With me.
That felt right.
I was his fresh start. If I were to believe what he said–and honestly, I was starting to–then he was willing to make changes. It sounded like he didn’t need me to be the only one who had to contort and pretzel herself to stay in the relationship. It felt like we could actually be partners.
Or was that just what he said to lock me in? Would I turn into a possession once he married me or mated me or whatever they did?
We walked through the grove of trees toward the buildings. It felt magical–the soft snow falling on our heads, the green pine peeking out from beneath the heavy coat of white that shrouded them, as I held Boone’s hand.
For the first time in years, I started to compose a song in my mind.
Snow falling on pines.
Your hand held in mine.
There’s no better time
than this one.
I followed the creative thread, letting it play in my head, already knowing the notes I’d sing.
Was it a sign that the first song I’d composed in years came right after I met Boone?
It felt like a good omen. Boone had inspired me. He made me feel safe and–God, I hoped–would give me the space I needed to be creative.
“You okay?” he asked. “You’re quiet down there.”
“Down here?” I laughed, tipping my head back to meet his dark eyes. “I’m not that short! But yes, I’m good. I’m working on a song in my head.”
He cocked his head, and his lips twitched with amusement. “Yeah? Awesome. I can’t wait to hear it.”
We’d reached the closer cabin now, and Boone hesitated before he pounded on the door then pushed it open.
Two men, both as large and imposing as Boone, looked over from the dining room table, where something like furniture sketches had been spread.
No one said hello. They just stared at us.
“Hey guys. This is Summer. My mate.”
19
BOONE
* * *
As I shut the door behind us, Ace and Roy unfolded themselves from their chairs and stood, staring at Summer in wary surprise. Roy’s nostrils flared as he took in her scent.
He sent me a shocked look, and I narrowed my gaze.
Yeah, she was human, asshole. So what? I growled, tightening my arm around her.
Summer stiffened, looking up at me.
Right. Growling might scare her. Especially when she didn’t know why the fuck I was doing it.
“You mated?” Ace asked. Ace was two years younger, a few inches shorter, and many pounds lighter. Which meant he was big and really fit, but not a giant like me. He kept his dark hair cut short, and the same went with his beard. He was quick to smile although it was rarely aimed at me. Fortunately, he offered one to my mate as he walked forward and held out his hand for her to shake. “When? Why didn’t you tell us?”
I shrugged. “It just happened.”
