Hunter Academy - Book 1

AGREEMENT PT. 2

JESSICA

He's looking at me expectantly.

"So when I was talking with Missouri, the only way I would believe she was actual psychic was for her to tell me something only I would know. She surprised me when she did. What she told me, only three other people know about it." I'm hedging. This brings up so many painful memories. "If Kriss really is a spirit, then burning her leftover belongings aren't going to work. You see, when we were kids, I got really sick. The only thing that was going to save me was a kidney transplant." I can feel the tears welling up. I quickly swipe my hands under my eyes to clear away my tears. I hitch a breath to try to get myself under control.

"Hey, you don't have to say anymore." Dane tells me, reaching across the table to take my hands in his. The action startles me, but I allow the comfort. "It's obviously painful to talk about. You have her kidney?" I nod my head, tears streaming down my face. "Well, it's not like we can burn you," he jokes, "so we'll just have to figure something else out." His thumb is slowly rubbing circles over the back of one hand, sending tingles up my arm. It's not an uncomfortable feeling. He lets one hand go, and reaches up to wipe the moisture from my face.

"You're beautiful, Jessica." He whispers to me. My face heats up at the compliment, and I duck my head down. His fingers tilt my head back up until I'm looking at him, his whiskey eyes shining back at me with sincerity. "I mean it. All of this is new territory for all of us. We already care a great deal for you. All three of us. You're all we can talk about. This last week has been hell, but we were determined to respect your wishes, and wait for you to contact us first." He takes a deep breath.

"Do you have any idea how relieved I was when I got your text?" He huffs out a short laugh. "You should have seen me. I was like a kid in a candy store when I read your text, and I couldn't wait to tell my brothers. They were just excited as I was when I told them about it."

My eyes widen slightly. I guess I didn't think about what the guys might be feeling. I'm still getting warm tingles from his touch, and I don't want it to end. I wrap my fingers around his, halting his circulating movements.

"I really do want to give this a try." I say. "I know I feel something for all of you guys. I don't know what it is, though. I've never been in a serious relationship in my life. I don't know how they work. The only relationship I've seen is my parents', and it's about the most unhealthy relationship I have ever seen." I shake my head just thinking about my parents. "Memaw's husband died before i was even born. She mourns him still. Still wears her wedding ring. I catch her sometimes looking at it with a sad expression on her face. That's the kind of love I want. Something that literally lasts a lifetime."

"I have no idea what's in store for us, Snow. I know that's what I want, too. What my brothers want. Maybe we can have that all together. I meant it completely when I said we will always respect your wishes. We will never force ourselves on you. What you say goes as far as any potential relationship."

"I have a lot to think about, and I want to talk about it with my family." I tell him, extracting my hands from his. "Feel free to call or text me any time you want. All three of you. I want to get to know all of you better." I gather my things and stand. I walk around the table, and Dane stands, too. "Can I hug you?" His answer is to open his arms wide. I step into his embrace and wrap my arms around his back. I feel his arms wrap me up, my head lying on his chest, just at heart level. He smells so good. I can hear his heartbeat through his chest. It's thudding a mile a minute. I smile inwardly. I guess he really does like me. I give one last squeeze and let go.

"You'll be hearing from me soon, Snow. And best believe now that my brothers have free reign to contact you, you will be barraged with messages later." He warns me with a laugh. I can only smile back.

"I look forward to it." I say as I walk away.

***

I pull up in front of Memaw's house. I turn the car off and grab my phone. I send a group text to the twins and Matt.

ME: Meet at Memaw's in an hour. I have news, and I need advice.

I receive three affirmative answers. I grab my purse and get out. Walking up the driveway, that stupid cat tries to curl its way around my feet. I shoo it away.

"Get away from me you flea ridden animal." It manages to get under my feet and I trip. I barely catch myself before I land on the ground. "Stupid cat." I grumble. I open up the door to her house, and drop my purse and keys on the table just inside.

"Memaw! I'm here!" I walk through the living room and into the kitchen. Not in here. I hear a muffled shout. I walk outside and there she is with that stupid cat. "That menace nearly killed me out front." I tell her as I sit in the chair next to her.

"Nonsense. She wouldn't hurt a thing."

"Yeah, right. Anyway, the gang will be here in about an hour. Want to help me make dinner? I have some stuff I need to talk out with you all. I finally called that Missouri woman, and I just got back from talking with Dane."

"You got it, Peanut. What should we make?" She asks, shooing the cat off her lap and getting up to go inside.

"How about chicken cacciatore? We can make some angel hair pasta and a salad to go with it."