Chapter 11

None of his scent remained; the remnants of their make-out session gone. She’d managed to wipe it all away with another shower, and she’d managed it in ten minutes. She walked past him without sparing a glance in his direction, her demeanor solemn. He growled deep in his throat. It was part cry from his wolf that his female was distressed, part guilt he was to blame. He’d hoped to apologize before breakfast, but now he didn’t have another choice but to wait.

His eyes followed her as she walked toward the dining room table where she sat next to Cain. Lucas sat at the head of the table with Jenna to his right and Jocelyn to his left. Next to Jocelyn sat Cain then Olivia. At Jenna’s right sat Benjamin then Jacob, leaving the only open seat at the other end, next to his sister. In his home, he’d always sat at the head of the table; however, when he realized he’d be that much farther from Jocelyn, he growled.

Hesitantly, he sat and for the first time noticed the array of food that lined the table: three different types of pancakes: blueberry, strawberry and chocolate chip; French toast; assorted fruits; muffins; sausages; white toasted bread with jelly and butter and yogurt. It looked like a buffet for thirty instead of eight.

“Think we got enough food,” Benjamin teased Jenna mirroring his thoughts exactly.

“We do have guests. I didn’t know what they wanted. Besides, I don’t know about how much weres usually eat, but I do know demons. And you boys will finish this spread,” she replied and smiled.

Landon was relieved to see her previous anger had subsided.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Cain agreed.

As everyone dug in, scrambling to get food in their stomachs, Landon rested his back against his chair, his eyes focused on Jocelyn. He watched her as she carefully placed a chocolate chip pancake, a slice of French toast, and some fruit on her plate. She waited patiently for everyone to settle before she took her first bite, cautiously cutting a small piece of her pancake then raising it to her mouth.

It was a simple act, eating, but it aroused thoughts in him. Her pouty lips pressed against his, and the passion it triggered. Was there anything she did that didn’t tease him or make him picture her in his bed? He thought as he shifted in his chair adjusting his arousal.

“Landon, aren’t you hungry?” Cain’s question drew him from his fixation on Jocelyn.

“Yeah,” he replied.

He waited for several moments forcing himself to think of anything other than Jocelyn as his craving for her subsided. He then reached for three slices of French toast and sausages and settled back into his seat.

“Tonight we are having a little party, just Guardians,” Jenna announced. “I’ve already called Kellen and Giovanni. Of course, Olivia and Landon, you are invited to come, too.”

“Really?” Olivia asked. “Oh, this is great! I’ve never been to an immortal party before.”

Landon glared at her, perturbed by her excitement. You would think the girl had been kept locked in a cage. “Yes, you have. We have parties at the estate,” he said sternly.

“Yes, but that’s only with weres.”

“We are immortals.”

“Yes, Landon, we are immortals, but this party will have other immortals.”

“Oh…” he simply said then bit into the French toast and swallowed carefully.

“Thank you for breakfast and for allowing Olivia and I to stay here the past couple of days. I greatly appreciate it,” Landon said after realizing he had yet to thank them.

Jenna solely concentrated on her buttered bread; the only thing she’d eaten so far, snapped her head up seemingly shocked he’d thanked them.

“You are welcome.” Lucas sipped orange juice and gently placed it on the table. “We are very thankful you were there during the last attack and for helping train Jocelyn. We have plenty of room here. We don’t mind the company, and besides, Jenna loves to play hostess,” he said glancing at his mate who returned his amorous gaze.

“I assume you will both head home before the party,” Jenna said.

Landon glanced at his sister, her face pleading her desire to attend. “Yes, we’ll head back after Jocelyn’s training so we can shower and dress then come to the party.”

“I don’t need you here for my training,” Jocelyn said without as much as a glance his way.

Her retort stung. He expected as much but ignored it knowing he deserved it and much more. After finally understanding why she’d been upset, he couldn’t blame her. He could only blame himself. He’d finally begun to realize his domineering ways would only succeed in aggravating his stubborn female. He wanted to carry her out of the room and express his grief at having caused her any pain, but he wouldn’t. Being carried out in front of her family would only displease her more.

He had hoped after last night she’d feel different about him, but why should she? It was he who felt different about her, about his predicament. It was just last night while her arms were wrapped around him he’d decided she deserved to know the truth. It was while he kissed her and heard her cries of pleasure he’d decided to confess that she was his. What purpose it served, when he didn’t intend on making her his officially, he didn’t know. He’d burn that bridge when he got there.

****

After everyone finished breakfast, they scattered. He noticed Jocelyn stack up several plates and utensils and head toward the kitchen. Purposefully waiting for the opportune time, Landon quickly followed behind her. He watched her for several seconds as she rinsed dishes and placed them in the dishwasher.

“Joce,” he called after her.

“I have nothing to say to you, Landon,” she said without tearing her gaze from her task.

He marched toward her thinking how he preferred her snappy and bitchy than solemn. “But I do. I’m truly sorry for my behavior. I didn’t mean…what I said…umm…” he stuttered, nervous and afraid she’d never forgive him. “I take it you took what I did in a negative light.”

She finally turned her face, her eyes barren and harsh. “You are some alpha. Can’t even apologize properly,” she retorted sarcastically then continued rinsing dishes.

“Jocelyn, I am sorry for what I did. It was not my intention for you to take it as you did.”

“Oh, that’s better. Blame it on me,” she said sardonically as she continued loading the dishwasher.

Landon grew flustered, her sarcastic comments making his anxiety worse. He grabbed her arm, placing his other arm on her lower back and pulled her toward him, forcing her to stare into his eyes as her body lightly grazed his.

“It was my fault. I take full responsibility for my actions. I wanted my scent all over you because it excites me. You excite me like no other woman I’ve ever met. I was trying to get my way, but I only succeeded in hurting you. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”