26. Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Six
Heath
H olding my mate close while she sleeps, I allow my emotions from the moment to come out. Her shift affected me in ways I didn’t expect. The last time I saw another snake was when my family was alive. The sadness that came over me was unexpected. I hid it from her, not willing to ruin her moment in bonding with her snake and me. The joy she felt eased my memories. She didn’t panic and her shift back was seamless. Her mind is open and flowing into mine. In time, she will learn how to control the constant thoughts and feelings. Her love is abundant and her excitement for the life she will live with me is humbling.
Her face is pressed against my neck, and her legs are tangled with mine. I will never get enough of her. She was exhausted and fell asleep quickly after we fucked on the floor. Her body looks the same, but I can feel the power she now holds. My snake is impatient to shift with her. We will be able to teach her control while we both are in our animal forms.
Something is missing.
The loneliness that I never admitted to feeling is gone. I have never felt peace. Anger and guilt have always been present in my heart. Being made to be Juliana’s mate is a responsibility that I take seriously. The universe wouldn’t have given me such a gift if I wasn’t worthy of her. Letting the past remain there, I close my eyes and savor our connection.
For the first time since I was a child, I fall asleep happy and grateful.
Standing by the fireplace, my cane in my hand, my black suit wrinkle-free, I survey the room. It took one day for all of them to descend on my haven with my mate. One day of nothing but losing myself in my mate. Juliana shared her experience during her change, and the guilt she no longer feels for giving up on the relationship with her mother and her father. I reluctantly expressed my sadness during her first shift and she scolded me for not saying something then. Which I reminded her, my cock was inside her right after, and I didn’t have time.
Micah, Daisy, Quinn, and Stephanie were the first to arrive. I forgot to change the codes, so even if I didn’t let them in, they were determined to check on Juliana. All of them are currently standing by my mate. Daisy is telling a story which seems to be entertaining since my mate can’t stop smiling.
The wolves arrived with Sally, along with massive amounts of food. River was the first to claim a container, but he shared bites with his daughter. Sally was lecturing Elijah when he showed up with his very pregnant mate. His cowboy hat is pulled low, but his grin flashes under the brim. He settled Saylor in the big chair, piling pillows around her and under her feet. Penny was sitting on her foot rest, her hand constantly rubbing her belly.
The lions were scattered around the room, moving from person to person. The panthers were on the couch, their little girl bouncing from one dad to the next. It’s almost heartwarming to see the fierce men soften in the face of their daughter.
Ryker, Bash, and their mates stood by the table having a conversation with the dragons, Bishop and Laken. Saphira and her dragons are standing by Hunter and Bane. I smile at the panic resting on Bane’s face as Saphira points around the room. Remy, their brother, is watching his brothers, his humor clear. He has had more experience with the crew and isn’t as shocked as Bane. I’m interested in seeing the brothers’ story unfold in this new town. They mean more to me than I have admitted, and I can’t imagine not having them around.
Roxanne is huddled with Rylee. My sister is healed, but the shadows in her eyes worry me. She has come a long way from the scared little girl I found. I’m hopeful she will move past the recent attack that brought back the nightmares. I have expressed my concerns with Sally and she promised to look out for her and tell me if I need to step in.
I gravitate back to watching my mate. Her eyes are bright. The glow hasn’t dimmed, and she loves it. Juliana shared with me her talk with Levi. He called this morning to check on her. He is working to get his life straight and gain her trust. She is understandably hesitant to believe his new outlook on life. I’m hopeful they will work it out, but I will be with her to make sure she isn’t hurt again.
“She is stunning,” Sally whispers over my shoulder.
“Yes,” I whisper back, lifting a brow at the bunny.
“Are you ready to kick everyone out yet?” she asks, licking the chip crumbs from her fingers.
“Almost,” I admit.
“I have plans soon,” she says.
“Really?” I give her all my attention.
“Yeah, I’m meeting a woman.” She grins devilishly.
“Good. Let me know how it goes.” Juliana’s mom will get what she deserves.
“Sure thing.” She steps away, but pauses. “Heath.”
“Mmm…” I look at my mate.
“You're one of us,” she says softly, and I can’t meet her eyes. “You don’t have to stand on the outside anymore.”
“I know,” I say quietly and glance at her. “I know,” I repeat, and she nods. She weaves through the crowd saying her goodbyes. They love her and express disappointment as she announces her plans to leave. Bash leans down and whispers in her ear.
“Be safe. Call if you are in trouble,” he grumbles, and my lips twitch. Her face softens and her eyes sparkle. Sally found her family.
I look around in wonder. They have carved a place filled with acceptance, love, friendship, loyalty, and family. They are mine now. I didn’t fully grasp the world they built until now. Juliana has a family, and so do I.
My cane taps on the floor as I walk to my mate. I nod to the group and grab her hand. Micah grins and nods as I look at him pointedly while I pull Juliana away. He will usher everyone out and lock the door.
“Heath, are you okay?” she asks when I open the basement door.
“Yes, open your senses.” I place my hand on her back and guide her through the door. I quickly enter the code.
“Oh,” she breathes, descending the stairs. She remains silent as I make sure we are secured in our home and lets me pull her into the bedroom. Once she clears the threshold, I place my cane against the wall, close the door, and lean against it. She faces me and waits expectantly. “Does Sir want to play?” I can smell her heat rising.
“I always want to play with you, darling,” I hum, crossing my arms. “Take off your clothes,” I demand and grin when she doesn’t hesitate. Greedily, I watch as her beautiful body is revealed. Her hair is wild, and her body is eager. Her thoughts are wicked and my grin widens.
“Sir,” she says, dropping her panties to the floor. I crook my finger.
“Come here.” She eliminates the space between us. I graze my knuckles across her jaw. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Are you ready to see the beast?” I ask, tilting my head.
“Always.” She bites her lip, and I run my thumb across it before dropping my arm.
“Get on your knees,” I command, and she keeps her eyes on mine as she does. “So good, darling. You please me, mate,” I hiss, and the love shining in her eyes almost brings me to my knees.
I am arrogant, powerful, and love control. All the things my mate loves about me, and I enjoy every second while she shows me how much.