not nuns, Cora. We understand what it means to have a man who is completely into you alone in his house for the first time. And I don’t mean playing cards or charades.” She cackled. “Yes, Mike, I can remember how good charades was.”

“Mom, too much. God.”

Jackson was still laughing. He dropped his arms from me when Mom moved before me to give me a hug. I was still stunned and more embarrassed, knowing they all knew what Jackson and I would get up to. Of course, it was bound to happen. I’d wanted him from first sight. Still, it was awkward, but it would fade as soon as they all left. As soon as I was alone with my man, my mate. That I knew for certain.

“Ta-ta,” she called, after a quick hug to Jackson, which had his humor fading. He patted her back gently. We both stared after them and heard the front door close, the silence a little deafening.

Jackson didn’t look at me when he said, “You don’t have to stay here.”

I took his hand in mine and tugged him around to look at me. “I want to.”

His lips lifted in a stunning smile. “Yeah?”

“Yes.” I nodded. I shivered at the thought of being alone with Jackson.

“Do you