Chapter 19 - TJ

Walking into work with Taylor on my arm fills me with immense joy. All eyes are on us, and I can sense the satisfaction from everyone.

"Looky what we have here," Damon says. "Don't you two look cozy?"

I roll my eyes at his look.

"Gather everyone in the meeting room please, we've got a lot to discuss," I say in response.

Damon raises an eyebrow before shrugging and scurrying off.

Taylor and I walk into the meeting room.

"This feels different than the last time I was here," Taylor whispers to me, and I chuckle.

Last time was when we first saw each other in over ten years. Everyone was tense and held hatred for her, but today they would be learning that we mated. They would have to be supportive, as we all know how important a mate is.

"This time will be better," I assure Taylor, and she squeezes me hand. "We are in this together, forever."

"Forever is right."

Hearing her say those words warms my heart. Taylor is my everything, and I hope she knows that. She will be my everything until I take my last breath.

I lean over and give her a peck on the lips.

"Aren't you two cozy," Lex echoes as he and Nic walk into the office hand in hand.

They look the picture of love, and I hope that is what Taylor and I look like.

"We are," I start, realizing everyone is now standing in the office. "Taylor and I have mated."

"So she was your mate?" Liam asks with a smile. "I'm glad, brother."

"We are too," Nic says. "You make quite the pair. We were a bit worried after the court hearing, but I'm glad you two worked things out."

"That we did, but speaking of the court case, how are things here?"

Everyone looks at each other.

"Things are great. The case was been dropped, but the news has been everywhere outside," Lex explains.

"Did you hear about Dylan?" I ask.

Lex shakes his head.

"According to Taylor's partners, he left the country. It looks like KobiTech is no more."

"Well, that's good," Damon says. "Isn't it?"

"Good for us, but last night was crazy."

"What do you mean?" Lex asks.

"When Taylor left she was led to a car by Dylan. Guess who was driving the car?"

"Who?" Pat ponders.

"Carnelian."

At my words, everyone freezes.

"And not only did he drive me home, he attacked us in my backyard," Taylor adds.

"Are you okay?" Nic asks, rushing over to Taylor's side.

"I am, but seeing dragons in real life is pretty scary."

"Not scary enough for you not to mate with one of them," Damon remarks.

"Hey, bro, enough," I say to Damon.

He is starting to piss me off until I see the smirk on his face. He just likes to push my buttons.

"Sorry, sorry, I really am glad she knows. And we're not being sued anymore, so that's a plus. Oh, the case has been all over the news. Taylor, how is your job?"

Taylor stiffens before she lets out a sigh, "They expect me to return in two days."

"What? Really?" Nic asks.

"Yes, apparently, Dylan fleeing helped me not get in trouble for not showing up to court."

"Well," Lex starts. "Our lawyer has been great, but he has mentioned retiring, and we will need a lawyer on retainer. If that interests you at all, we should talk."

Taylor nods enthusiastically and it makes butterflies go crazy in my stomach. If she is interested in working here, that would be great. She wouldn't have to return to D.C. and could stay here, with me, in New York.

I squeeze her hand and she beams at me.

"I think this calls for celebration," Pat suggests.

"That sounds great, but we have to meet with Taylor's family first."

"Okay," Pat says. "Meet us at the Sitting Duck at six?"

We agree before heading out.

***

When we arrive at the Montgomery residence, the construction crew I hired to work on the backyard is hard at work.

Taylor unlocks the front door, and her parents barge up to us.

"What is going on?" Giselle asks.

"Who is in the backyard?" Anton adds.

"I'm paying for the backyard to be relandscaped," I explain. "You had some poisonous moss, so they had to dig it up as soon as possible."

The lie spills out of my mouth easily, but they seem to buy it.

"Are you two holding hands?" Shane asks as he comes down into the living room.

I look at my friend and see a small smile on his face.

I guess that means this doesn't bother him.

"We are together now," Taylor explains.

"Well, welcome to the family," Anton says, bringing me into his embrace.

"Hurt my daughter, and I will end you," Anton whispers into my ear. "Make her happy, and you will be like a son to me."

I nod in understanding into his shoulder. He was never scary growing up, but part of me is terrified of this man now.

We pull away and he beams over my shoulder at Taylor.

I know they were close growing up, so it is good to see they still are.

"Can I talk to you?" Shane sets a hand on my arm.

"Of course, buddy, I'll be right back." I give Taylor a peck on the lips and follow Shane to the backyard.

It is louder outside, and I can see what a mess we left behind.

"My parents were pissed this morning," Shane explains. "The backyard is destroyed."

"The moss had to be dug up, man."

"Be honest, what happened? It looks like a tornado ripped through our backyard."

I want to share the truth with Shane, but I can't. He is just a civilian and can't know about dragons or shifters.

"I'm serious."

I can tell Shane doesn't believe me, so I try and change the subject. "How do you feel about Taylor and I?"

"Well, I am pissed you didn't tell me, but Taylor and you look happy so who am I to stand in the way.

I beam at Shane. He may not be my best friend, but he has been a true friend to me for most of my life.

"You just keep her heart intact, and she will be alright. She can handle herself."

That she can.

Knowing that Taylor has her family on her side warms me to the core. I have my own family, and now Taylor is a part of it.

"We better go, TJ," Taylor calls from the patio doors.

"The missus is calling, I gotta jet."

Shane finally looks at me. "See you around."

As I walk away, I turn back to Shane. "The three of us should grab a bite next week."

Shane nods and a smile forms on his lips.

Maybe our relationship won't be as strained as I feared by not telling him the truth.

"What were you too talking about?" Taylor asks as we wave goodbye to her parents.

"Just guy stuff."

Taylor laughs and I chase her to the car, picking her up as she tries to open the door.

I twirl her around in my arms before setting her down on the ground.

"I love you," I say before kissing her.

"I love you too," she responds against my lips.

Hearing those words is like a prayer to my ears. I know that I will never grow tired of Taylor's love.