When all the cars and flashing lights were gone, it was daylight out. We all trailed back inside, with Finn picking me up and carrying me over the cardboard they'd laid over the broken glass. "We'll get solid panels in the new door," he said.
"Ready to go back to bed?" Geo asked me. "I think we can all agree that today is a day off from work. I just need to call in."
"I don't think I can sleep." I pulled the blanket tighter around myself. "My adrenaline is still too high."
"I'll make some tea," Aiden volunteered. He headed to the kitchen while the rest of us settled down on sofas and armchairs in the living room.
"I'm sorry we didn't protect you against those assholes," Mace growled. "They never should have gotten past the gate."
"It's not your fault." I looked at him carefully. "You jumped out a window for me."
"I'd do it again, dozens of times if I had to, just to keep you safe," he told me. "When I heard your scream, my entire body went into action from a dead sleep."
"Thank you, Mace. You didn't just take Mark down, you made him pay for some of what he did to me."
"I love you, Liora. I will never not protect you again."
"You definitely proved that tonight." I tucked my legs up under me and patted the cushion. "Come sit with me."
Mace immediately jumped up and moved to sit as close as he dared. I
Leaning against him, I listened to his heart beating in his chest at a steady rhythm. "Both you and Aiden came to my rescue tonight, even though I took Finn back first."
"We told you, we'll be there for you, even if you never choose us," Aiden said, coming back with the teas. He handed me my favorite blue mug with Earl Gray tea. "It might never be enough to prove ourselves, but we'll try."
"Thank you."
I sipped me tea and listened to the birds waking up outside. It was peaceful after all the chaos of the breakin.
Geo's phone rang and he wandered off into the kitchen to talk to his bosses. A minute later, he returned.
"So, the agency has all four Pack Parker members in custody and they're moving up the trial. They'll go before a judge in twoweeks," he said with a smile. "Looks like we have a very good case against them now, because they came after you."
"We need to make the new pack bonds formal," Finn spoke up. "Otherwise, they can put you back in the ORC."
"I'd rather die," I spat out.
"We won't ever let you go back there," Mace promised and I believed him.
"I'll file the paperwork today," Geo promised.
"Wait. When you file it, can you add Aiden and Mace, too?"
"You don't have to do that," Mace told me, patting my knee.
"That's why I'm doing it. I think you proved yourselves worthy of a second chance tonight. Besides, since I'm your boss now, I'll have to see you all every day. Might as well make it official."
Mace pulled my face up gently so he could kiss me, then pushed me toward Aiden who held my face between his warm hands. "Do you really mean it?"
"I wouldn't say it otherwise. But remember, I'm my own woman. I'll leave if any of you think you can manipulate or control me."
"Understood." Aiden kissed me deeply, his tongue sweeping the inside of my mouth, tasting my essence. "I love you, Li."
Chapter 34
Epilogue - 2 Months Later
Liora
