Chapter 325 - 325 Asked Out: Jade’s Decision

325 Asked Out: Jade’s Decision

**************

CHAPTER 325 – Asked Out: Jade’s Decision

Jade and Xander turned their head in the direction of who spoke.

At the same time, Astoria and the others marched forward towards where they stood at the centre of the warehouse with hardened expressions on their faces.

“Lord Xander,” she greeted once more, lowering her head as she should.

“Yes?” Xander inquired, letting his eyes dart from person to person, all searching for one being.

By the time he had carefully gone through the process of checking, his eyes had squinted as his brows drew close. “Where is Zale?”

******

Having explained everything to him, Xander ordered that the warehouse be burned down, leaving nothing and no stone unturned.

.....

The last thing they wanted was for anyone to get an insight as to the magical being’s existence and also, he needed to be sure that should Zale be hiding anywhere; he would be killed as well and no survivors would emerge from it.

Following his orders, they set the place ablaze and Xander created illusion magic, keeping anyone, specifically the police and press out of this matter.

Once they returned, the others that took to sea came with their own reports.

For the first time in a while, everyone was ready to celebrate victory even though it was not complete.

As much as their mind and eyes remained on the goal ahead, he decided a little reward would not be so bad.

After the first briefing, while they all stated their progress and gave their all thoughts on the attack, Xander dismissed everyone.

The first point of action to celebrate was…

“Who’s up for some barbeque night?!” Astoria asked, lifting her hands in the air as she rose to her feet with glee written all over her face.

As much as Jade wished to join them, she smiled and watched as they all filed out of the meeting room, one after the other, leaving her and Xander behind.

Finishing up with the reports, Xander kept them in a safe place. Once he was done, he turned around calling out her name only for his eyes to settle on an empty seat.

For a moment there, Xander was left speechless as he scanned the room for her but did not find her.

It wasn’t until he turned his head to his side and he heard her whisper close to his ear that he knew she had been there all along.

“Come on,” he let out a husky laugh and turned fully, pulling her into his arms.

“Do not scare me, silly.”

“Oh, I never knew the Dragon Lord himself could get scared. Whoa.” Her eyes gleamed underneath the fluorescent light as she smiled at him.

“And I never said I was scared.”

“Lies.” She giggled softly and twirled in front of him as she stepped back moving toward the door.

“Come here.”

Taking equal steps over to her, Xander quickly breached the gap and took her hand, pulling her body closer to his.

They engaged in heart-felt laughter, playing as freely as they could until when he let her twirl once more and she missed a step.

Thankfully, he was swift in action and caught her hand quickly.

Once more he brought her body close, leaving no space between them as Jade placed both hands on his chest with shock on full display in her eyes.

Seconds passed and they remained in that position.

Heaven knew he wished for things to return to how they were but he was the stupid soul to promise her he would wait.

Well, he was stupid for love and he wanted it that way.

With how close they were and the mate bond on the verge of letting loose, Jade could not have wished to be anywhere in the world at that moment aside from being with him.

For the first time in a long while, it felt perfect and cool. All she wanted was for life to go back to how it was.

Her breathing became heavy with each passing second of having him hold her that close and stare deeply into her eyes.

“Jade.”

“Hmm.” She swallowed the second her eyes darted from his eyes to his lips and Adam’s apple. “Yeah.”

“Let’s talk please.”

“Okay. I am listening.”

He gave a cool smile and straightened his body before looking at the chairs in the centre of the room.

“Let’s seat, shall we?”

“Okay.”

Helping her stand properly, Xander led her over to a chair, pulled it for her to sit and took the one close to her, turning it so he sat facing her.

Pressingher lips, Jade did not know exactly where this conversation was going to head considering he gave off a vibe like a father ready to scold his child.

“Jade, I want to start by apologizing to you.”

“Xander, we’ve been through this before. There is no need.”

“No. There is. And whether I like it or not, there will always be a void deep within your heart waiting to be filled up. I took your family away from you.”

“You know, technically, you did not. Zale did. Ale and his father and you,” her eyes widened, “you helped take my revenge.”

“I should have done better and not let the scoundrel escape but I still gave the order and for that, I am extremely sorry.”

She exhaled sharply and lowered her head. There was nothing she would say that would change how he felt, was there?

“I know I cannot change the past but Jade, if you are willing, I wish to forge a brighter future with you. I do not mind starting from scratch with all of these but, please. I want you in my life, Jade.”

She understood his pain, but how he switched it up to this made her happy deep within, she did not bother to hide her joy.

“I am willing to do anything to make you mine. I do not care how long it takes, but I want to start afresh and court you again. From friends, if I must but give me a chance to make it right by you.”

Her heart swelled in her chest as her eyes glistened with tears threatening to spill.

“Please, allow me to win your heart once more. Allow me the chance to love you and adore you. Give me a chance to make that heartbeat for me.”

“Xander.”

“I realized today, I am nothing without you. I cannot lose you and I know being with me would pose its own danger, but I swear it, I would give up anything to protect you, even my life. So please, let me make my promise to you true, Jade Nova Frost.”

“Xander.”

Jade’s smile brightened, spilling into her eyes as a cheerful laugh escaped her lips while she played with his hands.

“Please, my love.” He licked his lips, his eyes unable to leave her face while earnestly praying deep within for her to give him a chance.

“Xander, I do not want to start again.” The moment her words fell off her lips, Xander’s lips tugged downwards as his hopes came crashing down.

“Oh no,” she shook her head. “Understand me first, please.” He nodded but remained quiet and listened.

“I love you, Xander Warner and I do not wish to start again as friends or from scratch. Rather, I wish for us to continue as we are, from where we left off, about to be engaged.”