Grabbing his phone back, Sawyer said, “Thanks, Jackson…let Hunt know we’ll be there soon.”
“Will do,” Jackson replied. “Oh, and let me know how it goes.”
“Sure, bye.” Tucking his phone back into his pocket, Sawyer muttered, “Time to talk to our mate.”
~/~/~/~/~
Spying Kieran as he entered the grand salon in the chateau, Quin rushed over to him, waving his hands in excitement. “Ki…Ki…oh my gods, wait until you see what I found in one of the closets. It’s absolutely breathtaking! I never dreamt china like this existed…well, I knew it did because I saw it in a magazine…but I never expected to ever see it with my own eyes or even touch it.”
Grabbing Kieran’s hand, Quin pulled him through several rooms, chattering about his finds while poking around in all the cabinets and closets until they reached the dining room. Then, pushing open the double doors, he stood back, wanting his friend to get the full impact of the set table.
Stunned at the sight, it took Kieran a moment before he could speak. “Q…you definitely have missed your calling.” Walking slowly around the table, he marveled at the delicate wine glasses and the hand-painted dishes. His friend was right…it was…“Perfecto, Q! Absolutely perfecto!”
“You think so?” asked Quin, trying to hide his self-doubt but not totally successful at it. He hated that weakness, the second-guessing about his abilities, that was still part of him, despite his family’s efforts to assure him he was genuinely talented.
Slowly turning around, Kieran waved his hand at the table, exclaiming, “A thousand times yes, Q. Look at what you did…everything is elegant yet warm and inviting…how you managed to do it is a gift…truly a gift. It’s just what’s needed to put Alex and Fionn at ease. Thank you.” Then, remembering his latest news, he smiled mischievously at Quin. “Guess what? Oracle wants you to design a couple of dresses for her.”
Quin’s jaw dropped. Staring at his friend, it took him a few moments before his mouth started to work properly. “No way! Me? Oh my gods! Dresses? You did say dresses, right? As in more than one?”
“Of course, you! Who else do I know who is such a fabulous designer? Don’t answer that because I will tell you…no one, Q! And I’m not the only one who thinks so…Oracle does too.”
Sinking slowly down on the nearest chair, Quin sat there, staring at Kieran in disbelief. Ever since he could remember, his dream of becoming a designer was the little spark of hope that kept him going when there was only darkness in his life. No one knew, not even his parents or brothers, because he feared the light would be snuffed if they were to ridicule him for having such a far-fetched dream—so he kept it buried deep within him. But somehow, Kieran discovered his secret and not only urged him to pursue it, but also brought him his first client.An Oracle…no less!
The enormity of what just happened hit Quin like a wrecking ball, knocking down the perfectly constructed, though fragile, wall he’d built around him. His security was crumbling, exposing him now to a scary world. It had taken him years to recover after what happened that night. Now he’d be desperately trying to find his footing all over again.That’s what happens when I start thinking I’m okay.
Seeing his friend’s inner turmoil mirrored on his face, Kieran knelt down in front of him, linking their hands together and flooding him with love. “Hey, Quin…look at me, honey.”
Hesitating for a moment, Quin reminded himself of the long way he’d come so far, before finally looking at his friend.
Smiling softly, Kieran murmured, “There you are…one of the strongest and most talented people I know.”
Shaking his head slightly, Quin replied softly, “I don’t feel that way.”
“But you are,” Kieran reiterated. “Surviving a sexual assault when you’re barely out of childhood takes enormous mental willpower and strength, not only to survive, but to thrive. Look at how far you’ve come, honey. That’s something to be proud of…something worth celebrating.”
“No it’s not, because it was my fault it happened,” Quin whispered. “He told me I deserved it because…”
“It wasn’t, Quin,” Kieran said, emphatically. “He was lying, honey…trying to make you feel you’d done something wrong when he was the one who did.”
“But I…”
“No, honey…you were only eleven…nothing you could have done at that age gave him the right.”
“He said I was begging for it because I was wearing eyeliner…that I did it to entice him…”
Rising, Kieran pulled Quin to his feet, wrapping his arms around him. After placing his hands flat against his friend’s back, he began drawing out the guilt tormenting his friend, replacing it with love. Kieran’s heart broke at the depth of Quin’s shame that smoldered within him, a burden way too heavy for such a beautiful and loving person to carry.
Burying his face against Kieran’s neck, Quin hugged his friend back, refusing to let go. It had happened long ago, but the pain and shame from the attack never lessened; growing until there were times, he was sure, it would overwhelm him. Even the death of the rapist wolf by his father’s jaws failed to erase the shame he felt, but now, somehow, he felt lighter, the memory of the attack fading along with the guilt he carried. And for the first time since the night had blackened his life, the darkness inside him dissipated. Quin was free.
~/~/~/~/~
“How...” Alex began, as he quickly looked down at his belly, did his grandfather know. Thankfully, it was still flat and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“So Fionn doesn’t know,” Henri said, quietly.
“I don’t think so…but I intend to tell him,” Alex murmured. “Who told you?”
“Just my nose,” Henri replied, smiling. “Which one of your mates is the father?”
