Page 41 of Destined Mate

“You did it. You’re the alpha now!” Duncan exclaimed.

Wesley turned his focus back to Jerome. It was unfathomable to him that Jerome could gaze at him with such raw desire, especially considering the sticky blood and bits of gore all over him.

“Are you okay?” Jerome asked him.

“I’m okay.”

“You sure?” Jerome swallowed. “Those wounds look—”

“I’ll heal. In the meantime, can I kiss you again?”

“Oh, you’re going to ask this time?” Jerome suddenly paled.

“No, no, don’t do that. I know you don’t know me, but I am nothing like the rogue. Seriously. I was one of the alphas invited to the Luna’s Summons.”

“You were? Thank the wolf god.” A visible shudder coursed through Jerome, and he gave a weak smile. “And yes, you can kiss me again.”

Wesley did just that, leaning in to capture Jerome’s lips in a kiss that was as fierce as it was tender.

It was not only an act of claiming but also one of longing—a forceful and unrestrained melding of lips and breath and reckless passion. Jerome eagerly reciprocated, the heat of his response surprising Wesley with its ferocity.

His hands clutched Wesley’s naked shoulders, pulling him in as though afraid any distance might break the connection that crackled like a live wire between them.

The blood didn’t seem to bother him at all. Jerome’s fingers dug deep into Wesley’s skin while Wesley’s mouth moved hungrily over his. He hadn’t expected Jerome’s reaction to be this intense.

At least not with death a few feet away, and not while the pack watched. But that was a good sign, right? Wesley kissed him harder, leaving no doubt for the pack or his mate that Jerome was his.

The moment came to an end thanks to yells and cheers. That was definitely a good sign too. But it brought Wesley back to the moment, making him realize how strongly and sincerely Jerome had been kissing him.

Jerome’s enthusiasm filled him with relief and excitement. They held each other like that, feverishly, oblivious to everything else.

The intensity of their embrace spoke volumes, which was extremely promising. He wanted to ask Jerome if he felt their chemistry too, but that was a conversation best held in private.

But for now, the stone circle held three lifeless bodies awaiting attention, and he glared at them.

Keith noticed where Wesley glanced. “That was my next question. What do we do with them?”

“Bury them. They don’t deserve the chance at a rebirth.”

Several pack members cautiously approached and offered to take care of it.

Wesley thanked them, then turned to Jerome. “You know these woods better than me. Where would be the best place to bury such rubbish?”

Jerome’s lips twitched. “What an appropriate description. Yes, I know just the place. Thank you, also, for thinking of getting rid of them someplace out of the way.”

Two betas stepped forward and Jerome immediately introduced them as Henry and Al.

“Welcome, Alpha Wesley. With your permission, Al and I can oversee the burial,” Henry said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Henry. If you wouldn’t mind, I would appreciate that,” Wesley said.

With four werewolves digging graves, the task was completed quickly. Wesley instructed them to check the pockets for vehicle keys and any cash, leaving everything else to be buried with the bodies.

WITH ELMER, Albert, and Clyde buried, the need for food gnawed at Wesley more aggressively than before.

He turned to his new pack. “Theo, Duncan, Keith, and I are going to shift and follow the rest of you. I doubt we would run into a cop this far out, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, since the four of us don’t have clothes.”

Jerome nodded. “That could be a problem.”

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