The Falcon Ridge Series Book 2 Not Just A Girl
Chapter 20

(Chapter song ‘Silver Hill’ by Ednaswap)

SARAH

Can I start by saying... Holy Hell!

Like is this really happening?

I'm not sure if what Jayson said to me in the barn was what he actually meant to say. It almost sounded like he was saying he was in love with me.

I mean, I've thought about it. My crush turning into love is one of my biggest fantasies, but the reality is, for most girls, that doesn't happen. Especially, from your first.

I think he may have just been caught up in the moment. After the most mind blowing, hottest sex ever, at least for me, he probably didn't even know what he was saying.

I meant it, though. I know I've caught some major feelings for him. If things went south, I don't think I could even look at another guy the same way again.

I'll keep it to myself, though. If what Jayson said was some sort of slip up, I don't want to scare him off. I can wait for him to really feel something.

Right now, we have bigger things to worry about, but it's nice to just live in bliss for a moment or two. Just the two of us exploring what we have now.

It's been a few days since the camp was here. A few stayed back, shacking up in a make shift dorm or popping tents on the training area property.

After they were settled and spent some time getting to know some of the locals, Jayson and I stole a moment to ourselves under the trees at the edge of the field.

Our legs are interlaced as we sit on the ground and he feeds me the berries I brought.

He pops one in his mouth. "So, I've been thinking.” He starts as he chews. “If this thing goes south and you have to run, we should set up a meeting place."

I nod. "Ok. That's a good idea."

"It can't be here or at the camp. If the rogues win, they'll use Black Lake as an in for the rest of the Alliance. So, it has to be somewhere outside.

I think for a moment. "Silver Hill."

He arches a brow. "What?"

"Silver Hill. On the East side. Outside of a town called Morgan. It’s only accessible by wolf or bike. I hang out there when I need to think or avoid punishment. It's perfect." I smirk.

He laughs. "Ok. Silver Hill it is. Now, the plan. Burn this in your brain, baby. Remember this. If we ever get separated, hide somewhere and wait five days, trying the link. If I don’t answer, go to the Hill and wait for me there. If I don't show after three days, I'm not coming. Leave and don't come back because if I don’t show up, it means we lost and I’m most likely dead." He cups my cheek, slides his hand behind my neck and pulls my forehead to his.

My brows stitch up and I swallow. "I don't like that thought." I choke as I look into his eyes.

"Neither do I, baby, but we have to talk about it." His voice was soft and caring. I love that he wants to protect me from the world, I just wish he didn’t have to. The thought of losing him hurts my heart so much, I want to cry.

I turn around in his legs and lean my back on his chest while he leans on a tree. He wraps his arms around me and buries his nose in my neck. "Jayson?"

"Yes, baby." He pulls me closer.

"Will it always be like this? Us, I mean?" I play with a little pinecone I picked up as I glance at him.

He kisses my hair and sighs. "I hope so."

"I don't want this to end." I mumble and look down.

He reaches up and places his finger under my chin. He turns my eyes to his. "It won't if I have anything to say about it. I care about you a lot. The last thing I want to do is let you go."

I study his face and pause for a moment. "Jayson?"

"Yeah?"

"I care a lot about you, too." He smiles and leans to my lips, giving me a soft kiss.

I break the kiss and look out the field. "Can I stay with you tonight? At the pack house?" I mumble as I pull my knees up and continue playing with the pinecone.

He takes the pinecone and his arms hug me as he plays with it, in front of me. I feel so small in his cage.

He kisses my cheek and I turn to my side, meeting his eyes. "I'd love that, but we haven't told your parents about us. We probably should." He gives me that responsible dad look he always gets when he tries to get me to make good decisions. It's annoying, but he's right.

"Ok. Come for dinner. We'll tell them then." I smile.

He looks me over like I just gave him a golden invitation to a ball. It made me internally giggle because he’s the freaking Alpha and he’s excited to come to my house. "I'd love to have dinner with your family."

I didn't miss the first time he was at my house. He seemed very comfortable there and my parents adore him. I think we'll have no issues with them when I tell them I'm dating the Alpha son.

He kisses me again, but it was cut short by Shane heading in our direction.

"Hey! You two want to stop trying to suck each other's brains out long enough to actually work?" He smirks as he walks up the small hill to us.

"Shane!" I yell, furrowing my brow at his crude comment.

Jayson arches a brow. "You want to go there, little brother?"

Shane stops walking and stiffens up. His eyes go wide and his mouth goes small. "Um... No."

Jayson gets a maniacal look on his face. He glances between the two of us, bounces his brow and pushes me out of the way. "Too late!" He playfully growls as he rushes to his feet.

"Oh, shit!" Shane's brows go up, turns tail and bolts into the field.

"Get back here!" Jayson yells almost tripping down the field after him.

I laugh as Jayson catches up to him halfway down the field, puts him in a headlock and tackles him to the ground. The two of them roll around in the dry grass, trying to pin each other down.

I can believe how well he gets along with my family. Treating Shane like one of his own brothers, there has to be something there.

Speaking of brothers…

As I try to catch my breath, I'm suddenly joined by Nate, Jayson's younger brother. He's still older than Shane and I, but looks extremely young.

"Hey! What's going on out there?" He motions to the guys as he sits down beside me.

I calm myself enough so I can talk. "Jayson's teaching me twin brother what happens to smart mouths."

Nate raises his brow. "I know what that feels like. I should go help the little dude."

With that, Nate jumps up and runs full tilt toward the boys. I bust another gut as he grabs Jayson's waist and the two go rolling off across the field. Jayson’s arms and legs are everywhere as Nate pulls him off Shane. I’m freaking dying of laughter. It feels good.

The three of them all wrestle and spar, having a great time. I can feel their bonds from here. It’s good because in a few weeks, we may never have another chance like this. My smile slightly fades as I think about what that means.

When it's over and they're sufficiently tired out, they head to the training camp.

I gather my stuff and run to Jayson, settling myself under his arm. I smile as I brush the grass and dirt off his shirt and he kisses my hair.

He gives Shane a smile and a push. Nate shoves Jayson and he throws an arm around Shane’s neck as we enter the training center to replace out what's next.

****

I lead Jayson into my house. "I'm home!" I announce.

My mother comes out of the kitchen. Jayson gives her a respectful smile and wave. "Hi, sweetie. Jay, nice seeing you again. Adam! Jay's here!" My mother calls upstairs.

"Hi, Marie. Something smells really good." Jayson sniffs the air as he takes off his jacket. I grab it and hang it up for him then take mine off.

She places her hand on her hip and smirks. "It’s my world-famous pot roast. Are you staying this time? I'm sure there's enough to fill the belly of an Alpha." She giggles as she taps his stomach.

I glance at Jayson and grin. "Yes, he's staying."

My attention is grabbed by Maddie thumping down the stairs in shorts and a rocker t shirt. She’s bopping away to music, not paying attention until she looks up and catches Jayson's eyes.

He smiles at her and she almost falls down the last few steps. Ripping her headphones out, her eyes widen and she flicks her head between him and I. “J-J-Jayson Duke." She whispers. I giggle at her reaction.

She runs down the stairs and yanks me out of earshot. I shake my head, she thinks we are shifters. "Sarah? Why is Jayson Freaking Duke in our freaking living room?!" She grits under her breath.

She flashes him a charming smile while she fixes her hair. It's perfect even if she dressed down, but Maddie's a princess and Jayson Duke was the hottest thing in high-school.

"He's here for dinner." I huff a giggle at how ridiculous she is.

"He's here... for dinner.. .tonight?' She looks wide eyed again.

I nod. "Mmhmm" I say.

"Freak! Gotta go!" She pushes past me runs upstairs. I'm assuming to change. “Be right back!” She sings before slamming her bedroom door.

Jayson wraps his arm around my neck. "Your sister seems like a nice person." He chuckles.

"Maddie's Ok. I should warn you; she's had a crush on you since 7th grade. Boy, is she going to be pissed." I revel in the thought that I actually get to one up my sister on something.

He leans down to my lips. "Don't worry, I'll be on my best behavior." He gives me a quick kiss.

"Good because I know Maddie won't be." I tap his chest and lead him into the living room.

Before we sit down, my dad comes down the stairs. "Jay! How's the pack house?"

"Just fine, Adam. All things considered, of course." Jayson shakes my dad's hand.

My dad walks into the kitchen, grabs two beers and pops the caps off as he walks back to us. He hands Jayson one. "Yes. Terrible news. I hate that my children are fighting this, but I can really stop them. I, myself, have signed up. At least I can try and keep them safe out there and help you win this fight." He claps Jayson's arm.

"Thank you. It means a lot. Just to let you know, I did try to stop this one from signing up, but she's a very hard headed little girl with a wicked art of persuasion." He smirks at me.

My dad places a hand in his pocket. "Don't I know it. She's a handful.” He laughs. “But really, what can you do?"

Jayson nods in agreement.

"Enough of the doom and gloom." He waves in the air. "We have a few minutes before dinner. Show me this car of yours. " He wraps his arm around Jayson's shoulder and they head to the front door.

My dad opens it, leading him outside. "How many miles did you say you get on that?" He closes the door behind him and I shake my head. My dad apparently has a new best friend.

"So..." My mother comes in with the place settings for the table.

"So..." I smile as I grab some plates.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" She eyes me.

"Um... well...." I lean across the table. "Jayson's my boyfriend." I bite my lip trying to not beam while I gauge her reaction.

My mother glances at me with a smirk. "I thought I saw something between you to the last time he was here."

I wave her off. "No. We weren't together then. I mean, I wanted to, but he wasn't ready. We just got together."

My mother pulls out a chair and motions me to sit. "So, is it serious? Is he nice? He seems nice."

"Um. Not too serious.” I don’t want my mother to know I’ve taken the big plunge with Jayson several times. I’ll just keep that on the down low. “He's so sweet mom. He cares about me a lot. He takes care of me. We dance together. It's almost like magic." I kind of go dreamy thinking how cosmic our relationship feels.

My mother holds my hands. "That's how I felt about your father."

"It's weird. I get goose bumps every time our hands touch like electric waves are dancing on my skin. You ever felt that before?" I look at my mother.

She raises a brow. "The first time your father touched me. I was surprised. I literal jumped out of my skin." She laughs.

"What does it mean?" I ask.

"It means you like him, honey. It’s just the excitement of a new relationship. It's a good thing." She pats my hand and goes back to setting the table.

I shake my head. "It feels like more than that, though. Like it's supposed to happen or something."

She waves me off. "Don't lose your head, honey. Right now, just have fun and learn about each other. If things develop more, then think about the future."

"I can't picture myself without him." I place the silverware on the table.

My mother stops. "Honey, like I said. Just have fun. You’re still very young and things may not turn out the way you want. Don't dwell on it too much."

I sigh. "Yeah. I guess you're right."

I stop. "I'm meeting his family at the pack house tonight after dinner. Can I stay overnight. I've always loved the pack house. They have guest rooms and everything." I smile.

"Mm... I don't know. You and Jayson under the same roof. You're going to have to ask your father about that one." She doesn't even look up.

"Ok." Crap. I was hoping she'd ok it before I had to bring my dad into it. I really want to spend my first night with Jayson tonight.

“Go get the boys. Dinner’s ready." She shoos me to the door.

I open it and smile as I see my dad and Jayson leaning under the hood of his Challenger. They’re drinking beer and talking shop. Despite what my mother said, I can't help but get a flash of my future with him. Our families being brought together. The two of us together sitting with my parents with his arm around me while he laughs at one of my dad's stupid jokes. My mother making sure he's had enough to eat, again. My sister and brother looking up to him for advice or a just an ear to talk to.

I'm lost in my fantasy when my dad pulls me out. "Oh, hey, sweetie. Dinner ready?"

Jayson turns and smiles.

I scratch my temple. "Uh, yep."

Jayson drops the hood and they start for the door. My dad pushes past me and Jayson stops and looks into my eyes. "You, ok?"

I give him a big toothy smile. "I'm perfect."

He grins. "Yes, you are." He leans in and gives me a kiss and we both go to eat.