“Remember earlier when I called you into the shower?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Frank had just visited me. I mean I didn’t see him like you saw Laura. But his voice was in my head, though he sounded like he spoke from a great distance. He told me I needed to move on.”
Braden spoke quietly. “Do you think you can?”
She tried to smile but failed. “I think so. But I’m going to need some time to get over all that’s happened.”
He slid his arm around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He switched to telepathy.I love you, Maeve.
She drew a deep breath.I love you, too.
He squeezed her shoulders. Aloud, he said, “I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to leave the Landing. Not ever. How would you feel if I stuck around?”
At that, she drew back and stared at him. Though she’d shifted position, he still kept his arm around her. “Really? I’d love it. But when did things change?”
He smiled then kissed her forehead. “I don’t know how it happened, or when. I think it was a gradual process from the time I woke up from my coma. But it looks like I’ve found a new home here.”
“What about your pack in Savage? You love them. You’re bonded to them.”
“I know. I don’t even know how this is going to work exactly. But I’ll talk to Jeremy and Alpha Warren. We’ll figure it out. Yet, somehow, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.
“Five Bridges isn’t like the human world. We’ve got forces working for us. Laura brought me here for you. I know that now. She knew you’d need me and that I’d fall in love with you.”
Maeve’s throat grew really tight. “But, Braden—” She let the words hang once more.
At that, he shifted toward her and caught her chin with his free hand. “You ended her suffering, at her pleading, and Laura knew what it was going to cost you. That’s why she stuck around, to make sure you were okay.
“I know it won’t be easy for you to get over what happened. I’ll have my own impossible days as well. But it will never be about recrimination. Do you understand? There’s nothing to forgive here. I have only gratitude for your courage in the face of an impossible situation.”
His words and his sincerity brought a wave of peace flowing through her.
Nothing to forgive.
When he leaned in and kissed her, she accepted his lips without reservation. She had a man in her life, a partner, a lover. And he wasn’t going away.
Her heart opened wide in that moment. Frank had helped her to get past her grief. She would always miss him. But Braden had become her present and as long as they both lived, he would be her future.
The celebration continued until shortly before dawn.
Even then, as Braden walked her back to her burrow apartment, she could hear several plaintive howls draw the night to a close.
~ ~ ~
Braden wanted to bond with Maeve, but he wasn’t sure if the timing was right. Laura’s appearance earlier and her words to him, had cemented his determination to do right by Maeve, no matter what. The critical part she’d played in Laura’s death had changed his view of the situation. Instead of rage, he felt nothing but relief that she’d saved Laura from hours of unimaginable pain and torment.
Laura was right as well. Maeve would need his help in overcoming her guilt and horror about what had happened that night.
As he crossed the living room with Maeve and entered the bedroom, Sheba jumped up on the foot of the bed. “Well, look who’s here.”
He released Maeve and went to the cat. As soon as he extended his curved palm, Sheba lifted her head and met his fingers with a purr.
He took his time trailing his hand along her silken fur.
“I still can’t get over how much she likes you.” Maeve stood a couple of feet away. She was smiling at her cat, her witch’s muse.
“Sheba knows I love you, that’s why. I’ve loved you for a long time. For months.”
