Epilogue
M ax walked inside, closing the door quietly behind him. Everyone would still be asleep, and he didn’t want to wake them. Dropping his bag to the floor, he kicked his sneakers off and padded into the kitchen to set up the coffee machine for Peter. After living there for several months, he knew Peter liked a coffee in the morning before going to work.
He heard footsteps above and knew Peter was up and getting ready, so he switched the machine on and checked what had been left for him to eat in the fridge. Homemade lasagna. Perfect. Grabbing the plate, he put it in the microwave and set the time.
By the time Peter came into the kitchen, the coffee was ready, and Max was sitting at the table eating as he checked his phone. Peter grunted—normal in the morning—and poured himself a coffee before sitting across from Max.
“How was school?”
“Got an A on my exam.” Max grinned. It made being set back two years worth it. Not so much sitting with kids two years younger than him, but when they found out who he was they either stayed as far away as possible or badgered him all the time. Even now, months after he’d started. “Still won’t move me up a year.”
“How are the kids?”
“Normal. Either scared stiff or asking me to date them.” That was another thing. It didn’t matter that he was mated, some kids would still ask him out on a date.
“They are persistent. One of the ladies at the shop asked Minho if he could take her to the movies.”
“Mildred?” He’d met the ladies, and they had instantly taken him in, showering him with hugs and advice and little gifts. It was nice, even if the hugs and gifts came with some personal questions. Max had a soft spot for Mildred. After losing her husband, he knew she found the nights lonely. Sometimes he popped over to spend time with her before school started. Sometimes he and Rex would go. She was like the grandma he never had.
“The one and only. I had to listen to Pat describe trying a new dress on that was so tight she looked like a sausage. Said her husband had no chance of sex unless he cut her out of it.”
Max grinned. That was something he’d had to get used to. They talked about everything, including things Max didn’t need to be hearing about. “I don’t want that image in my mind.”
“Me either.” Peter sipped his coffee. “You two going to the cabin this weekend?”
Peter had gotten used to them disappearing on the weekends after visiting the cabin himself and seeing the upgraded security. One weekend, he’d handed them a box with an air fryer to take, muttering they had to keep it clean. “Yeah. Rex is going to take some work with him now that he has exams coming up.” Max paused then asked, “Has Minho decided on his own place?” After seeing the cabin, Minho had decided he and Peter needed their own place to go to where they could relax.
“He wants a beachfront property.” Peter arched an eyebrow. “Lots of sunlight.”
“We both seem to have developed a greater tolerance for sunlight.” There was nothing better than enjoying the sunrise or sunset with Rex. He still couldn’t go out during the brightest times of day but being able to enjoy the dimming sun at night with Rex was perfect. It appeared Minho was the same.
“Minho enjoys it. I guess watching the sunrise across the ocean would be nice.” Peter glanced at the clock, sighed, then stood. “Work calls. Early morning delivery that I need to be there for.” Stretching, Peter rinsed his cup and placed it in the sink. “Don’t be up too late or early.”
Once he’d left, Max cleaned up and had a quick shower then got into bed next to Rex. Cuddling up to him, he smiled and kissed Rex’s shoulder. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” Rex murmured sleepily.
Now that Max had his mate and family and friends, life was pretty near as perfect as it could get.
The End