Chapter 19 - Suzie

The night we found out we were mates, I told myself he would have to earn my affection. I promised myself the mate bond wouldn’t control me into simply giving in. And I held firm.

‘Yeah, for all of twenty-four hours. And look who initiated the kiss.’ Kayla taunted as my lips met his.

Sure it’s only been a day, but you know what it feels like years, probably because I’ve known him my whole life. But he did earn this. He stood up to Denise and his grandfather, all for me. And like the cherry on top, he just gave me a family heirloom, a ring that his mother wore.

If that isn’t a reason to kiss a man, I don’t know what is. And while I’ve never kissed someone before, I am confident if I had, none would measure up to kissing Austin.

I’d only intended for it to be a brief kiss, a thank you. I don’t know my intention, but that’s not how this kiss went.

Austin’s arms wrapped around me, holding me closer. I moaned into the kiss, and the moment my lips parted, he deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping past my lips.

I don’t want to think about how he got to be such a good kisser. I also don’t want to think about the last lips he kissed before me. Mine are the only lips he’s touching for the rest of his life.

‘Damn straight.’ Kayla snorted.

I couldn’t tell you how long we had been standing there kissing. It both felt like an eternity and only a moment as the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted us. I blushed as we pulled apart to find his father standing in the doorway.

“Not looking to interrupt or anything. But kind of figured you two might need some time alone to….” Hale coughed.

“Be acquainted as mates. So I’m going over to the Walterson’s to do whatever old people do. Probably play cards and drink. So um… you kids have a good time. Just make sure Suzie is home before one since she’s got school.” Hale nodded, looking uncomfortable as he sounded.

He didn’t want to tell us we could have sex so long as I was home before one in the morning. I don’t think we will be having sex, but it’s adorable he’s trying to say it without saying it.

“Yeah, sure, dad. Don’t drink any hard liquor or too much of it. Your tolerance is not what it was.” Austin nodded.

Hale sighed, shaking his head and muttering about who the parent was. It was adorable the relationship Austin has with his dad.

“Come on, honey. Let’s go inside where it’s not snowing.” Austin suggested.

While werewolves naturally run hot, I realized I hadn’t noticed it had started to snow. Kind of embarrassing, but in my defense, I was distracted.

“Yeah… sounds good.” I nodded, letting him lead me inside.

I’d thought of the scenarios of how things might play out tonight, and I was betting Austin was going to try and lead me up to his room. I am not letting that happen. I am not ready for that.

‘Speak for yourself. I want that and am very ready for it.’ Kayla snorted.

I nervously glanced at the stairs, but Austin turned, bringing me into the living room instead. My emotions were conflicted, and I blamed the mate bond and Kayla. Cause there is a part of me disappointed we didn’t go upstairs.

“What’s with the face?” Austin arched an eyebrow as he sat down on the sofa.

“What face?” When in doubt, deny deny deny.

“The one you’re making. Surprised and disappointed. Did you want to go upstairs?” He smirked.

Ugh, smug bastard. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of telling him anything close to the truth.

“Nope. There’s nothing upstairs I’m interested in.” I shook my head.

“Right, because you’re interested in me, and I’m right here.” He chuckled.

“Wow, someone has a serious ego issue.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“And someone lives in denial.” He taunted me, pulling me into his lap.

I gasped as I straddled his lap, hands instinctively holding his shoulders. I’m not sure this is safer than just going up to his bedroom.

“Just because my dad left us alone doesn’t mean we’re going to have sex, even if I bet Kayla is as down for that as Jax and I are.” Austin smiled, cupping my face with one hand.

“We won’t do anything you aren’t ready for. We’ve got time for you to be ready and not be in denial about what you want.” He assured, lips getting closer.

Well, at least he acknowledged I’m not ready for more.

“Right.” I agreed.

“Just because I kissed you outside doesn’t mean I’m sleeping with you.” I half-heartedly warned.

My words conflicted as I wanted to sound firm in my stance, but my tone seemed so damn needy. Between Austin’s scent and the sparks of the mate bond, my senses are on overload.

His lips brushed against mine, starting a slow burn kiss that grew deeper and more passionate with each passing second, tipping the scales and shoving all my worries to the far back of my mind. All that mattered was him and those lips.

All bets were off with that kiss. Well, not all bets. Sex is still off the table. At least until he’s visited the pack doctor and made sure he didn’t pick anything up from that crazy ex.

I couldn’t tell you how long we spent making out on the sofa. I know we’d changed positions, and I was under Austin at some point.

Okay, we were getting handsy. I’m not sure when Austin’s shirt ended up on the floor, but I’m also not going to complain because it means I get to touch more of him. My dress was pushed up over my hips, leaving just my basic white cotton panties to safeguard my virginity somehow.

We were caught up in making out, grinding against each other, touching any available skin we could when Austin’s phone started to ring. We both groaned at the interruption.

“I should at least check who called.” Austin groaned against my neck.

I nodded a bit in a daze as he leaned away enough to get his phone out of his pocket to check his phone. I should be thankful to whoever called because if he spent much longer kissing and nibbling at my neck, I might have let him mark and fuck me right on the sofa.

Austin sighed, moving off me, running a hand over his hair. I frowned, sitting up, trying to fix my dress.

“Everything alright?” I asked.

“Yeah, just dad reminding me it’s after midnight. I need to get you home and bring him home.” Austin sighed, running his hand over his face.

“Oh. It’s already that late.” I blinked and got up.

“Time flies when you’re having fun.” Austin winked as we both hurried to make sure we were dressed before he drove me home.

Since that night, Austin has driven me to school, and on days he gets off work in time, he picks me up. I spend more time at his house than I do at mine, and I am sure if my brother weren’t anxiously awaiting the birth of his son, he’d probably have noticed I’ve not been video chatting as much this past week.

Tonight is the official one-week of finding out we are mates. I don’t know what Austin has planned, but I know what I have planned. I think I’m ready. I mean, I know I’m ready. I know what I want, and it’s to be with him in all the ways mates should be.

‘About damn time!’ Kayla scoffed as I went through my closet, looking for something to wear.

Austin said he would pick me up after work, and we’d be going on a date, so I wanted to look nice. I don’t know where the hell he’s taking me. It makes picking the right outfit complicated, made more so by how I want to end the night.

After hemming and hawing between two outfits, I decided to go with the knee-length deep purple wrap dress with a layered effect on the skirt. I love how I look in this dress. It was undoubtedly a more mature look, especially with my purple leather heels.

“SUZIE!? Austin is here!” Mom called out the stairs just as I finished getting my earrings in.

I gave myself a once over, making sure I was ready. I was doing a mental checklist. Hair left down but pulled to one side to keep my neck on display, minimal makeup to avoid streaks, brand new black sheer lace bra and thong set, and the heirloom ring he gave me.

I quickly grabbed my purse, checking that it had the condoms I’d very embarrassingly bought. Okay, I’m ready. I hurried downstairs, eager for my date and where tonight will lead.

“Damn, you look hot, Suzie. Worth the awkward waiting.” Austin grinned as I was halfway down the stairs.

At least I wasn’t overdressed. I’d been terrified I had dressed up too much. But Austin was standing there looking…

‘Like a tasty snack. Let’s skip dinner.’ Kayla smirked.

I rolled my eyes at her just because Austin looked good in gray slacks, a two-tone wine red and gray slim fit dress shirt, and his usual dark gray pea coat.

“Ready to go?” Austin cocked his head.

I was blushing while walking down the rest of the steps as I felt his eyes slowly perusing my body.

“Yes, I just need to grab my jacket.” I assured him, hurrying to get my white peplum coat from the closet.

“Bye, mom! Bye, dad!” I waved as Austin slipped his arm around me.

“Don’t wait up!” Austin smirked as he escorted me out to his jeep.

I think we are on the same page on where tonight will go. I’m nervous but also eager to take this step.