Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“Yes,” I answered, and Mia placed her hand on top of mine and gave it a squeeze.
“I’d love that. Let’s just hope those two over there can make amends.”
Right on cue, the two men--our two men--walked towards us. There were no smiles on their faces, or any sign that things had been smoothed over. Brett didn’t even look at me, he walked straight over to Mia, taking a seat beside her. Derek stood there behind Mia, looking like he was ready to pounce at any moment. His shoulders were broad and his chest puffed out, his eyes gold, proof that the Wolf was lingering, ready to protect his mate at any cost. I noticed that Brett was sitting in front of me, blocking me in case things went badly and he had to fight Derek. He wanted to make sure that I wasn't in the way, that he was the only one that could be fighting. Mia and I looked at each other, rolling our eyes, telling each other that we knew they were being full of testosterone and ridiculous.
“Mia, I owe you an apology. I am terribly sorry for the way I acted. I am ashamed of the things I said. I was wrong,” Brett said, taking a deep breath before he continued. I placed my hand on his shoulder. I wanted him to know I was there, with him, and no matter what I would be there beside him. Forever. “I was an ass. I had taken out something on you that had nothing to do with you. A few Bears had ruined my life and I became consumed with hating all Bear shifters. I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me. If you can’t, I understand. I am not sure if I deserve your forgiveness.”
The silence lingered in the air. Tension was so thick that I wasn’t sure if a knife could cut it. Derek’s eye’s still on Brett. Brett’s eyes on Mia, but his body still covering me from Derek’s view.
“I forgive you,” Mia finally said. “It takes a big person to admit what you just did. We all make mistakes. Besides, we are family.”
“You sure?” Derek asked, his eyes finally leaving Brett and landing on his wife. I could see his eyes softening as he looked at her. She turned her face up to him and smiled.
“I’m sure. He’s your best friend, you two were practically brothers, Derek. He made a mistake. Everyone deserves forgiveness.”
“Alright,” Derek said to Mia before turning to Brett. “If she forgives you, then I forgive you. Welcome home, brother.” He opened his arms and the two of them did that weird man hug, where they basically beat each other on the back with force.
“So, you coming home?” Derek finally asked the question that had been sitting heavy with me the last day or so.
“It’s nice to know it’s an option, but I need to talk to Shayla first.”
“We’d love to,” I blurted.
“You sure?” He asked, looking at me.
“Yes. I love you, Brett. I want to have a family with you one day and I would love for them to grow up surrounded by love.”
“I love you, Shay. You’re everything to me. I am so lucky that you’re mine.” He said, standing up and twirling me in the air. “I am not sure if I deserve you, but I am going to spend the rest of my life trying.”
Epilogue 1
Brett - six months later
“I need her,” I barked as I barreled my way through the small group standing outside the door.
“Brett…” Mia peeked through the small crack between the door and doorjamb.
“Mia, now.”
“Always the drama with you.”
“Ya gonna let me in?” I tugged at the tie that felt like it was suffocating me. She stepped out with a loving smile on her face. “Thanks,” I murmured, and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Make it quick.” She patted my arm and then moved aside.
I opened the door and my eyes scanned the room, seeking out the other half of my heart.
“Babe,” I breathed as I took long strides to where she sat on a stool in front of a mirror. Makeup spread around a desk, hair shit and so many other things I had no idea about.
“Hi,” she muttered, her hands twisting together.
“Nervous, baby?” I pulled her up into my arms, wrapping her up, covering her with my body, shielding her from everything outside of our bubble.
“No. Yes.” She passed me a weak smile. “Are you sure you want to marry me?”
“Are you fucking kidding? I want to wake up to this smart mouth every morning for the rest of my life.” I grinned and placed a kiss on her lips. “I want you hogging my pillow every night. I want every Christmas with you. Every birthday. I want it all. You’re my mate. My forever. Mine.”