Chapter Nineteen
Trace
My ex was nowhere to be found. When the federal agents made all the arrests outside the resort, they were also hoping to find him I was informed.
One of the federal agents told Azlan the creep had a long list of felony warrants of his own for things like human trafficking and drug and arms offenses.
“When I think what could have happened to you, omega, I shudder,” my mate said as I cuddled in his arms in our villa.
“Agent Arnie said they showed up at his place to arrest him right after you left, but there was no sign of him and the place had been trashed.
“What do you think happened?” Not that I didn’t have my own ideas. The people he hung out with weren’t known for their forgiving natures.
“I know you cared about him, at least at one time, but—”
“Stop right there. Any tender feelings I might have harbored for that bastard died long before he bet me in a card game. Whatever happened to him can’t be what he deserves. In fact, looking back, I should have—”
Azlan held up a hand. “Mate, I know you’d never harm anyone, but when you look that fierce, someone less well acquainted with you might suspect you had something to do with his disappearance.
With the possibility you could be questioned at some time in the future, say if a body were to be discovered, I suggest you school your response. ”
My jaw dropped. “Alpha, I’d never!”
“I know. But Arnie and the others haven’t ever met you, and they spend a lot of time with the bad guys. I think sometimes they forget the vast majority of citizens are good, honest people.”
“I see.” And I did. “But when I think I might not have been here to have this life with you and our young, I get so angry. And sad.”
“If you are ever interviewed, try and show the sad side of your emotions. I don’t think it will ever be an issue. I did speak with them, but they might think I’m prejudiced since you’re my fiancé.”
“You told them that? But we’re not… Oh, they must be humans and you just used the term as a metaphor or something. Like boyfriend?”
“They’re a mixed bag. Shifters, humans, other things.” Before I could ask for more details about the “other things,” he was on one knee next to the bed and holding up a box. “Omega mine, will you marry me?”
I tumbled off the bed, caught in his strong arms before I could damage myself or the tiny life within. “Marry you? Like humans?”
“I want to bond with you in every way possible. Human, shifter…”
“Other things?”
We both laughed, and he slipped a heavy gold band on my finger. “If that’s a yes?”
“Of course, it is. I love you, my alpha. I love how you’ve opened my world and shown me how love really works. And the club scene, and the release I can get under your hard palm.”
He shuddered.
“And that I can make you react like that.” Tipping up, my face for his kiss, I whispered, “Anytime you touch me, I get mush inside and hard in the best places.”
“Is that an invitation, omega?”
“What do you think?”
His lips crashed down on mine.
The next morning, my friends escorted us to the helipad in a golf-cart parade that had tears springing to my eyes. They’d attached balloons and streamers and banners with silly sayings to the carts and someone had a boom box blasting oldies about love and forever.
All my dreams were coming true. I was moving with my mate to where his job and home were, to where we would begin our life together as a family of three.
But joy was tempered with the sadness of leaving behind these males who had come together to be my chosen family when I had arrived broken and alone.
They all hugged me, and we promised to stay in touch, until Azlan drew me gently away.
“The pilot is waiting, omega mine.”
I sniffled and nodded.
“We’ll come visit. I promise.”
“Yes, alpha.” He meant it, but he’d shared how hard it had been to get away at all.
My mate was a valued member of a law-enforcement team whose work helped others harmed by criminals, and how could I deny others freedom from violence and fear?
“And we can talk on the phone and by social media.” It just wouldn’t be the same as seeing my friends every day, sharing adventures, and helping each other through the hard times.
I wouldn’t give up my mate for anything.
But I didn’t want to give up my friends in my daily life either.
Nobody can have it all, I reminded myself.
And I had so much more than I had ever had before.
Gratitude swelled, tempered by longing as we boarded the helicopter for my new life.
“We will come.”
I hugged him. “Of course, we will.” But I waved frantically as we took off for the airport. Bye, friends. It’s been sweet.
It would be great. We agreed I shouldn’t work until at least after the baby came, so I’d be taking care of our home and my alpha and myself while he saved the world.
Happy days ahead. Not a cloud on the horizon. So…why was I nervous?