23. Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

Quinn

I tuck the covers around my sleeping mate and leave the bed. I couldn't sleep. So, I settled on watching my beautiful mate. I just experienced the most powerful moment of my life, and now I have to deal with the two assholes on my porch.

I heard my phone go off while my Little Cub was dropping into sleep, but I ignored it. Now, they have decided to show up at my door.

I grab my pants, slipping them on as I leave the room, shutting the door softly. I walk through the house and slip out the front door.

Micah is leaning against the rail, his expression bored but still alert. He always appears as if he would rather be anywhere else, but his mind is always working. He is someone who will rip out your insides with a smile. Heath is at the other end of the porch, his back to me.

"I am not going to allow you two idiots to go on like this," Micah starts. "We are going to get it out in the open now. I don't want more time to pass without any contact between us. It was a horrible situation. I sympathize with you, Quinn. I know it was difficult. We have seen shit like this before; it's a part of the lives we live. It's part of the work we do. I have seen things that most people wouldn't be able to handle. There is already enough shit we have to deal with—don't let a day go by without saying the things you need to. If you need to hit him, do it. Get it done now, so he doesn't disappear again." Micah crosses his arms, looking back and forth between us.

"I just bonded with my mate," I say, my eyes narrowed.

"Congratulations," Micah says. "This won't take long."

"Are you going to disappear, too?" I ask. "You've done it many times."

"No, I'm going to stay," he says. Heath turns when he hears this. "I like it here." He shrugs.

"Are you giving up your work?" Heath asks.

"Of course not; there are still plenty of sick fucks out there, shifters and humans," Micah snarks. "Quinn can give me a job, too."

"I can't handle you and Bash working for me," I say.

"You only live once," he replies. "For a long fucking time, but only once."

I laugh sharply. "We'll see."

"Tell him," Micah demands, looking at Heath.

Heath's jaw twitches. "I'm sorry for your loss. I did it so you didn't have to."

"Jesus, that's an apology?" Micah asks.

"When have you ever apologized?" Heath asks.

"Once or twice," Micah smirks.

"You don't have to do this," I cut in. "I know you didn't do it for any reason other than to help. It might take me some time not to think of it when I look at you. We all know the harsh truths of our world. I was prepared it to protect my mate and the world we live in." I stare at him. "Don't hide away. Maybe it's time to give a different home a chance," I suggest.

"You really think the people here will welcome me?" he asks .

"You'd be surprised with what they will forgive," I say softly. "Don't you remember building the bed with me, with the lions sitting calmly watching? They have already accepted you; just give in."

"Are you taking your own advice?" Health walks closer. "I remember not long ago, you didn't want to reveal your past, afraid of judgment."

"Do you need to hear that you were right?" I snap. "I get it. I should have known Bash, at the very least, would understand what I have done."

"I like being told I'm right," Heath mentions lightly.

"Don't push it," I warn, and he nods. "Everything is changed now."

"I am happy for you, brother," Micah whispers. "You are a very lucky man. I wish you nothing but happiness," he says sadly. I recall our conversation days ago and his fear of never finding a mate.

"It will happen," I say firmly.

"I doubt there is a woman out there that can handle all of this." He motions down his body. "Or all this." He taps the side of his head.

"I didn't think I would find a mate either," I confess. "Anything is possible."

"We'll see." Micah's smirk comes back quickly. "Are we all brothers again?"

"We never stopped being," I say, looking at Heath, who raises an eyebrow. "I know, I forgot that for too long."

"I am not moving here yet," Heath says. "But I won't forget to come back once in a while," he concedes.

"Good." I turn to the door. "Now leave us the fuck alone for at least two weeks."

Heath laughs. "I love being right." I turn my head, questioning. "Remember when I came to the office? I knew you didn't have a mate because you would be home fucking her."

"Do you want to die?" I ask, glaring .

"Not today," he replies. "I'll keep in touch." The tap of his cane echoes as he walks down the stairs.

"My good deed is done." Micah taps his palms on the rail on either side of his hips. "I'll be on my way. Bash has graciously allowed me to sleep in one of his spare bedrooms until I find a place. It won't take long because he followed that up with, find one quickly ." He pushes away. "Be happy, brother." He waves low and blurs away.

I shake my head as I open the door, ready to go back to my mate.

This town should prepare.

More monsters are coming.

It's been a week of having my mate to myself. We haven't left the house, lost in each other. Breeane has been supplying food and leaving it on the porch. I left Bash in charge at work, and he was pissed when Micah decided to hire himself, but I don't have the interest to care. Bash loves to bitch, but I think he is enjoying having another vampire in the mix. Bishop and Laken decided actually come to work since I haven't been there. They have been on the payroll, on and off, for months. I heard Ryker is thrilled his old friend is staying. His little girl is growing by the day, and I'm sure we will see more of him soon.

Sally is in heaven—her words. Most people would be afraid to work for two of the oldest vampires in the world, but she is not a normal shifter. She has taken Gabby under her wing—-again, her words. Gabby joins her most days at the office. Her reasons are similar to Sally's, except she likes to stare at Kade and Cash as much as possible. Kade finds it annoying since he thinks of her as a sister figure. Cash thinks it's funny as fuck and flirts back.

The brothers are working with Bash and Micah for now. With the four of them working on the side of good, cheaters and abusers don't stand a chance. I know Micah continues to do his work outside of the investigation firm, and Bash never stopped. I don't ask questions and know the world needs men like them to do the dirty work.

Heath went back to his businesses but keeps in touch. He told me he is downsizing and getting rid of the men he doesn't trust. He is a work in progress, but I have a feeling he will be back.

I had a hard conversation with my dad and my siblings. For a moment, I thought it would be easier to keep the truth hidden and let them go on without knowing what happened. I thought of how that would make me feel if I was in their place and decided against it. My dad deserved to know but he already felt the difference within himself. He wasn't surprised, just sad and surprisingly understanding. My heart aches from the loss and for him. My siblings are angry. They wished they would have been able to see her. My brothers got over their anger quickly, taking my word about her condition and mindset. My sister is pissed. I don't expect her to call me anytime soon. I understand, but it hurts. I know she just needs time. I will give it to her, as I don't want to lose her, too. Everyone decided to come here to meet my mate in a couple of months. I hope by that time, my sister will come with them.

I have flashes of my mom's face when I was young, and I have chosen to remember her the way she was then. It is a struggle. Luckily, I have a woman who loves me and will be there for me every step of the way.

Steph has talked to her family numerous times and they have showered her with relief. They had hidden their worry about the move, but knowing she had found her place and her mate helped them relax. All of them were ready to storm the place days ago, eager to meet me and see for themselves she was alright. Thankfully, she talked them out of it. I don't want to deal with her four bear shifter uncles, a bear shifter brother, and two parents to round out the bears. That is way too many bears in my area of the woods.

Gabby is staying. Her mother isn't happy. Her uncles weren't happy. I wasn't happy with the call I got from them expressing their disapproval. They were startled by my defense of my new sister and her right to choose her path in life. I assured them she would be looked after and to leave her the fuck alone. She was an adult. She made her decision.

I think they respected my bluntness.

I know my new sister did when she called to praise me and pledge her undying love for me. I brushed it off like it wasn't a big deal, but secretly, I love her devotion. When she eventually finds her mate, they will have to go through me first.

My phone vibrates in my pocket again. I roll my eyes and slide it out of my pocket. I know who it is and I'm ready to opt out of the group text.

Sally likes to update everyone, and I mean everyone: the panthers, the vampires, the wolves, the dragons, the cheetahs, and the lions. I threatened her numerous times. She doesn't give a shit.

"Bash is glaring at me," she writes, with a bunch of sad face fucking emojis.

"So stop whatever you are doing," I reply and then turn my phone off.

I cross my arms and lean against the tree. The day I bonded with Steph, I pretended to be oblivious to the plan she had brewing. She seemed so excited I decided to go along. I went outside with Micah, but I was anxious to see what she was up to. I was not disappointed. I will always look back on that day with warmth. She is everything I need .

My mate and I ate supper, and I could tell she was antsy about something. A few questions later, I get to the root of the problem.

My mate wants to be a brat.

I wasn't mad about it.

So here I am. In the woods behind my house, waiting.

She's hiding, but not very well.

Sure, we can pinpoint each other's exact location because of the bond and, of course, the scent, but it's the idea that counts. If I didn't sense her and smell her, hearing her giggles would give her away.

I glory in the sound of it. I glory in the presence of her happiness and freedom.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I suppose it's been long enough.

I look around the tree. "Ready or not, here I come," I sing and take a step. I shake my head when I spot the white of her dress which is not quite able to fit behind the tree she found.

I make a show of zigzagging her way, but she surprises me when she darts away from the tree, glancing at me with a grin before taking off.

I let loose my own grin and give chase. We fly over the grass and jump over fallen trees. Her laughter rings out the closer I get, her joy slowing her down. We have run the same path in our bear forms, hers much smaller than mine. Her bear is cute as fuck. We shift at least once a day, running together or just lying in the sun.

I am almost on top of her and reach out an arm, snagging her waist, lifting her off her feet and to my body. Her back hits my chest, her legs kicking in the air.

"Got you," I say, my mouth touching her ear.

"No fair," she says, relaxing.

"How was it not fair?"

"Your legs are longer than mine," she reasons .

"You knew that when you decided to run and hide," I say.

"Whatever," she mutters.

"Do you give up?" I ask as I carry her to the nearest tree. I twirl her around so her back hits it.

"I'll never admit defeat," she says, grinning.

"That's my fighter," I say. I stare at her bright, open face, filled with love. She has found her laugh again. Her anxiety over the past is gone. I take a breath and then another. They come easily now. She is the reason. "I love you," I say softly and cup her face.

"I love you, too," she says, sensing the change in the mood.

"Marry me soon," I state.

"You tell me when," she says.

"One week," I decide.

"Okay," she agrees. "I want to get married here."

"Right here?" I point to the ground at our feet.

"Yes."

"We can do that." I kiss her. "I think you need to work on being a brat," I inform her. "I caught you easily, and you haven't tried to leave my arms," I point out.

She shrugs. "I'll work on it, but I'm where I want to be, so we both win."

"Yes, we do." I step back, out of her reach. "Daddy is ready to fuck his Little Cub. I can either do that here or back at the house. I'll let you decide." I nod in the direction of home. "If you want to go home, run." Then I open my arms wide. "Here, walk into my arms. Your choice." I keep my arms open, but I'm not sure what option she is going to take.

She looks at my arms and then at my face. "I really liked you chasing me, and I want to do that again," she says and takes a step toward me. "But I don't want to run from you right now. You are my home. I want to be wherever you are, and as much fun as the chase was, I don't feel like running." She takes another step, and another, until she steps in between my arms, her head tilted back, her love shining. "I will always choose you. I choose our love. I choose the bond. I want my Daddy in front of the tree where I will marry you. I love you. Do you believe me?"

I close my arms around her, holding her tight.

"I do believe you. I will always believe you." I ease her to the forest floor. I use the fingers of one hand as cuffs and press her hands to the ground above her head. "I don't mind dealing with a bad girl." I drag her dress up with my other hand. "But I love my good girl." I dip my head, hovering over her lips. "Let me show you all the things Daddy does to a good girl."

My Little Cub was a very good girl.

But as the weeks went by, we both enjoyed the consequences of being bad.