Chapter Twenty-Three #2
“No.” I rub my knuckles back and forth over his jaw.
“I felt like I had to do it to survive another day. My aggression and anger needed somewhere to go. It wasn’t healthy because it only suppressed the memories instead of dealing with them.
I wanted peace.” I straddle him and grasp his neck.
“You are my peace. I found it with you.”
“Shit, mate.” He pushes my hair back and tangles his fingers in the strands, holding me. “You are everything I didn’t know I was missing. I want to give that to you. It means something to me.” He presses his other hand to my heart. “You gave me your heart, and I will cherish it.”
“I love you,” I whisper fiercely. “Can you feel it? My absolute devotion to you.”
“Yes.” He glides his hand to my neck, feathering his fingers over his mark.
“I felt it before we completed the bond.
I came here for a reason. We can call it fate, or the work of the universe.
I needed you, and you needed me. We are a team, and our love is a gift.
I found a sexy fox waiting for a man who would treat you with care, yet who would know how strong you are. “
“I found a patient, sexy, deadly assassin.” I grin, tightening my grip.
“You are the man I wished for, and I will always be grateful you came to the club. Fate or the bond, we are a family.” I glide my hands down, caressing his chest. “Could I convince you to take a bath with me?” I lean close.
“I promise the water won’t be the only thing wet,” I rasp, nipping his lip.
I ease back, and he rolls me and jumps off the bed. I squeal as he throws me over his shoulder.
“I’ll do my part to make sure you're dripping,” he growls.
My mate always keeps his promises.
Even though I withdrew from the fight, the family was determined to celebrate at the club as if I had won.
I guess I did. Ezra didn’t want to leave the house, but did it for me.
We’ve been secluded for days, and besides Haven, haven’t seen anyone until today.
The tub is one of our favorite places to relax.
He makes sure I’m taken care of in every way.
Our conversations vary from deep and thoughtful to light and playful.
He’s been teaching me to cook, and more often than not, we get lost in each other, and the food is cold.
He admitted he had been looking for my family, and asked if I wanted to be involved.
I have no desire to see them again. Perhaps it would be healing for me to face them, and get answers.
I took some time to think about what I really wanted.
They mean nothing but bad memories, and I want to leave them in the past. Instead, I gave him permission to do what he thought was best, but I didn’t need to know his decision.
I know my safety is the most important thing to him.
I didn’t question him when he left our home while Haven was over, taking his supply bag, and came back to our bed before the sun came up.
All I need is here. In this room. My mate, and my true family. I have accepted the many sides of my personality, and Ezra satisfies them all.
Almost all of the family are present. Issy left, but is planning to come back soon.
Alanna is searching the internet for available houses in the area.
She flew home reluctantly. I won’t be surprised if Ezra buys her a house here.
The dragons, Penny, Bishop, and Laken, are at home.
Penny is on the verge of giving birth. Harmony and her mates are keeping them company, along with the wolves.
Once the baby joins us, the family will take turns visiting.
Having a new dragon baby is a blessing. Saphira, Maverick, and Kingston are staying with them.
Saphira is excited to welcome her niece or nephew, and support her brothers.
Sally is holding court, her hands gesturing wildly, blessing the crew with one of her many stories.
Daisy and Roxanne are laughing with her, and Micah is watching her like a proud best friend.
Allie and her brothers are adding commentary throughout her tale.
Haven and her mates are getting to know Ezra, my sexy mate, taking it in stride.
Kade and Cash are listening, silently observing.
Quinn, Stephanie, and Juliana are watching Sally with a mixture of awe, humor, and reluctant amazement.
Quinn’s face is passive, but I can see the tenderness he feels for Sally as he stares at her.
Elijah is laughing while rubbing his mate’s back, his cowboy hat pushed back.
As usual, Bash is holding his mate close, paying no attention to anyone but her.
Ryker and Serenity are like the king and queen of the group, watching over everyone.
The lions surround their mate, having a quiet conversation.
“Why are you standing by yourself?” Heath asks.
“Are you mad?” I ask, focusing on him.
“Why would I be?”
“I quit fighting.”
“So? Are you happy?”
“Deliriously,” I whisper.
“Rylee, that’s all I wanted for you.” He leans against the wall, facing me. “When I taught you to fight, it was to help you, to give you an outlet. It helped at the time. I enjoyed showing you ways to defend yourself.” He glances at Ezra. “I understand the reasons you don’t need it now.”
“I just didn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Shit, you have never disappointed me. You're strong and resilient, and your body is filled with love. I’m happy you found what you were searching for.” He sighs. “He’s good for you,” he grumbles.
“Don’t strain yourself,” I say dryly.
“Fuck. I never wanted to think about you with a mate.” He rolls his shoulders. “If it had to be someone, I’m glad it’s him.”
“Thanks, Brother,” I whisper, touching his arm briefly. “I decided I want to teach self-defense.”
“Yeah?” He lifts an eyebrow. “What made you change your mind?”
“If I can help a woman defend herself, it’s worth it. Even if I can give them enough skills to get away, the seconds make a huge difference.” I wish I had had the tools when I was a teenager.
“Good. I’ll add a class. We’ve had too many sign up, and not enough teachers. Proud of you,” he says gruffly.
I look toward my mate. He’s wading through the bodies, his focus on me, and my heart kicks up. I’ll never get used to the way he makes me feel.
“Heath,” he says as he reaches us, and holds out his hand.
Heath hesitates a moment before clasping it with his. “Ezra.”
“Mate, dance with me,” Ezra says softly.
He releases Heath and offers me his hand.
“I was wrong,” Heath says, standing straight. “I wouldn’t have asked anyone’s permission either.” He slaps my mate on the back and walks toward Juliana.
“He loves me,” Ezra says, winking.
“I believe it.” I slide my fingers over his palm. “I would love to dance.” He guides me across the room to the empty section. “We aren’t going to the dance floor?”
“No. Here. I don’t want strangers surrounding us.” He pulls me in his arms, tucking our joined hands against his chest, and wraps his arm around my waist.
I tip my head back and glide my palm over his shoulder to rest on his neck. Our combined emotions hit me, and I stare at him. His scent wraps around me, and I’ve never felt so safe.
“I love you,” I whisper.
He dips his head, his lips brushing my ear. “I love you.” He tightens his grip and sways me gently. “My Foxy.” He kisses my temple. “My lovely mate.”
I lean into his touch. “My sexy assassin.”
Pressing my cheek to his chest, I notice the silence in the room, and my eyes widen.
The family has followed our example. First, Heath pulls Juliana into his arms beside us.
Then, Quinn and Stephanie. Micah and Daisy.
Sally grips Atlas and Luca, grinning. Roxanne wiggles her eyebrows at Cash, and he smirks, accepting her unspoken invitation.
Kade spins Allie. Ryker and Serenity huddle in the corner, the vampire gazing at her tenderly.
Bash holds Marie close, her back to his chest, his hand resting on her baby belly.
Elijah takes off his hat, holding Saylor close, pressing it to her back.
Haven takes turns with her four mates, as does Breeane.
All of these fierce, feared creatures are dancing with their mates.
It’s beautiful and poignant.
This is my family.
“I want babies,” I say softly, lifting my head.
“Now?” he smirks.
“Soon,” I laugh, and he kisses me.
“We can be home in fifteen minutes,” he growls.
“Let’s wait thirty,” I suggest.
“Next question…” He dips his head, his lips against my cheek. “Who’s wearing the cuffs tonight?”
I turn my head and drag my teeth across his jaw.
“I want to make you beg,” I grin against his skin.
“Enticing,” he hums. “Challenge accepted.”
I did my best.
By the time I was done, there was no need to beg.
We both got everything we wanted.