20. Doyle
I found myself walking out of a cluster of trees, and beyond them was a familiar lake and a familiar face.
“William,” I whispered, approaching my first mate.
“Doyle, you did well protecting Michael,” William said, turning to face me.
He rested his palm over my heart, where his handprint used to be.
“You no longer need me, do you?” William asked.
I closed my hand over his, my fingers hovering just half an inch over William’s translucent skin.
“I’ll be alright,” I said, surprised by the sincerity in my voice. “Before you leave, I wanted to thank you.”
“For what?” William asked.
“For sending Michael to me.”
“Silly dragon,” William said, giving me an affectionate peck on the cheek. “You found him on your own.”
The lake, the woods, and William disappeared, and suddenly I was back in the real world.
I was in my bed at my private cabin, Michael curled next to me, snoring softly.
I felt a slight pressure on my chest, and when I looked down, the handprint was gone. I didn’t need it anymore.
Maybe William’s spirit had lingered all these years, keeping me company, preventing me from being swallowed by despair and loneliness.
But now, I had Michael.
I turned on my side and watched Michael sleep for a moment. Three months had passed since we got rid of Liliana and her coven.
Thankfully, Michael no longer sleepwalked and had stopped having nightmares.
I gently tucked a stray strand of hair that had fallen across his face. Michael stirred and groggily opened his eyes.
“Sorry, did I wake you, love?” I asked.
“Nah, that’s alright,” Michael replied, reaching for my hand and resting it over his cheek. “Something bothering you?”
I shook my head. “No, everything’s perfect.”
I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. Michael responded, his lips soft and warm against mine.
We lingered like that for a moment, savoring the connection.
“William visited me in a dream,” I admitted softly, brushing my thumb over Michael’s cheek.
Michael’s eyes widened slightly. “What did he say?”
“He said I did well protecting you,” I replied. “And that I no longer need him.”
Michael smiled, a tender, loving smile that made my heart swell.
“He’s right. You don’t need him. You’ve got me,” Michael said.
I nodded, feeling a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“I do. And I’m never letting you go,” I told him.
Michael snuggled closer, wrapping his arms around me.
“Good, because I’m not going anywhere,” Michael said.
We lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains.
For the first time in years, I felt whole.
Michael's father asked me if surprising Michael like this out of the blue was a good idea.
"The last time I threw him a surprise party, he didn't enjoy himself," his father said.
"It's fine. Things are different now," I assured him.
"Guys, shh," Draven said.
"Otis just texted, they're walking to the front door now," Zane added.
I gave Matthew a nod. Initially, I planned on holding Michael's surprise party at our cabin, but it was too small to fit everyone.
So, I ended up asking Zane and Otis if I could host the party at their home. The couple had no problems with it.
The lights went out, and through the mate mark, I could sense Michael's excitement and nervousness.
I had a feeling Michael knew what I was up to over the past few weeks, but he graciously played along and pretended to be clueless all this time.
The front door opened, and Otis walked in first, then Michael.
"Why is it so dark in here?" Michael asked.
"Surprise!" Tobias, Draven's mate, was the first one to yell.
Michael jumped, wide-eyed.
The room exploded with cheers and applause, and the lights flicked back on.
Michael's expression shifted from shock to a brilliant smile as he took in the sight of all his friends and family gathered around.
"You guys!" Michael exclaimed, laughter bubbling up as he scanned the room. "You really got me this time."
I stepped forward, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Happy birthday, Michael,” I told my mate.
He hugged me back, his warmth and happiness radiating through our bond.
"Thank you, Doyle. This is amazing,” he said.
"See?" I said, glancing at Matthew. "Told you he'd like it."
Matthew chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. You were right,” he said.
"Come on, let's get the party started!" Draven announced, leading the way to the living room where a table was laden with food and drinks.
As the party got into full swing, I watched Michael move through the crowd, his eyes shining with joy.
He caught my eye and mouthed, "Thank you."
I winked at him, feeling a surge of pride and love.
This was exactly what he needed—a reminder that he was surrounded by people who cared about him, who were willing to go out of their way to make him happy.
Michael made his way back to me, slipping his hand into mine.
"This is perfect," he said softly.
"I'm glad you think so," I replied, squeezing his hand. "You deserve all of this and more."
We stood together, watching as our friends mingled and laughed. For a moment, it was just the two of us.
I pulled him closer, wrapping my arm around his waist.
"You know," I murmured into his ear, "there's no place I'd rather be than right here, with you."
He leaned into me, resting his head on my shoulder.
"Me too," he whispered. "You've made me happier than I ever thought possible."
I kissed the top of his head, savoring the feeling of his warmth against me.
"We've come a long way, haven't we?” I asked him.
"Yeah," he said, looking up at me with those eyes that always managed to captivate me. "And I can't wait to see where we go from here."
His words filled me with a quiet joy.
"I love you, Michael,” I said, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face.
"I love you too, Doyle," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Eventually, the party winded down and our friends began to leave. Michael and I drove back to our cabin.
Once there, we walked hand in hand back to our home. I looked up and saw all the stars were all out tonight.
As we stepped inside, the warmth of the cabin enveloped us, and I pulled Michael into another embrace.
"Happy birthday," I whispered once more, holding him close. "Here's to many more."
Michael smiled up at me. "I can't wait."
THE END