Ian nodded, not sure what to say to that.
Liam offered Ian a smile. “Raph and Lys might be a while yet. He told me to get you out of here as soon as I could. I know you’ll want to talk to him as soon as he gets home, but while we wait, would you like me to show you around when we get back? There’s a lot more to our home than what you’ve seen so far?”
A stubborn part of Ian wanted to say no, wanted Jesse to be the one to show him around, but he had to face facts. Jesse could still be gone for years. He needed to get used to being a vampire on his own.
You’re not on your own. You have a whole coven to help you.
He needed to do this without Jesse. Needed to learn how to control his thirst and his newfound strength and enhanced senses.
When Jesse was eventually released from VLCD prison, Ian would be waiting for him. Ready to start their life together as his equal.
Summoning a smile, Ian steeled himself for what lay ahead and nodded.
“Yeah. I’d like that.” He smiled and gestured for Liam to lead the way. “Let’s go home.”
EPILOGUE
Six months later
Jesse glanced down at the new tracking bracelet around his wrist and wrinkled his nose.
“I don’t know what you’re complaining about,” Watts muttered as he checked Jesse’s whereabouts on the computer to make sure it was working. This is the reason you’re getting out way fucking earlier than you should be.”
That and the fact that both Ian and Raph had badgered the VLCD constantly since Jesse had been locked up. But he didn’t say any of that. No sense in pissing Watts off when he was so close to leaving.
“Right.” Watts stood, apparently satisfied with what the computer showed him. He pointed to the tracker. “We can and will monitor your whereabouts twenty-four hours a day. If you break any of the laws set out by the agreement, then you’ll be straight back in here to serve your remaining time behind bars along with whatever time we deem fit for the new crime.” Glancing up, he raised an eyebrow as he waited for Jesse to respond. “Understood?”
“Yep.” Jesse nodded. “I understand.” The new tracker would be his constant companion for the next five years. That had been his reduced sentence, but thanks to Ian repeatedly telling the VLCD that he was happy Jesse had changed him and Raph offering to take responsibility for Jesse if he was allowed to return to the coven, the VLCD had agreed on this as a compromise.
Jesse wasn’t keen on having his every move watched, but if it got him out of those cells and back with Ian, he’d agree to anything.
Ian had visited him almost every day for the past six months, but it wasn’t anywhere near enough. Jesse ached to hold him in his arms, to kiss him . . .
“Sykes.” Watts barked at him, suggesting it wasn’t the first time he said Jesse’s name.
“Sorry, what?”
“Sign this, and then you can leave.” He swung the sheet of paper around to face Jesse and handed him a pen.
Jesse snatched it up and scribbled his signature.
With nothing left for him to do, Watts escorted him up the stairs and out through the main building of the VLCD headquarters. Jesse paid little attention to his surroundings, excitement building with each step he took closer to freedom.
Opening the front doors, Watts motioned for Jesse to go through. He pointed to his eyes, then at Jesse, in a we’ll be watching you gesture, then stepped out of the way for Jesse to get past.
Once outside under the clear night sky, Jesse paused for a moment, eyes closed, head thrown back as he breathed in the fresh air. One scent stood out above all others and it brought a smile to his face.
Two seconds later he had his arms full of Ian.
“Fuck,” Ian whispered, burying his face in the crook of Jesse’s neck. “I can’t believe I finally get to touch you.”
“I know.” There had been times during the last six months when Jesse wondered if Ian would be waiting for him when he eventually got out. But now, with Ian holding him so tight it was almost painful, he felt guilty for ever doubting him. Or what they had together.
“I’ve forgotten how much I like your scent,” Ian mumbled between deep inhales.
Jesse laughed. “I thought you’d been staying in my room.”
They’d said the words before now, but out here, in the crisp night air with Ian finally in his arms, it meant so much more. Matching Ian’s grin, he whispered, “I love you, too,” and the last six months seemed to fade away.
Something over Jesse’s shoulder caught Ian’s attention and Jesse glanced back to see Blake leaning against the entrance to the VLCD.
He gave them a small smile and a nod before going back inside.
“How’s that going?” Jesse asked. Ian didn’t like to talk about Blake when he visited Jesse, too many people listening.
“Slowly, but we’re getting there.”
“Good.”
Ian slipped his hands under the hem of Jesse’s T-shirt, stroking over his lower back. “Ready to go home?”
Jesse shook his head and Ian frowned.
Sliding his hands up to cup Ian’s jaw, Jesse held him steady, leaned in, and kissed him.
It felt like his whole body relaxed at the touch, and he tried to show Ian exactly how much he’d missed him.
Ian groaned, fingers digging into Jesse’s back as he returned the kiss, matching Jesse’s enthusiasm.
Each sweep of Jesse’s tongue reminded him of Ian’s taste, cementing inside him where it would never be lost again.
When he finally pulled back and brushed a thumb across Ian’s lower lip, he grinned. “Now I’m ready.” Ian smiled back at him, eyes bright with amusement and something else Jesse couldn’t wait to explore when they were alone.
Jesse couldn’t resist kissing him one last time before reaching for his hands and slotting their fingers together.
“Take me home.”
About the Author
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, three cats, and a very naughty black labrador.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
https://annabellejacobs.com/
Twitter: @Ajacobs_fiction
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Email: ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
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Also by Annabelle Jacobs
The Choosing
Torsere Series:
Union
Alliance
The Lycanaeris Series:
The Altered
The Altered 2
The Altered 3
Toy With Me
Will & Patrick Series:
A Casual Thing
A Serious Thing
Magic & Mistletoe
Chasing Shadows
Always Another Side
The Regent's Park Pack Series
Bitten By Mistake
Bitten By Design
Bitten By Desire
Bitten By The Alpha
Bitten By Her
Bitten By Fate
Butterfly Assassin
All Hallows’ Eve
A Christmas Kiss
Maybe This Time
Not Just For Christmas
Old Acquainta
nce
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
EPILOGUE