Chapter 105
Ellie's POV
The kiss ended, but we stayed close—foreheads touching, breaths mingling in the warm car. Jackson's hands cupped my face, thumbs tracing gentle circles on my cheeks. My heart was still racing, but it wasn't fear anymore. It was... wonder. Pure, overwhelming wonder at how right this felt.
Is this what it's supposed to be like? Thalia purred contentedly in my chest, completely at peace for the first time since the ice house. Yes. This is home.
"Ellie." Jackson's voice was soft, reverent. His golden eyes searched mine. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice yet. My hands were still clutching his shirt—when had I grabbed it?—and I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palms. Fast, but slowing. Matching mine.
The mate bond hummed between us, warm and golden. I could feel his emotions now—a mixture of relief, joy, and something deeper. Something that made my breath catch.
"I should call Megan." The practical thought cut through the haze, and I immediately felt guilty. "She's probably freaking out. I just disappeared from the bar—"
"Your phone's gone." Jackson's expression darkened slightly. "Lost in the lake with everything else. But you can use mine."
He reached into the center console, pulling out his phone. His hand was still shaking slightly as he handed it to me. The aftereffects of the transformation, probably. Or maybe he was just as overwhelmed as I was.
I typed out a quick message to Megan: It's Ellie. I'm safe. With Jackson. Left the bar early. Sorry for worrying you. Will explain tomorrow. Please don't stress.
Her response came almost immediately: ELLIE!! OMG I've been losing my mind!! I couldn't find you anywhere and your phone was going straight to voicemail and—
Another text followed before I could respond: Wait. You're with Jackson?
Then: Are you REALLY okay though? Like actually safe?
I couldn't help but smile. Really truly safe. I promise.
You better! And Ellie? I'm glad you're okay.
Another text came through: Oh btw, my mom and Robert picked me up tonight. They want to do some sightseeing around campus this week before we head home for Christmas. So I'm staying at their hotel—won't be back at the dorm tonight.
Then: Lily also said in the group chat she's not coming back tonight either. So don't worry about disturbing us if you head back to the room.
A final message popped up, and I could practically hear Megan's mischievous tone: And just saying... if YOU don't come back tonight either, we wouldn't be surprised.
I felt my face heat up as I typed back: Megan!! I'm coming back. Stop being ridiculous.
Sure sure. Whatever you say.
I handed the phone back to Jackson, settling deeper into his embrace. The blankets and his jacket created a cocoon of warmth around us, and I could feel exhaustion starting to creep in. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving behind a bone-deep weariness.
"She's worried but okay," I said quietly.
Jackson's arms tightened around me. "Good. That's good." He paused, and I felt tension creep into his shoulders. "Ellie, we need to talk about what happens next. Today... today's the last day before winter break."
Reality crashed back in. Winter break. A month apart. The thought sent a spike of panic through my chest that had nothing to do with the night's earlier terror.
"A month," I whispered. "We just... we finally found each other, and now we have to be apart for a whole month?"
"I know." His voice was rough. "I hate it too. But Ellie, the mate bond—" He took a breath. "It's going to be harder than you think. Being apart. Especially this soon after recognition."
Oh. That explained the hollow ache I felt at just the thought of leaving him tomorrow. "How do we deal with it?"
"Video calls. Every day." He said it with such certainty that I had to smile. "Morning and night, at least. More if we can. And texting constantly. Sharing everything." His hand found mine, fingers interlacing. "We stay connected, even when we're apart."
"Every day," I repeated, committing to it. "I can do that. I want to do that."
"Good." His thumb traced circles on the back of my hand. "And maybe... when we get back, we could talk about living arrangements. There's an apartment building near campus that allows roommates. We could each get our own room, but share the common space. If you wanted."
My heart did a complicated flip. It was such a practical solution—separate rooms, maintaining boundaries—but also incredibly intimate. Living together. Seeing each other every day.
"I..." I swallowed. "I'd like that. A lot."
Relief flooded his expression. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." I leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. It was getting easier, this kissing thing. Less terrifying. More... addictive. "But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's survive winter break first."
Jackson's answering smile was soft. "Deal." He paused, his thumb still tracing circles on my hand. "What time does your dad get here tomorrow?"
"Around ten, I think. He texted earlier saying he'd pick me up mid-morning."
"So..." Jackson's eyes lit up with that quiet warmth I was learning to recognize. "Breakfast? We could grab something at the dining hall. And then I'll wait with you until he arrives."
Something fluttered in my chest. It wasn't a grand gesture—no fancy plans or romantic date. Just... breakfast. Just him wanting to spend ordinary time together, doing nothing in particular except being in each other's presence.
"You want to have breakfast and then just... wait around with me?" I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips.
"Yeah." He said it so simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I know it's not exciting or anything. But I just want to be with you. Even if we're just sitting around waiting."
"I'd really like that," I said softly, settling deeper into his embrace. "A lot, actually."
His arms tightened around me, and I felt him press a kiss to the top of my head. "Good. Then it's a plan."
We settled back into silence, and I became aware of how the temperature in the car had shifted. The heater was doing its job, but more than that, Jackson was warm. Almost unnaturally so. I pressed closer, seeking that heat.
"Ellie." His voice had a different quality now. Cautious. "There's something else we should talk about."
I tensed slightly. "What?"
"The mate bond... it affects us physically. Makes us want to be close." He paused, and I could feel his heart rate pick up. "Really close. It's instinct. Natural. But we don't have to—I mean, we can take things slow. As slow as you need."
Understanding dawned, and with it came a wave of heat to my face. Oh god. I buried my face in his shoulder, partly from embarrassment and partly because I couldn't stop myself from pressing closer.
"I can't help it," I mumbled into his shirt. "It's like my body has a mind of its own. I just want to..." I trailed off, not sure how to explain the pull I felt. The need to eliminate any space between us.
"I know." His hand moved to my hair, fingers threading through the still-damp strands. "I feel it too. It's the bond. After we're marked, it usually settles down a bit. Becomes more manageable."
I froze. Marked.
The word hit me like a bucket of ice water. I pulled back sharply, eyes wide. "Marked?"