“Well, he’s human.What are the odds that he’s someone’s mate and that he’ll meet them soon?”
“Normally, I’d say not high, but I’m not sure anymore.We’ve all met our mates.I don’t think that Eddie being human matters.I’m sure he’ll meet them soon.”He cocked his head.“Do you think it could be someone from the pride?”
“Wouldn’t he know if that was the case?He’s been around the house, hasn’t he?”
“Well, he’s been here, but he definitely hasn’t met everyone.”
“What are you thinking about?”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll need to ask Gal what he thinks of parties.”
Taylor laughed.“He’s going to tell you not to meddle.”
“Do I look like I care?”
He didn’t, but that was okay.It wasn’t like Jacob would force Eddie into anything.He just wanted their friend to be happy, and that was something Taylor agreed with.If Eddie found that happiness within the pride, even better.He was the only human in their friend group, which meant that if he didn’t find a mate, they’d have to watch him age and die way before they did.If there was anything they could do to stop that, Taylor was all for it.
But first, he had an important meeting to focus on.
* * * *
BEN HAD NO GOOD REASONto be nervous.His family was coming, not strangers.They’d missed him and had been looking for him since he’d vanished without a trace, and they’d been over the moon to hear from him.When he’d called his mother, she’d started crying as soon as she’d recognized his voice.His father hadn’t been far behind.They’d promised they would come as soon as they could, and Ben couldn’t wait to see them.
But he was still nervous.
He hadn’t seen his parents in a while because Jimmy hadn’t liked it when Ben spent too much time away from him.Ben was glad that was over, but he knew them.They wanted the best for Ben, which meant that they would attempt to convince him to move back.They’d probably offer for him to stay with them until he was back on his feet, and part of him wanted to say yes.He wanted to go home to a place where he knew he was safe.
But he was safe with the pride, too.
He looked around the small sitting room Gal had offered when Ben had mentioned his family visiting.They could have used the bedroom Ben shared with Taylor, but it was small, even though it had a sitting area where they often spent time with Taylor’s friends.This would be more comfortable.Ben didn’t want Taylor to feel like they were invading his privacy, even though only his parents were coming.
Ben had spent a few hours cleaning up the place yesterday.Now that he was back with the groceries, he had more things to do.He needed to stop worrying over what his parents would do or say and start setting everything up.He wanted them to see that this was a nice place and that he belonged here.Heneededthem to know that he’d be safe, even if he didn’t go home with them.He and Taylor weren’t bonded yet, which he knew would give his mother pause, but he was sure she’d get over it.Besides, it wasn’t like she would drag him out of the house.She wouldn’t be able to do that even if she wanted to, but it wasn’t the kind of person she was, anyway.
But after everything that had happened, it would make sense for her to wish to keep him close.Ben would have to find a balance between that and staying here with Taylor and the pride.
“Everything okay?”Taylor asked from the open door.
Ben blinked and turned to look at him.He was handsome, like always.It wasn’t the most important thing about him, though.Ben knew how lucky he’d been.He’d met his mate at exactly the right time, and Taylor couldn’t be more perfect.
“I’m fine,” he promised.
“Still worried?”
“I think I’ll worry until they’re here.I don’t know if they’ll understand why I didn’t go home when I escaped.”
“Not even when you explain it to them?”
“I’m going to, but I’m not making any promises.”
“As long as they don’t try to take you from me, it’s fine.”
It was still stunning to hear Taylor say something like that.Just a few weeks ago, he hadn’t known if he could ever be with Ben.Ben had told himself not to hope, but of course he had.Taylor was his mate, and that meant they belonged together.
Or at least, it should.
Ben knew he’d be more worried about that if he wasn’t focused on seeing his family again and giving them an explanation they would accept.He didn’t think Taylor would leave him, though.Not only had Taylor been there every step of the way, but he’d made Ben a promise, and Ben trusted him to keep it.Taylor wasn’t going anywhere, no matter how confused he was.
“I think they’re going to try to convince me to go home with them,” Ben confessed.
