What the hell! Here I am pouring my heart out to him and he sits there grinning. It would only take mere seconds for me to shift and leave him sitting here.
“Danika, don’t you dare run off before I get a chance to explain my side! Do you remember the other day when I said I needed to check in with my chief, so I went to the ranger station to make the call? I actually made a few calls. I talked to the Wildlife Superintendent. I got an idea that I needed to go through him before I could make the rest of my plans. The guy not only liked my idea. He approved it.”
Now he has my complete attention. What the heck has he been up too? Better yet, what does it mean for us? “Go ahead.”
“The next call was to my chief, putting in my notice. I’m no longer part of the hotshot crew. I am now Kodiak’s National Wildlife Refuge Fire and Rescue Chief. My idea was to start a fire department that is specifically designed for this area. No more traveling for days, weeks, even months at a time. I will finally be able to put down some roots and, hopefully, one day, start a family. The new captain at the ranger station took me to see a parcel of land that will be perfect for building the firehouse. Because this is a national park, the federal government will help with building and supplying everything that we need to run an efficient station.”
Oh my God, he is staying. How the heck do I keep this stupid grin from creeping up on my face. I want to hear what else he has to say first. “What else?”
“Well, it will be up to me who I hire and train for the station. How would you feel about having a few more shifters here on the island? I know firemen all over the country that are trapped working in the city. It’s tearing their spirits apart because they don’t have the convenience to shift as often as we do. Personally, I like the idea of an all shifter fire department. They would be stronger, capable of working longer and harder, plus we would be doing them a huge favor. Yes, I said we. If this is all okay with you, I want your help interviewing the recruits. Any bad feelings or vibes at all and we do not hire them, period! There will be no exceptions to that rule.”
Damn, I love this idea. I know how I felt being trapped in the city. We could make a significant impact on so many lives. “What about if they mess up after they are here? We can’t afford to be exposed!”
“If a recruit screws up, they are gone. No exceptions to that rule either, I am a fair man, but I won’t tolerate disobedience either. So, by that question, does that mean you are interested in what I have had to say?”
Not wanting to look too eager, I take my time before answering his question. Of course, smart ass me has to ask another question instead of answering his. “Okay, you sure were busy no longer than you were gone that day. I can tell that you put a whole lot of thought into all of this. That leaves me with one last question. Where are you planning to live during the building of the firehouse? I know you will have to stay there some once it is up and running.”
“Well, that was going to be my next question. Since we are fated mates, I was hoping you would say yes to me living with you. I am not asking for us to sleep in the same bed in the same room right now. You told me you have a spare bedroom. If you will have me, I will stay in there until the time is right for both of us to move forward. How does that sound to you?”
Jax is going to put me over his lap so he can spank my ass if I don’t soon quit asking him questions. “One last question. I promise. Will you be hiring female shifters? I may know someone who might be interested in transferring from the job she has once the new station is built.” Gah, it’s killing me not to crack up laughing.
“Well, I don’t know. Fighting fires is arduous work. Are you sure this female shifter can handle it?” My jaw dropped as I listened to what he said. The big oaf I moved his big ass around with no problem when he was shot. What an ass he knows it’s me. That damn cheeky grin of his just gave away that he is messing with me.
Pouncing on him, going nose to nose. “Mr. Richardson, I have to tell you that not only is she strong enough, but if you want her to keep her new mate happy, you better hire her!” I can’t hold it in any longer. The laughter erupts from within me like a volcano exploding. Between fits of giggles, I proceed to tell him that I have two conditions. Before I tell him what they are, I wrap my arms around his neck. Drawing Jax closer to me so that his lips are almost touching mine.
“My conditions are as follows. I love everything you told me. Yes, you can live with me. You’re a smart man for not trying to find lodging with someone else. You would have had one pissed off mate! The second condition, if you don’t make love to me right now, claiming me as yours, I am going to start doubting you want me. Lastly, when we get home, you mister will be sleeping in our bed with me every night that you don’t have to be at the firehouse!”
That’s been enough talk for the night. Using the tip of my tongue, I lick Jax’s bottom lip then nibble on it until he opens up to allow me access to deepen our kiss. His arms wrap around me, lifting me onto his lap so that our bodies are in contact with each other. There is that clicking noise he makes with his tongue again. Now I know for sure he makes that sound when he is content. I hope to hear it many more times before the night is over. What am I talking about? I want to listen to it for the rest of our lives. It’s time to start our happily ever after.
The end