"You can sit on my lap, and I will show you how to press the pedals and steer the car.", James said like it was a totally normal thing.
Cornelia was curious about driving, but she was not sure about sitting on his lap. Will there be space for her to sit? And how can she focus on anything if her behind is on his thighs? Won't that be too intimate?
Cornelia wanted to do many things with James, but first, she wanted to know, "Where are we going?"
"To have fun. Just the two of us."
He took her hand into his and kissed the back of her palm, pleased that she was not pulling back.
"Cora, do you trust me?", he asked.
"About?"
James shook his head. "You were supposed to say, yes, but I understand. I disappointed you too many times. From now on, I will not give you a single reason to doubt me."
"You didn't tell me where we are going."
James inched closer without breaking eye contact. "Tell me, Cora. Tell me, honestly, does it matter where we are going?"
Cornelia blinked rapidly. Why was he so close? She couldn't think.
James reached behind her and she held her breath as he pulled the seat belt to buckle her in.
The buckle clicked into place, but James didn't straighten his posture. His eyes moved to stare into her lips.
"Cora", he called.
"Yes?"
"Can I kiss you?"
"Why are you asking now?" Didn't he kiss her many times without asking? And he did it in front of an audience!
Her eyes widened as he inched closer, and when their lips connected, she closed her eyes. His kiss did funny things with her insides, things she didn't really hate, but she was not sure what to do with them.
The kiss ended and James moved away to see that her eyes were still closed. It took her a few long seconds for her eyes to flutter open. He loved that he had such an effect on her.
James chuckled. Today will be a good day, and he was determined to make it one of many.
The engine roared and the white Lexus slid down the driveway with ease.
Erik, Petra, and Zack were standing at the main door of the packhouse and looking in the direction where the white Lexus disappeared.
"We should pack our things and leave before they kick us out.", Petra said sourly, and she got silence in response.
The three of them were summoned to the packhouse to entertain James, in exchange for benefits that would enhance their education and training, and Alpha Damon also hinted that there will be some gifts. On top of that, the opportunity to make friends with the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack was something many coveted, and staying in the packhouse was worth bragging rights.
No one told them that they were not needed anymore, but it was obvious that James was not spending time with them. Did this mean they failed their mission?
Since Cornelia appeared, James was with her if not busy otherwise. The teenage trio hoped that their usefulness will extend with all five of them going to the human city, but then James and Cornelia left them early, and now James and Cornelia went on their own, confirming that there was no need for Petra, Erik, and Zack to linger around the packhouse.
They loved staying there, but they were embarrassed to freeload.
Petra, Erik, and Zack dragged their feet to their rooms to get their stuff. It was time to go.
Talia, Damon, Maya, Caden, Dawn, and George were in the lounge.
Zina pushed in a three-layered serving cart that was filled with trays that held small pastries, cheese, crackers, and fresh fruits for snacks. There were also pitchers with chilled milk and orange juice, and a pot with coffee.
After arranging all those on the bar counter together with empty plates and napkins, Zina returned to the kitchen to finish cleanup and start planning for lunch. With guests in the packhouse, she was always busy.
Gideon and Mindy were not present because they went to Gideon's cottage to pack so they can move into their new house.
"What do you want to discuss?", Caden asked Damon.
Damon summoned them there after breakfast, and they were all seating on sofas and munching on food (like they didn't have breakfast previously), and no one was talking.
"Talia and I are planning to be away for a few days.", Damon said.
They will visit the Midnight Guardians pack and the Silver Flame Coven. Damon and Talia were not sure how long they will stay there, but they wanted to make preparations if things happen in their absence.
Damon also hoped to sneak in some alone-time with Talia, like a vacation. He really wanted one, and with the time difference between realms, he hoped it will happen.
"I want us to discuss our current situation, short-term plans, and how it relates to the Red Moon pack. However, we are waiting for one more person."
"If it's related to the Red Moon pack, James should be present.", George said.
"James is on a date with Cornelia, and he said that unless there is a war, he shouldn't be disturbed.", Talia reminded everyone.
George shrugged. "There is always a war, somewhere."
"We should let James and Cornelia have their privacy.", Dawn said. "They won't have much time to be together after we go to the Red Moon pack."
Well, George agreed with this. He wondered if he should take Dawn on a date. Since they recognized each other as mates, they are mostly in the packhouse. George took a mental note to ask Damon about fancy restaurants in the area and see if he can secure a reservation for tonight. He will treat Dawn as his queen.
"While we are waiting for another person to arrive, I want to share some good news.", Maya started. "The first pack run in a decade was a huge success. People are energized, and their morale is high. They were all pleased with the ceremony, and they saw it as a sign of Alpha Damon mending his relationship with the Shaman."
Maya pulled a paper from her back pocket and unfolded it before placing it on the coffee table that was in front of her. "We have confirmed seven pairings of mates and three second-chance mates."
Talia didn't understand how so many mates could be found. Weren't all participants from the same pack? Was it possible that they all lived in the same territory and didn't bump into each other?
Talia had a feeling that Maya will use these pairings to boost Talia's matchmaking ability-nonsense.
Maya grinned knowingly. "Do you want to hear all the names, or just the important ones?"
Everyone looked at Maya with curiosity other than Caden, indicating that he already knew whatever Maya was about to announce.
"You probably have someone on your mind.", Damon said. "Let's start with that."
"Steph found her second chance mate!", Maya exclaimed, getting everyone's attention.
"Eeeh?", Dawn made a silly sound and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Who is it?"
"Robert the blacksmith.", Maya responded, and Dawn nodded, indicating that she knew who he was.
Talia had no idea who Robert was, but she was happy for Stephanie. Dawn and Maya were smiling, so he was someone they approved. It also meant that Stephanie won't leave Darkbourne. Will Steph move in with the guy? Probably. But… "What about Lisa? Is she OK with that?"
