I spent most of my time with Mason. Vince had been sentenced to life in a military prison, and with him no longer a threat, Mason had dialed back the security to a more reasonable level. I was helping him. I loved being back on a computer again, using my skills. Now that my foray into private investigating had paid off, I could finish my degree and return to the life I had before Aaron died.
Hopefully with a few exceptions, though. Like Mason. And my location.
I’d fallen in love with Shifter Ranch and the people who were quickly beginning to feel like family. All I was waiting for was Mason to make it official.
But now, I was using my investigative skills one more time. Mason disappeared every afternoon for a couple of hours. Whatever we were working on, he would suddenly stand up andsay he had to leave. He’d be gone before I could ask a single question.
This time, I was ready. I excused myself shortly before the time he always left and hid outside his workshop. Then, I followed him from a distance. He got in his truck and headed down the driveway. I slipped into my car and tailed him, staying as far back as possible without losing him.
I felt some guilt over invading his privacy, but I wouldn’t let Mason walk away from me like he did before. We were mates. That meant we were supposed to be together. That everything we experienced would be worth it, because fate had chosen us for each other.
I’d learned that the truth could be messy, but I’d rather love Mason with no secrets between us, however difficult they were.
He pulled into the parking lot of a single-story building with several doors. I parked at the opposite end and noted which one he was walking toward. Pulling out my binoculars, I read the sign:Dr. L. Harrington.
My brow furrowed. Shifters didn’t go to human doctors. Their healing was too different, and they didn’t trust human medicine to help them unless absolutely necessary. All the brothers were trained in field first aid, and Emily used her veterinary skills to fill any gap there was.
I pulled up the search bar on my cell and typed in the name and location. Impatience made it feel like the results took forever. Just as I started to read the first result, a knock on my window made me jump. My head whipped around.
Mason was bent over, peering into the car, an amused smile tugging at his lips. “Hello, Brooke. What a coincidence.”
My cheeks heated, and I opened the window. “Mason, what are you doing here?”
He shook his head with a low chuckle. “Come on. You’re welcome to join me.”
He grabbed the handle and waited for me to unlock the door. I got out slowly, biting my lip as the heat in my cheeks deepened. He just smiled and slid his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together before tugging me toward the building.
Inside, he waved at the receptionist and continued to a door along the rear wall. A middle-aged man with slightly balding hair sat in a chair on one side. Mason guided me to the couch opposite him.
The man smiled. “This must be Brooke. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Mason squeezed my hand. “Brooke, this is Dr. Harrington. My psychologist. He specializes in PTSD and survivor’s guilt.”
My gaze flew to him, eyes wide as shame crashed over me. “Oh! I’m so sorry for intruding. I shouldn’t have followed you.”
He shook his head. “It’s okay. I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I struggled to find the words.”
Dr. Harrington stood and moved toward the door. “I’ll give the two of you some privacy. Tell me after if you still want a session today.”
Mason lifted his free hand to cup my hot cheek. “Katie recommended Dr. Harrington. I thought it was about time I worked through some of my issues. I want to be whole again. I want to live life and not just survive it. And I want to be the man you deserve.”
“Mason.” I gripped his hand. “You’re already so much more than that. You’re the strongest man I know.”
He let out a slow breath. “I’m learning how to live with the past. Most days, I believe I did my best to save Aaron. I can look at you and feel, if not worthy, at least enough for you. Others, the guilt lingers, eating at me.”
He dropped his head and rested his forehead against mine. “Now when I close my eyes, all I see is you. It makes me want to be what you need.”
“Youarewhat I need.” I kissed him, pouring all my love into it. When I pulled back, we were both breathless. “I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be with me. As you are.”
He pressed a slow kiss against my forehead, and I compared it to the last time he had done that. Then, it had been a goodbye. This felt more like a beginning.
“I should let you have your session. I’ll meet you back at the ranch?”
“I’d rather go with you.” He pulled me onto his lap and kissed me again. “I have a question to ask you.”
I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His embrace was warm, secure, and everything I needed. “Anything.”
“Will you be my mate?”
