Page 53 of Destined Mate

Wesley glanced at Jerome. “Not yet, Dad.”

“You do know that the bond is not fully set until you—”

“I know, Dad. But Jerome’s had a rough week, and I’m not going to—”

“It’ll be taken care of,” Jerome said, interrupting Wesley.

Surprised, Wesley glanced at Jerome. Did Jerome understand what he just said? The mating bite usually occurred during sex. Itcouldbe done without, but most wolves knew if a mating had not been consecrated, because Fated mates usually couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

Plus, if a mating wasn’t consecrated, less reputable wolves might try to take advantage of that.

“Good, good. At least someone is thinking clearly,” Merrick said. “Okay, your mom and I are going to let you go. If you need anything, please let us know. And Wesley? Make sure you give Jerome our cell phone numbers too.”

“Thanks, Dad. I will,” Wesley said.

“You better believe you will,” Elaina said. “After you claim him, we’ll have a formal mating ceremony. Oh, Jerome, I hope you’ll let me help with that. Please?”

Jerome blinked. “I’ve never had a formal—you know what? I’d love for you to help me with that. Thank you.”

“Fabulous! After the two of you get settled, and you feel like it, let me know and Wesley’s dad and I will make a quick trip to visit and do the formal mating ceremony,” Elaina said. “Love you guys! Good night!”

“I will and good night.”

“Love you too. Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jerome

JEROME WAS completely overwhelmed, but in a good way. He and Li Li hadn’t had a formal mating ceremony, and he honestly hadn’t cared one way or the other about it because it wasn’t a mating based on love.

But now? He absolutely wanted that.

“Welp, we survived that. Now on to the next hurdle. Sleeping arrangements. Jerome, I know what you said earlier to my dad, but are you sure you want to consummate this mating right now?”

“I’m sure. Yes, part of that is this driving need to have you claim me. I’m guessing that’s a Fated mate thing.”

“That’s what they teach us, yes,” Wesley said.

“Another part is I don’t want to take the chance of being claimed by somebody else. We don’t know for a fact that any alpha who may show up here tomorrow is an honorable alpha.”

“I understand you had a horrible experience with Elmer, but that doesn’t mean you have to jump right into this. Yes, I feel that drive to claim you also, but I won’t force you. Ever. We can do it when you’re ready,” Wesley pointed out.

“I believe you. I truly believe you mean that with every fiber of your soul, which is why I’m okay with going ahead and doing it tonight. You’re willing to give me a choice. Do you know how few choices I’ve had in my life? Being mated to Li Li was not my choice.”

“I think you said it was a business arrangement.”

“It was, yes. It benefited both packs. But it wasn’tmychoice,” Jerome stressed. “This is different than what it was with Li Li. Very different.”

“Different good, I hope?”

Jerome tucked his hands into his lap and nodded. “Yeah.”

“Because if there’s any doubt, I really am okay waiting,” Wesley said softly. “Regardless of who may or may not show up here tomorrow. I will happily fight them for you. Your happiness is more important to me than anything else. You know that, right?”

“I do.” The sincerity in Wesley’s voice settled Jerome’s nerves and made the room feel warmer. Wesley really was worth his weight in gold.

“Good.”

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