8. Chapter 8

I could already tell that I was going to enjoy living in this forest full-time. There was something magical about not having to worry about everyone around you, not having to be cautious about when you could or couldn't shift, not needing to fear human traps. It was a freedom I'd never experienced before, not even before all the crap with being on the run. I was home.

Instead of me riding astride Apollo's back for the trip to his brother's house, he walked in his centaur form while I raced around in my fur. I enjoyed having him transport me the way he had. It was what I needed at the time. But this? Taking in all the scents of my surroundings while playfully engaging with my mate—it was freaking perfect, and I loved it. He smiled and laughed alongside me as I leapt around, wagging my tail, as if I was more dog than wolf.

Over his shoulder, he carried a satchel with my clothes. We might all be in shifter company, but the air was chilled just enough that it was less about being "human" and clothed and more about keeping comfortable. Before we reached Luan's home, he stopped and squatted down, rubbing his cheek against my furry one.

"Shift back so you can get dressed, please, mate." I was taken aback at first.

Nakedness didn't bother me. I wouldn't mind if I shifted in the middle of everyone, but it seemed that my mate didn't wish for me to be exposed. I supposed I could understand that. I didn't want my brothers-in-laws ogling my mate either. It wasn't their fault I got the most attractive centaur. It was interesting how perspectives changed once mates were factored into the equation.

Once I was fully dressed, we walked toward the house. It was going to be the first time they saw Apollo in this form.

Outside Luan's home, Marcus and Maddox sat around the fire, both of them holding their children in their arms. Luan and Terran were in their centaur form, standing around the grill or whatever oven-type thing was there. I was looking forward to learning how it worked—how so much of the things around here worked.

The alpha from Steelwick, Tomas, meant to protect me was also there. I appreciated him being there. And before I'd met Apollo I'd have been sticking to his side like glue. But now? Now I wasn't so sure he was necessary. Not that it was my decision to make.

"Walker, we're so glad to see that you are well," Marcus said. He gestured for me to sit down next to him while Apollo went to speak with his brothers.

"Quite well," I said. My cheeks heated. I wasn't ashamed of what had transpired between Apollo and me, but well… we weren't about to dive into the specifics of my heat either.

"And look at you, Apollo. Walking on two legs." Marcus smiled. He wasn't mocking him, it was more an acknowledgement that we were fated mates.

"They are suitable." My mate cracked me up. Life with him was going to be fabulous.

"How are you feeling? And how are you liking your home?" Marcus asked. He leaned forward.

"It's great. I love it." When I first was told I'd be coming here, it was a safe place to be. I hadn't considered what it would be like. I assumed that it would be like all the other places I had gone to for my protection where I'd had to hide. But here I could be myself.

"It's not too simple?" Maddox asked. They both seemed to be all ears now, waiting for me to tell them more about Apollo's accommodations.

"Simple? Quite the opposite, actually." It might not be the technology-based living that Marcus and Maddox and I, for that matter, had been used to. But that wasn't the same as being simple. Not by a long shot.

"Oh." They both snuck a glance at Apollo.

"I need to see my brothers." Apollo kissed my cheek and went on his way. It was the first time I'd been away from him since we met, and it pulled on our heart song. It wasn't uncomfortable, per se, but it was noticeable. I had a feeling if he went too far from me, it would become painful, though. Good thing I had no plans to do that any time soon.

"You guys haven't seen his home before, right?" If they had they would see there was nothing "simple" to it.

"No, I kind of assumed he lived in like a little one-room shack. I wasn't even sure if he had a roof over his head or if he simply slept outside." Marcus shrugged.

I laughed. "Hardly." They were in for a shock when Apollo was ready to share it with them. "Well, it would be more exciting if I could show it to you."

"He'll never allow that," Maddox said. "I've been asking since the day I arrived. Apollo's pretty gruff, but he's always been very kind to me. And Marcus as well, and he adores the kids."

I could see that about my mate. But also, he hadn't shown them because it had been built for me. He might not have known I was coming, but he was preparing for me nonetheless. I was treasured long before the first note on our heart song played.

"He's going to be a great father," I said, and mate and friend and companion and everything. Apollo was Apollo, and I was beyond lucky to have him in my life.

"We were a little nervous about having him find his mate." Maddox spoke in hushed tones. "It takes a special kind of person to deal with that level of solitude."

"Yes, perhaps, but I am more than happy with Apollo. And he has said that he would like for you all to visit one day soon." We hadn't picked a time, but he'd been amenable to it.

"Today?" Maddox's eyes lit up.

"We haven't determined when, but maybe soon. Why not in the next few days?" The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. "Oh, it would be so fun if you could bring the kids and we could play in the yard."

"A yard?" Marcus asked. My mate sure kept things on the down low.

"Yes. There's so much space, and he has a swing set base set up. We would simply need to tie up a swing. And there's a lovely tree that is great for climbing." I mean, I hadn't tried yet, but the thought did cross my mind.

"It's nothing like what I imagined." Marcus was in for a shock when he saw it, if my words were getting him this excited.

"Apollo thought perhaps it would be fun to build a treehouse there." The drawing he had with his idea was absolutely perfect. "And we've talked about where to place my kiln and my pottery wheel. The backyard has a beautiful setup. We simply need to gather stones to make it work. Perhaps Terran can help with that when you visit."

I was getting myself more and more excited about the place than I already had been. Who knew that was possible?

They stared at me wide-eyed and slack-jawed. "Or you don't have to visit?" I'd never push them. If this was too much, that was fine.

Finally, it was Marcus who spoke. "No, we would love to. It's just… this is great. We're very happy to have you in the family. And with your heat over, it's very likely that you are expecting."

"Oh," I said. I hadn't been thinking about that part of my heat, not wanting to get too excited. "Well, we'll know in a few days, of course. Apollo will be able to sense it before me, won't he?"

They both nodded.

"That's very exciting, right?" Maddox said cautiously.

"It is." Beyond my wildest imaginations actually.

Apollo came out and over to my side. "Are they interrogating you, mate?"

"Just a little." I held up two fingers close together. "I invited them over for dinner in the next couple of days. I hope that's all right." His hand touched the back of my neck, rubbing lightly where my hairline met. I leaned into his touch.

"That sounds perfect," he said. "The more the merrier."

"The more the merrier?" Terran said. He must've come out with Apollo. "Who the hell are you, and what have you done with my brother?"

"We get to see your hovel?" Luan asked, flanking his brother's side. "Marcus was betting that you have a simple lean-to. I hope your mate found your accommodations okay."

"They are exquisite," I said again, this time to Terran and Luan. They looked at me like I was crazy. At least I knew they hadn't been eavesdropping on us.

Apollo stood up straighter, his smile turning smug. "You'll just have to wait and see, Brothers. But yes, now that my mate has seen my home, you are all invited to see it as well."

"Wow. Mating life looks good on you, Apollo," Terran said.

"It does indeed." He looked down at me and smiled, then leaned forward and kissed my lips.