Page 50 of Tempest

Cash paused where he was unbuckling his pants and cocked his head to one side. “I guess it’s not completely outside the realm of possibility, no. Though I don’t know how whispering will make you invisible. Are all birds embarrassed to be seen naked, or is this just ayouthing, little bit?”

Ore’s feathers ruffled at the implication, and he crossed his arms over his chest. It was difficult to stay indignant as Cash dropped his pants to the ground and kicked them away. “I’m not embarrassed. I just…” He stopped. What was he again? Goddess, Cash looked good wearing nothing but moonlight. “I just don’twant anyone sneaking up on us when we’re not expecting it,” he finished with a flourish, planting his hands on his hips.

Cash grinned at him, slow and easy. “Whatever you say. Now, get naked.”

Ore sucked in a breath, his heart tripping in his chest as his blood heated. He held Cash’s gaze as he slowly stripped off his borrowed T-shirt and the pair of jeans he’d snagged after Cash woke him up and told him to get dressed. He’d been a little surprised, not sure if he should be worried about a middle-of-the-night trip after everything that had happened that day. But he should have known that his grumpy cat was looking to reconnect.

As much as they’d both been waiting for Ore’s memories to come back, the fact that they finally were was a devastating blow. Unless something changed with the Silver Oak Pack within the next couple of days, Ore would be forced to leave once his parents arrived from California. He was excited to see them but, at the same time, heartsick at the idea of leaving Cash behind.

The call with them had been both a relief and strained at the same time. While their voices had been familiar—thank the goddess—the way they’d spoken had seemed… odd. He wasn’t sure if it was his patchwork memory playing tricks on him or if he’d parted with them on bad terms and didn’t remember that yet. Either way, they’d offered to come to Kansas right away, claiming they couldn’t wait to see him.

He wanted that, truly. But…

Cash backed into the water, beckoning Ore with his fingers. How could he give him up?

He told himself he wouldn’t think about it—not when he had a sexy panther standing mid-thigh in water that glittered with moonbeams. His ivory skin and glowing tattoos were an irresistible beacon.

Tomorrow would come soon enough; he’d let himself have the night.

The water was cooler than it had been during the day, and Ore shivered lightly, but he didn’t stop, following Cash deeper and deeper. They went far enough that Ore had to start swimming, unable to keep his feet under him without ducking below the surface. Cash, still walking along the bottom, laughed at him and then pulled Ore into his arms so they were flush together.

Ore was more than happy to be skin-to-skin with Cash. He wrapped his arms and legs around him, holding on tightly. Their faces were only inches apart, the water moving gently around them as they shared breaths.

The moon was still full enough that he could clearly see every detail, but it wasn’t necessary. He’d long since memorized the arch of Cash’s brows and the bow of his lips.

But he couldn’t look away, couldn’t stop staring.

What if it was the last time they’d get to be together like this, just the two of them, before Ore had to leave? He didn’t want to miss a single moment of it. Wanted to capture a million snapshots in his head so he could carry them with him forever.

The soft smile on Cash’s lips faded, his scent turning heavy with worry.

“Don’t think about it,” Ore whispered, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth. “Just enjoy this moment while we have it.”

“Ore, I’m not just going to let them take you away from me.”

He pressed a finger to Cash’s mouth to stop him. “Don’t make me any promises right now. Neither one of us knows what’s going to happen as I get more memories back. I don’t want to be even more heartbroken if you have to break a promise to me later.”

Cash’s jaw bunched as he clenched his teeth together. “That wasn’t just some hopeful wish,” he said against Ore’s finger.“Unless you remember having a mate already and tell me you don’t want me anymore, I’m not letting you go, little bit. You’re mine.”

Heat rushed through him before settling low in his belly. “But what if?—”

“Mine.”

Something settled inside him at the sharp word, and he leaned in closer, resting his head on Cash’s shoulder. “Yours. What if I can’t stay though?”

Cash’s arms tightened around him, one hand slipping down to his ass and giving a firm squeeze. “Then I come with you.”

Ore’s head shot back up. “What? No. You can’t just leave?—”

“Yes, I can.”

“But you’ve worked so hard! The pack depends on you. How can you?—”

“Nothing and no one is more important to me than you, Ore.” He held Ore’s eyes, a hint of a glow deep in his pale blue irises.

“What about Pops?” he whispered, even as his brain screamed at him to shut up. Take the win and figure out the details later.

Cash lost some of the fierceness in his face. “Depending on where we end up, I’ll either ask him to join us or visit as often as I can. Would that be alright? Him potentially living with us?”

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