I couldn’t hold myself back from him any longer, I dived into his arms, and as the strong limbs wrapped around me – lifting me off my feet – a few tears finally leaked from my tightly squeezed lids.

“I love you too, Max, I need you to know that.”

Footsteps sounded behind us. Tyson. “Thank the gods you two finally sorted it out, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on our disappearing Jessa. I’m going to need one of those hugs too.” I pulled back, so happy to see my wizard’s smiling brown eyes.

Maximus gave me an extra squeeze, as though he was afraid to let go. “I’m not going anywhere,” I whispered against his soft shirt.

He kissed the top of my head before handing me off to Tyson. I sank into the wizard. I was done now. My exhaustion was going to force me to sleep.

Tyson reached down and hauled me into his arms. “I think shower and bed for you, babe. I volunteer to be a shower and bed buddy.”

I snorted. “Missed … you … Ty.” I was all slurring and shit, but he understood.

Braxton and Jacob were waiting in my room. I assumed Louis was still in the kitchen, but he might have taken off, giving me time with my boys. Braxton had the shower already running, steam filling the room. Tyson set me down, steadying my movements so I didn’t face-plant. I managed to wave them away, before undressing myself and stepping into the water. I slid closed the glass partition.

“I’m leaving this door open, Jess.” Braxton said. “Call out if you need me.” His husky tones trailed off as he walked away.

Holy shit, he could have phrased that differently, because I was coming to see with more than a little clarity that I needed him. Goddamn, I needed him.

I forced myself to focus on the simple task of washing away the filth and keeping my legs steady beneath me. My body felt so sensitive as I ran a cloth slowly over my skin. I forced myself to be quick. I needed sleep, but the low ache deep in my stomach was my first warning that I also needed to get laid. I needed sex … and I had an important decision to make.

I hadn’t forgotten what had happened in Faerie. The question of the hour: should I burst the friend-bubble Braxton and I were precariously living in? Dive into all the deliciousness that was my dragon. Or was the risk too great? If I was smart I’d be investigating what sort of nightlife was in this sanctuary and heading out to find myself an available shifter. Play it safe. But that thought just wasn’t as appealing as it should have been.