Chapter Ten

The school week closed and Circe found herself slowly cleaning the classroom. She had nothing to rush home to. Just television, ice cream, and maybe a glass or two of wine. Miles had been gone for eight days, and each night she tossed and turned with dreams of him. She always awoke with tears on her cheeks and an ache in her heart.

After she had nothing else holding her at the school, she grabbed her purse and locked up. She headed to the diner to get some dinner. Being there was better than being all alone with her thoughts. Esmeralda greeted her and Circe slid into a booth with a wave.

"Here for the meatloaf dinner?" the older woman asked.

"Couldn't stay away," she replied with a smile.

Esmeralda cocked her head. "You okay?"

"Um, yeah. Never better."

The older woman snorted. "You should practice that line better. Then I'd believe you."

Circe sighed. "I miss him. Maybe more than I should."

"You sound like you're never going to see him again."

"I gave him a second chance." She shrugged. "I'm not sure if I have it in me for another go-round."

Esmeralda patted her on the shoulder. "The High Luna works in mysterious ways. Now, let me get you dinner and a coffee."

She winked and walked away.

Circe leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Tears burned behind her lids, but she worked hard to dry them up. She had cried enough the past week. Time to pull up her big girl panties and move on.

The vinyl on the seat across from her creaked, and she opened her eyes, staring in shock at Miles. He had a smile on his face as he stared at her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"This is my home now."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I am a member of Sheridan Pack."

Her jaw dropped open. "Excuse me?"

"I abdicated."

She blinked.

"Grady took over. He wants to see you again, by the way, so I thought we could visit after our mating ceremony."

"Wait," she said, holding up a hand. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"I thought I was pretty clear."

"No, I'm so confused."

He reached over and took hold of her hand, linking their fingers together. "I'm no longer Alpha of the Shadowhide Pack. I called Jericho last night and asked if I could join the Sheridan Pack. He agreed, with some concessions, but here I am. The newest member."

"But … but … why?"

"Because I love you," he said. "Because you're here. Because I'm putting you first. Nothing is more important to me than you."

She had no idea what to say. The tears welling up now weren't of sadness, but of disbelief. Of happiness. He rendered her speechless.

"I'm not quite sure what my job is going to be yet, but Alpha Jericho assured me he could find me something to do. That was one concession. He wants me to earn my citizenship." He leaned a little closer and lowered his voice. "Between you and me, I'm relieved not to do stupid paperwork anymore."

"I-I can't believe it."

He rose and came to her side, kneeling on one knee. The diner fell silent. "I devote my life to you, Circe Tolliver. From now on, where you go, I go."

She cupped his face. "Is this real?"

He kissed her palm. "I've made so many mistakes in life. Please forgive me."

"I can't believe you did this for me," she whispered, and kissed him on the lips. "I forgive you."

"Please be my mate."

"I will be your mate."

He gathered her in his arms and hugged her tight. The patrons in the diner clapped, but Circe didn't care. She was too busy kissing Miles.