Page 29 of Caligo

“And I’m glad I’m too tired to be more offended right now.” I yawned. “I’m exhausted. I need my bed. Can we go home?”

Jasper took my hand. “Definitely.”

“So, we saved the pack. What’s next?” I asked Jasper, happy to feel his hand in mine again.

“Well… we will have to track down your mother at some point.”

I nodded in agreement. I wasn’t looking forward to hunting her down, but I knew it had to be done. I should have killed her when I had the chance, but I hadn’t wanted to be like her -- callous and unforgiving.

I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“But that can wait a few days at least,” Jasper offered. “I have to head back to Chicago first. Tie up a few loose ends.”

Oh. I felt my face fall. I knew he had work and a place and everything in Chicago, but I guess I hadn’t considered the reality of him going home at some point. I tried to look happy for him. For us.

“I thought maybe you’d like to come with me, stay in Chicago for a bit? See how you like city life. Your work is pretty mobile anyways. Well, except for the pack now. But you don’t need to be here all the time.”

I felt my body sag in relief. He wasn’t expecting us to be apart. “Yes. Yes, I’ll come.”

“Yes? That’s it? I’m disappointed. I was expecting more of a fight. I could already hear the words ‘too soon’ coming out of your mouth.” Jasper’s tone was teasing, but he looked thrilled.

I shook my head. “I don’t really want to be apart. If that’s okay with you.”

We walked outside into the fresh snow, the cool air nipping at our faces, and he gathered me into his arms again. “More than okay. I didn’t want to push you, but I was hoping you’d say something like that.” He tipped my face up to meet his, kissing me firmly. “Now let’s get home. I have a few things in mind requiring the use of your bed.”

I tried to keep a straight face, pulling him towards the car. “I hope you mean sleeping.”

He raised one dark eyebrow up at me. “Are you seriously telling me you saw me half naked all night, and now you want to get me into your bed… to sleep?”

I laughed out loud this time, and Jasper joined in. I couldn’t deny anymore the surety of the fact we were made for each other. Today, I was happy, strong and confident. Tomorrow, I’d worry about finding my mother.

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