“What? No! Of course not. Shara, you are joking, right?”
“Of course I am joking,” I said as I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around his neck.
His body relaxed with relief.
“Why would I leave my wonderful mate? You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Then I kissed him. It was a perfect performance. My lips moved against his while my eyes looked directly at Luvena over his shoulder.
Her face burned with pure anger. Her hands were clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.
I pulled away and smiled sweetly at Jareth.
“I visited the lawyer to update my will,” I explained. “After the accident with the pup it made me think about protecting our future.”
“Oh,” Jareth breathed out as a nervous laugh escaped him. “A will. That makes sense. Shara, please don’t scare me like that again. You nearly stopped my heart.”
“I would only leave you if you betrayed me,” I said quietly. “Like what happened to Freya. Did you hear about her mate? He was sleeping with his assistant. Imagine destroying a bond for such a cheap affair. Disgusting!”
Jareth stiffened slightly.
“Yes,” he said awkwardly. “Disgusting. I would never do that to you, Shara. I swear.”
“I know,” I replied gently. “You are a good mate.”
I turned my head slightly and met Luvena’s burning gaze.
“Well,” I said while sliding my hand down Jareth’s chest. “If you love me that much, why don’t you prove it? Kiss me again.”
“Hmm… but we are not alone here, Shara,” Jareth murmured, though he did not move away.
“Why not? Luvena will not mind,” I said sweetly. “Besides, she’s also like a family for us. Right, Luvena?”
Luvena said nothing. She looked like she might explode.
I pulled Jareth down and kissed him again, longer this time, making sure she saw everything.
My hands moved over him, claiming what she believed she had taken.
“Let’s go upstairs,” I whispered loudly enough for her to hear. “I want to be close to you tonight.”
Jareth hesitated and glanced toward Luvena, but he had no escape.
“Alright,” he said finally. “Alright, my Luna.”
I pulled away and gently tapped his cheek.
“I will take a shower first,” I said. “The city dust makes me feel dirty. Stay here and finish whatever you were discussing with her.”
I gestured lightly toward Luvena.
“And Luvena,” I added with a bright poisonous smile. “Thank you for keeping my mate company while I was gone. You know the way out.”