Malakai (Stone Society #13) - Faith Gibson Page 0,34

Malakai’s mate if you choose to accept the bond.”

Kai felt Josie nod against his chest. He wanted desperately to open his eyes, but he was afraid. Afraid he wouldn’t find acceptance on his mate’s face.

Chapter Nine

Josie believed what Kaya and Rafael said to be the truth. Not because of who Kaya was, but because of the way they looked at each other. Kaya didn’t look like a woman under some cult leader’s spell. She was a woman who was part of the man standing at her side. Their bond was something Josie could feel from across the room. And they had a son together. Josie wanted that. The connection. The child. She wanted to meet Tessa, who had stood up to Presley on her behalf. Tessa who said they could be friends.

She sighed, snuggling closer to the Gargoyle at her side. Yes, she believed the creatures were real. She might not understand it, but she knew in her heart it was the truth.

“I’m sorry. I know that’s not enough, but if you come back to me, I will show you I believe you. I don’t understand how all this fated mate stuff works, but I want to. Please don’t let me be too late.” Josie rested her cheek against Kai’s chest over his heart. A strong arm wrapped around her, and Josie looked up at Kai’s face. His eyes were still closed, but he was in there. If only on a subconscious level, he was there.

Josie didn’t know what else to say, so she decided to tell him about her. “Since we don’t know each other, maybe we can continue our conversation from last night. Or I’ll talk and you can listen. I think I’m done working for my family. It will make things awkward at Sunday dinner, and if that happens, I’ll invite my mom over to my place. I want you to meet her. She’s the best mom in the world. Well, maybe next to yours. Your mom has to be some kind of special to raise seven boys. I dreamed about them – your brothers.”

Kai’s heartbeat sped up under her cheek, and Josie smiled. “Not like that. I dreamed we were on a beach, and all of you were dancing to tribal drums. There was a huge bonfire, and I think I dreamt about that because of my fever. Anyway, I’d like to see you dance. I love to dance, even though it’s been years since I’ve done anything outside my kitchen, shaking my butt while I’m cooking. And yes, I cook. I don’t know if I told you that. I think I did in my ramblings. The meal you made us was delicious, by the way. I’m sad we didn’t get to dessert. If you wake up, maybe we can have it because I’m hungry. I’m sure you noticed I’m not one of those women who’s afraid to eat. I’ve always had a little extra weight, but you said my curves are sexy. I hope you meant that. It’s not that I’m lazy. I just work so many hours that by the time I get home, exercise is the last thing on my mind.

“Oh, back to my job. I’m going to give notice. I already have the next few months’ cases ready for my dad and sister. They can find someone else to take my place. I’m ready to have a life. I’ve given them the last eight years of it. It’s time I take it back. And if Presley gives me any grief, I’ll sic Tessa on her. I think I’m going to like Tessa. She can help me find my inner badass. I’m not sure what I’ll do for work, but I don’t want to go from one firm to another. I’m done with law. At least for now. Maybe I’ll take cello lessons for a while. Who knows? I’d also like to travel. I haven’t been on a real vacation in years. I know you’re opening your gym, but maybe we can take a short trip together. Somewhere you can surf, and I can watch you prance around in a swimsuit. Not that you prance. It was a figure of speech. No, you stalk. I know because you stalked toward me, and it was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Besides you biting your lip when I kicked your ass at pool. Not to bring up a touchy subject, but if you wake up, maybe I’ll let you win a game. Or we