Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“We don’t speak much about love. The years apart caused us to lock down our emotions. It’s hard for us to share our feelings. Growing up how we did, if we talked about how we felt, the people around us would take advantage of our weakness.” He drops his head to the pillow and lays his arm above me.
“Do you think of them as a weakness?”
“They can be,” he murmurs.
“Your every action shows how much you love them,” I say, turning on my side. “Sometimes, though, actions aren’t enough.” I press my palms together under my cheek.
“Are you telling me to tell my brothers I love them?” he laughs lightly.
“Yes.” I grin.
“I’ll take it under advisement.”
“When Mom was gone, I wish I told her more,” I whisper.
“Princess,” he says gruffly, running his knuckles down my cheek.
“I’m just saying, you don’t know how long you have.
I know you're super shifters, but life is unpredictable. Things happen. It took too many years for you to find each other. My mom died too young, and I lost the only person who loved me. Connecting with Rylee was my lifeline. She got me through my childhood. It was fate because I had another pen pal. The teacher had us pick two names. I tried with her.” I squint.
“I don’t even remember her name,” I mumble.
“Anyway, we didn’t click. I went on and on about my life, and I may have embellished.
I couldn’t be honest with her the way I was with Rylee.
I didn’t tell her about my father being abusive.
We couldn’t find anything in common, but I kept writing, hoping to break through.
It didn’t work. The last letter she sent me was sad, something happened in her family, and she was moving.
She didn’t tell me any details. After that, I never heard from her again.
It made my relationship with Rylee that much more special. ”
“I’m glad you had Rylee.” He glances at Lawson. “I always had Bane. I feel guilty that he had no one.”
“He has you now.”
“Yeah.”
“Another reason you need to express yourselves,” I add, and he chuckles.
“I agree.” He grips my chin, leans close, and kisses me briefly. “I will once things are settled.” He lies back down. “You should get some rest. The next few days are going to be long.”
“Yes, Daddy.” I smile sweetly.
“Brat,” he growls, narrowing his eyes.
“I could get used to this,” I say, and his expression softens.
“Do, because it won’t ever end,” he says.
“Promise?”
“Promise.” He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me to his chest as he lies on his back. “I won’t let anyone take you away.”
Sinking against his side, I circle his waist, warm, satisfied, and safe.
I open my eyes, but I already know they are gone. All night I was sandwiched between my hot mates, and I slept amazingly. Brushing my hair out of my face, I ease up slightly and squint toward the door. The voices from downstairs ring clearly through the house.
“I don’t know Remy well, but I don’t think he’s going to be happy,” Rylee says.
“He’ll be fine,” Lawson says.
“He will not,” Bane rumbles.
“I wanted to make breakfast for our mate,” Lawson growls.
“You can’t cook,” Hunter says dryly.
“How bad can I fuck up pancakes?” Lawson asks, and something hits the ground.
“Pretty badly,” Bane says.
“You fuckers could help,” Lawson grumbles.
“Could.” I press my lips together. Bane is fucking funny.
“Here,” Rylee says. A chair scrapes across the floor.
“You said you can’t cook either.”
“Yes, but it’s a box of mix. I’ve added water to mixes before,” she says.
“That’s what he said,” Hunter says.
“Why aren’t you helping?” Lawson asks. “You do it better than me.”
“You said you want to do it. I made coffee for her,” he replies.
“Bane?”
“While both of you were sleeping with our mate, I got up,” Bane says. “I made a breakfast casserole. I put it in the fridge to cook when you got up.”
“Why the fuck didn’t you say anything?” Lawson snarls.
“I didn’t have a chance. Rylee showed up. When you woke up, you were determined to cook.” I bite my lip.
“Shit,” Lawson says.
“She’ll love the pancakes,” Rylee says. “Now she’ll have a feast.” I appreciate her attempt to make him feel better.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to use that much water,” Lawson murmurs.
“It is a little runny,” Rylee says. Something slams on the counter. “Shit, I think we added too much mix now. Let’s add more water.”
“How long is Remy going to be at work?” Bane asks.
“At least a few hours,” Hunter says.
“Good. It’s going to take that long to clean up the mess,” Bane says.
“It’s fine. Everything is fine,” Rylee sings.
“Keep telling yourself that,” Bane says.
“Asshole—”
I slide off the bed, and the conversation stops.
Shaking my head, I move to the closet, grab some clothes, and go to the bathroom.
As I start the shower and move to the sink to set down my clothes, I can’t help the giant smile on my face.
I love all of them. Living here, I'll have my best friend close, and four men who will do anything to make me happy, even face the wrath of Remy when he sees his kitchen.
This is where I belong.