Decebel felt a smile spread across his face – not really a happy one, more like a “I just got away with sneaking a cookie from the cookie jar” smile. Six months ago, he wouldn't even have considered texting, but since Fane and some of the other young wolves had started to, he had sort of been forced to, and learn the lingo on top of that.

Turned out, Decebel preferred texting to talking any day. Except with his mate. But it will have to do for now, he thought.

"I'll return in a moment. I will have to get Jen's number."

"Hurry," Decebel growled, but added, "please."

Decebel paced and paced as he waited for his lifeline to be brought to him. If he'd any doubts about Jennifer being his mate, they had been abolished while he felt his rage grow at being apart from her.

Eventually Vasile walked in, holding out his phone. Decebel forced himself to retract his claws so he would be able to text unencumbered.

He didn't acknowledge Vasile as he left.

Decebel found her name in his contacts list and pressed the text button. A blank screen came up with a key board below it.

Decebel txt: Jennifer

He waited, growling when she didn't respond immediately. His phone finally vibrated as her text appeared.

Jennifer txt: Fur ball

Decebel growled, but grinned at her smart mouth. His phone vibrated again before he could respond.

Jennifer txt: r u ok?

She cared. His heart was in his throat as he read the simple text.

Decebel txt: slightly grumpy

Jennifer txt: so ur ok then

Decebel laughed, feeling his wolf settle, if only a little. It was enough to keep him sane.

Decebel txt: how r u?

Jennifer txt: miss n u

Decebel txt: I miss u 2 baby

Jennifer txt : r we agreeing?

Decebel txt: never

Jennifer txt: r u mad at me?

Decebel txt: idk

Jennifer txt: :(

Decebel txt: ur mine

Jennifer txt: yes

Decebel txt: only mine 2 c

Jennifer txt: didn't know how 2 distract u

Decebel txt: mission accomp

Jennifer txt: lol

Decebel txt: keep ur clothes on

Jennifer txt: blunt much?

Decebel txt: keep ur clothes on

Jennifer txt: that can make things difficult

Decebel txt: Jennifer. Keep. Ur. Clothes. On.

Jennifer txt: fine, I'll keep some clothes on

Decebel txt: I need u

Jennifer txt: V said no

Decebel txt: u asked him

Jennifer txt: of course, ur mine

Decebel txt: grrr

Jennifer txt: a good grrr?

Decebel txt: definitely

Jennifer txt: excellent

Decebel txt: r u bn good

Jennifer txt: hmm more specific

Decebel txt: Jennifer

Jennifer txt: im always good at whatev I do

Decebel txt: not reassuring

Jennifer txt: do u disagree?

Decebel txt: can't

Jennifer txt: ?

Decebel txt: been on theother end of ur good

Jennifer txt: ur b n wicked bad

Decebel txt: ur fault, I was innocent b 4 met u

Jennifer txt: im sure u were squeaky clean

Decebel txt: I shld let u sleep

Jennifer txt: LET? really

Decebel knew the only way he was going to get her to go to sleep would be reverse psychology. As much as he wanted to sit and text her all night, she needed her rest.

Decebel txt: I need sleep baby

Jennifer txt: ur a quik learnr

Decebel txt: dream of me

Jennifer txt: I'll think about it

Decebel txt: mate, grrr

Jennifer txt: hmmm yummy

Decebel txt: Woman! Go 2 bed

Jennifer txt: alone?

Decebel txt: hell yes alone!

Jennifer txt: such a big bed, lonely n it

Decebel txt: Jennifer

Jennifer txt: I evr told u ur sexy when ur bossy?

Decebel txt: yes, u were drunk off ur cute ass

Jennifer txt: blushing

Decebel txt: u should b, go 2 bed

Jennifer txt: can't txt u if asleep :(

Decebel txt: ur kill n me

Jennifer txt: assure u that's not what I want 2 do 2 u

Decebel txt: blushing

Jennifer txt: LMAO!

Decebel txt: Go. To. Bed.

Jennifer txt: join me?

Decebel txt: phone will b by my heart

Jennifer txt: tears

Decebel txt: don't cry baby

Jennifer txt: why here? why now?

Decebel txt: don't know Jennifer

Jennifer txt: sucks

Decebel txt: I'm holding u

Jennifer txt: more tears

Decebel txt: wolf gettn restless

Jennifer txt: sorry, I'm ok

Decebel txt: hold me 2

Jennifer txt: all nite long

Decebel txt: nite baby xoxo

Jennifer txt: nite

Decebel txt: no lovin 4 me?

Jennifer txt: didn't want 2 get u all worked up

Decebel txt: thanks 4 ur concern

Jennifer txt: nite, deep intense kiss, hands in your hair, bodies pressed together

Decebel txt: GRRRRRRRRR

Jennifer txt: what? 2 much?

Decebel txt: i'll dream of u

Jennifer txt: I bet u will, lol, nite B

Decebel txt: nite baby

Decebel scrolled through their texts, smiling at her playfulness. It wasn't enough, but it would get him through the night.

Jennifer curled into a ball in the bed that she'd told Decebel was too big to be in by herself. All day she had kept herself busy. Now here, in the dark, she could feel the hole that was widening with every moment away from Decebel.

She had been thrilled when Vasile had told her she could text him. She smiled to herself, remembering his texts. Decebel had a sweet, romantic side. And bloody hell if it wasn't the sexiest thing ever. She closed her eyes and thought of him. His handsome face, dark hair, amber eyes.... She fell asleep to the memories of her mate's deep, soothing voice and strong body holding her.