Jeremy did a double take, clearly not anticipating Celeste to suggest they share a bed.
"I…" He fumbled for words while she waited calmly.
Eventually, he swallowed hard and seemed to make a big decision, "You sure about this?"
"I am. You must have felt it too. My wolf doesn't just need you for her healing power. She longs for your wolf and wouldn't settle down if you're gone." Her face was warmer when she admitted that, but she ignored it and continued, "You don't have a place to spend the night, and I don't want you to sleep on the floor or even a chair because of me. So it's better if we share a bed. I don't mind it, anyway."
Her words were soft but firm. As she said so, she didn't look away from his eyes.
Jeremy nodded and made his way to the opposite side of the bed. He carefully picked Celeste up and moved her over, leaving enough space for him to settle beside her.
Celeste couldn't help but notice how warm his chest felt as his special scent surrounded her when he bent down to move her. A slight flush colored her cheeks.
Thankfully, Jeremy quickly put her down and retreated to the other end of the bed. He seemed relieved to be there, too.
He lay his back on the bed and heaved a soft sigh of contentment. She almost giggled at his reaction.
Apparently, the man hadn't experienced the comforts of a cozy bed for some time.
Both of them lay side by side in the stillness of the night, their gaze fixed on the ceiling above.
They were close, but their shoulders were not touching. The air was thick with an unspoken understanding, a silent bond that tethered them together. Though physically apart, their synchronized heartbeats and shared warmth bridged the distance between them, creating an almost palpable connection.
They didn't talk, but the air was surprisingly comfortable.
Sleep seemed impossible for Celeste. After all, she had been sleeping for three long days. But she could feel exhaustion finally catching up with Jeremy. For him, it was three long days without proper sleep.
Celeste listened quietly as Jeremy's breathing became slower, longer, and forming a regular rhythm. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Jeremy's chest rise and fall with each breath he took. Finally, she could feel the man in a peaceful slumber like a child.
Despite the pain from her right shoulder, Celeste managed to support herself and turn her face to him. She traced her gaze along his face. His nose was straight, and his lips were full and inviting. Even in sleep, he looked strikingly handsome, like a prince from some fairy tale.
But Celeste was sure that her twin brother could not be her happily ever after.
Jeremy snored a little, reminding Celeste of a golden retriever.
"Puppy," she breathed out the word silently with a wide grin, enjoying the way it rolled off her tongue.
She knew Jeremy didn't like being called that, but the word suited him so perfectly.
He seemed to stir in his sleep at the whisper of the word puppy.
Celeste's heart skipped a beat. She held her breath and listened intently to his slow, rhythmic breathing. Only when she was certain he was deep in a slumber did she exhale a soft sigh of relief.
The moon peeked through the window, casting a gentle glow over Jeremy's peaceful face. Celeste couldn't help but study him. She felt like a stalker creeping in the night. But she wanted to cherish this moment, convinced it might be the few chances she had to treasure time alone with him.
As she observed Jeremy, Celeste couldn't fathom what their future held together. Still, she yearned to forget those thoughts entirely and bask in the warmth of his presence just for a little longer.
Time slipped away unnoticed. Celeste had no idea how long she'd been watching Jeremy. Eventually, she yielded to the embrace of a dream as the weight of her eyelids became too heavy.
Celeste's eyelashes quivered as the sun kissed her face.
She opened her eyes and automatically turned her gaze to her left side. Disappointment hit her first when she realized the man who had been sleeping beside her last night was gone. Not even a hint of his warmth remained on the sheets.
She lay there, absorbing the slight scent of grass wafting in the air. If it weren't for the slight musk of Jeremy's scent still lingering around the room, she might have thought last night was just a dream of hers.
But where was he? And what time was it now? She didn't know. But she did know Jeremy was near. She could sense it. Or, technically, her wolf sensed it. It seemed that being mates had its benefits after all.
Celeste couldn't help but sigh, feeling the pang of abandonment growing within her. She wondered if he had woken up in the middle of the night and snuck out while she slept.
As Celeste struggled with the decision of whether to get out of bed or not, she heard a knock on the door.
She looked up and saw Jeremy walking in with a glass of water and a sandwich.
"I just came back from a meeting. Byron wanted me to stay, but I knew you were awake." He handed her the water. "My priority has always been taking care of you, not attending meetings."
Celeste felt her heart jolt a little at his words. A playful smile curled at her lips, "Good morning to you too, puppy."
Jeremy's face grimaced. "Please don't call me that again."
Celeste shrugged. Jeremy asked her about her condition. And she was surprised her injured shoulder no longer hurt. It was still sore, though. She was impressed by her wolf's healing power.
Jeremy's face lit up. His eyes held a fire that only added to his rugged appeal. "That's great news!"
The way he looked at her made Celeste feel like something was shifting between them. The more Jeremy smiled, the more Celeste found it difficult to hold back her smile. She cleared her throat and asked him what they had discussed in the meeting.
He answered, "We're going home."