Chapter 21 - Killian

“Is this really necessary, Franco?” I asked.

He had been in town for two days already under the guise of reacquainting ourselves with one another. So far, that had meant drinking in the bar and making lewd comments about women. For the third day in a row, he had shown up on my doorstep at noon, wanting to go out again. This time, however, he had brought his motorcycle.

“Are you telling me you don’t still have your bike?” Franco asked.

“Of course I have it,” I answered. “I just don’t ride it much anymore.”

“That’s your problem, brother. You need some more danger in your life,” Franco said. “Come on, grab your gear, and let’s get out of here. That whiskey isn’t going to drink itself.”

“Give me a second,” I replied, closing the front door and heading to grab my helmet and keys.

Franco was the one who bought me my motorcycle when I had temporarily joined his pack. Because they were easy to hide, more maneuverable than cars, and had the bonus of being slightly intimidating, Franco insisted that all his wolves own a bike. It was his favorite mode of transportation. Ever since I left him, though, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to ride my motorcycle very often. There were too many bad memories associated with it.

“He’s back again?” Leah asked.

“Unfortunately,” I responded. “And he wants us to ride our motorcycles today.”

“You don’t seem happy about that.”

I shrugged. “We used to like riding together, but I still can’t figure out what angle he’s playing. It makes me uneasy. Especially since I’m leaving you here by yourself.”

“Don’t worry about me. You know Jasper and Nile would be here in a second if I needed them,” Leah assured me.

I nodded and gave her a kiss before heading for the garage.

Leah had been my rock ever since Franco had shown up in Pinedale. I had been tempted to ignore his invitation to spend time together and tell him to get lost, but she had reminded me that if no one ever showed him any kindness, he wouldn’t have the chance to learn how to be better.

Although I hoped she was right about him being able to change, part of me knew he was too far gone. Still, I owed it to him, and to my mate, to give it a try.

Franco revved his engine as I pulled my bike out of the garage, and I followed him as he sped down the street. He had never worn a helmet when he rode. Fear of death hadn’t stopped him from riding recklessly.

We continued out of town, driving for a few hours until Franco finally pulled off onto a secluded spot to take a break.

“I almost lost you back there,” he teased.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I jibed back. “I kept up just fine.”

Franco punched my arm amiably and laughed. “I’ve missed this,” he said.

“So have I,” I admitted.

Even though I had needed to part ways with him, Franco was still my brother. Aside from Jasper, no one had endured as much by my side as he had. And no one was more deserving of an apology from me.

“I need to say something, and I need you to not act like a dick about it,” I said.

“No promises,” Franco replied with a grin. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’m sorry,” I said earnestly. “I’m sorry for not being the brother you needed, and for all the pain and hurt you’ve gone through because I wasn’t there to protect you. I wish I had been strong enough to take care of you the way you deserved when we were kids.”

Franco didn’t react to my apology, remaining stoic and cold as I continued.

“I know that nothing I can say or do will make up for what happened, but I want you to know I’m here for you now. If you need any support, I hope you come to me,” I said.

It was doubtful that Franco would accept any help from me—or admit if he needed it—but it felt like the right thing to do. I had gotten used to solving problems with violence, but I wanted to prove to Leah, Jasper, and Nile that I wasn’t that man anymore. I wanted to be an alpha worthy of the name.

“That was really heartfelt but unnecessary,” Franco said. “I didn’t come here for your apology, and I don’t need it. I’ve done just fine on my own so far.”

I nodded, expecting his response. “Whether you needed it or not, the apology is there,” I said.

“Noted,” Franco replied. “But I actually wanted to bring you out here to let you know I’m leaving town. No offense, but Pinedale is boring. I need to go where there’s more excitement.”

His statement was unexpected, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me at hearing the words.

“Will you be back?” I asked.

Franco shrugged. “Someday, probably. But for now, I got everything that I came for.”

“Next time, call first,” I joked.

Franco flashed me an evil grin as he remounted his bike. “What’s the fun in that?”

For the third time in our lives, my brother and I parted ways without a goodbye. But this time, it was Franco leaving, and I was left behind. I smiled faintly as he passed into the distance, excited to go home to my mate.

***

“He didn’t say why he left?” Leah asked as I told her about Franco’s abrupt departure.

“Just that he was bored,” I said with a shrug. “But it was for the best. Men like Franco aren’t built for places like this. He’s got a lot of work to do before he’s fit to be around anyone but other rogues.”

Leah looked at me with concern, and I knew she was wishing that Franco had made a different choice, been a different person.

“What happens now?” she asked.

“Now we get to go back to that happy bubble we were in before our families came and popped it,” I replied.

I wrapped her in a hug, breathing in her sweet scent as I relished the peace of being at home with her.

It was at that moment that I remembered what I was doing before Franco had suddenly appeared and distracted me.

“Wait right here,” I said, retreating to our room.

“What are you doing?” Leah asked.

“I just need to grab something!”

I rummaged underneath the bed for the jewelry box I had stashed behind some old shoes. Once I located it, I opened the box to make sure all was well with my purchase. The tiny diamonds sparkled in the light around the unique stone before I snapped the box shut, too excited to wait a minute longer before giving it to my mate.

“I have something for you,” I said, returning to where Leah remained waiting for me. “After you lost your necklace the other day, I went to get you this. I wanted you to know how thankful I am that you are giving me a second chance to prove my love for you.”

I presented the box, which she looked at quizzically before gently lifting the lid.

“Killian,” she gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s a meteorite,” I explained. “You are everything I have ever dreamed of, Leah, and I never need to wish on a shooting star again. Not when I have you right here in my arms.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” she said. “I love you, with my whole heart.”

My heart soared as Leah handed me the necklace, allowing me to place it around her neck.

Leah and I were finally together, and all was well. There was nothing in the world that could bring us down. Not when we were together.