Rune smiles as he leans back against the couch, holding my hand. “I like it here. I don’t think I’d want to live here exclusively, but the more time I spend here, the more I think we could split our time. If that’s agreeable to you.”
“Wherever you are is where I want to be. You have to know that by now.”
He nods slightly. “I’m catching on.” Grinning, he climbs onto my lap. “Since we’re all official now, I thought it would be nice ifI brought a few more things here and vice versa. It’s not my place anymore. It’s ours.”
My heart flutters, that incredible bond pulsing deep in my chest. The tattoos on both of us flicker to life and glow brightly.
“That’s pretty romantic, Rune.”
“You’re rubbing off on me.” He cups my face. “I know it was fate that brought us together, but your heart, your kindness, Atlas, it’s breathtaking. I’m pretty sure you would’ve helped me whether we were fated or not.”
“Of course I would’ve helped.”
As he searches my eyes, I can tell he has more to say, so I keep quiet while he works through it. I’ve learned over the weeks we’ve been together that there’s a heart brimming with love and emotions in there, but he needs more time to feel safe enough to show that side of himself. It’s okay. We’ve got forever.
Rune huffs a laugh, shaking his head. “It’s almost overwhelming how strongly I feel about you. You’ve made life better, Atlas. Thank you.”
“You’ve made mine better too.” I kiss him softly. “I love you.”
Our tattoos light up again. “I love you too, you big, beautiful gargoyle.”
After Rune leaves to go visit with his sister, I shuffle out to the common area, where the guys are hanging out. I’m ready to be teased about my love nest, but I’m greeted happily and without fanfare. I guess they’re used to it by now.
I plop down in a chair and Roman nudges me with his elbow. “Perfect timing. We’re about to start a new hand. You want it? We’re playing Deuces Wild.”
“I’m in.”
After a few rounds, Grim bounces into the room, followed by Auri. We all put our cards down in anticipation. Auri doesn’t come in here to just hang out, so it must be work related.
“What are you doing, pets?” Auri asks.
“Playing cards, obviously,” Cas responds, his tone dismissive as usual.
Auri pats Cas on the head like a child and surprisingly takes a seat in the empty chair since Drax has Mac in his lap instead. We fall into an awkward silence waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Carry on,” Auri says.
“Why are you here?” Roman asks.
“It’s my compound. Can’t I walk around as I see fit?”
“Yeah, of course, but you never do,” Roman continues. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Auri scratches Grim’s head. “Perhaps I just wanted to check on all of you. I’ve been a bit absent lately.”
Me and the guys exchange glances. Yes, we’ve noticed Auri has been away more often, but none of us thought to question it. Why would we? Auri does what he wants.
“All is well with your mage, Atlas?”
“Yes. He went out to meet with his sister.”
“Brave,” Mac mutters while Drax shushes him.
“Should we be ready to break up another sneak attack?” Cas asks.
“Hopefully not,” I answer.
Auri nods, casually glancing at all of us before dropping a very unexpected bomb on us. “Can I play?”
