"I'm sorry," she told him as she deepened their kiss. She opened her mouth when she felt his tongue brush against her lips and for the first time in her life Jen wanted to act on all the things she joked about.

Decebel pulled back. As much as he wanted his mate, now was not the time. He'd caught some of the thoughts drifting through Jennifer's mind and knew they needed to stop. He needed to stop.

Decebel watched as hurt formed in Jennifer's eyes when he pushed her back.

"Baby, this isn't rejection." He chuckled at her forlorn look.

"Then what is it? Did you really mean what you said? I mean," Jen waved her hands at him to stop him from interrupting, "I know you aren't a virgin, we've already barked up that tree. But did you really have to throw it in my face, Dec? Did you have to make me feel like my own mate doesn't desire me?"

Decebel rubbed his face as he let out a deep sigh. "Jennifer, if you had any idea how much I desire you, you would probably be frightened to be alone with me. I want you – in every way. But I don't want you to use my need for you, my desire for you, against me. Not when it's to get me to disregard your safety."

He watched as she processed his words. Decebel played with a strand of her long hair and waited for her to speak.

Jen sat there, staring at her oh-so-handsome mate and chewed on his words. He did want her, and based on that kiss his desire was evident. But he didn't want her to manipulate him. She realized then that she needed to get to the bathroom so Peri could get her out. So no manipulation, fine. She could do that. He didn't say anything about being sneaky.

"Okay." She started to climb off the bed but stopped abruptly when she realized Decebel hadn't let go of her hair.

"Okay?" Decebel looked at his mate suspiciously. "That's it?"

"Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't use sex to manipulate you. It's childish. I can admit when I'm wrong Decebel, geez. It's just it happens so rarely that it kind of catches me by surprise."

Decebel chuckled but still wasn't convinced that everything was okay with her.

Jen could tell that Decebel wasn't buying her sudden agreement, so she crawled back up on the bed and as he propped himself up against the headboard she climbed into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

"I know I'm difficult, B. But that doesn't mean I don't know how to be reasonable. And I understand why you pushed me away."

"You do?"

"Sure I do. You're nervous. It's been a while and you're worried about being able to live up to my expectations. It's okay, we'll go slow. I'll give you as much time as you need." Jen was nearly biting her lip she was trying so hard not to laugh at the horror onDecebel's face at her words. She knew what she was saying was a load of crap, but she just couldn't resist. She'd felt like he didn't want her. She'd been hurt when he pushed her away. It wouldn't hurt him if he thought that she thought he was actually stressing over the whole consummation thing.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom and get ready for bed. Don't worry about me, okay? When you're ready, we can explore our physical relationship." Jen started to climb off his lap as she watched his mouth open and then close. As she reached the bathroom door she heard him growl.

"Explore our physical relationship? Nervous? Worried?" With each word his voice got louder and the growling increased. By the time Jen had closed and locked the bathroom door, Decebel was at the door jiggling the door knob.

"Jennifer, open this door."

"Decebel, seriously. Can I have some privacy? We have not been mated long enough to pee in front of each other."

She heard him grumble something under his breath but he moved away from the door.

Jen stood there, waiting. For what she wasn't sure. Then all of a sudden the wall closest next to her just disappeared. Jacque and Peri stood directly in front of where the wall had been.

"What the -"

"Shhh." Jacque motioned to Jen to lower her voice.

Jen walked over to Jacque and the Fae and the wall reappeared as if it had never vanished.

"That is freaking wicked cool." Jen grinned at Peri.

Peri rolled her eyes. "Wolves. So easily impressed."

"So are we planning our secret op?" Jen rubbed her hands together, looking very much the part of mischievous child.

Peri motioned for them to follow her. The front door opened soundlessly and closed behind them. Jen and Jacque both expected to begin shivering, but even though there was snow all around them, they felt no cold.

"I take it you're keeping us warm?" Jacque asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I can't very well talk to you two if your teeth are chattering incessantly, it's annoying."

"Alright then, Peri-fairy, tell us how you really feel." Jen rolled her eyes.

Peri ignored the comment. "The males in your pack will never let you two go on your own."

Jacque and Jen looked at each other and then at Peri.

"Yeah, we know that much. What we don't understand is why you aren't working your mojo to bind them like you did Decebel." Jacque decided that her words must have shocked Peri because the Fae took a step back.

"You want me to bind your mates?" she asked incredulously.

A chuckle emanated from Jen. "No, silly."

Peri took an audible breath and let it out, obviously relieved.