“What’s the plan?” The question comes from Raif, who has remained silent during the exchange.
“As of this moment, we are ten million richer. Chloe’s friend Danielle, the one who’s staying here, has invested ten million into the lodge, plus she’s going to work her advertising magic and get us some business. We are no longer in the ‘failing lodge’ business.”
Jack slaps him on the back, and Axel looks around to see relief on his brothers’ faces.
“That’s great, better than we could have hoped for,” Jack says.
Axel nods in agreement. They have a plan, a solid plan to get the lodge back to its glory days.
“Ok then, let’s get back to work. There’s still a lot to be done.”
The brothers go their separate ways, except for Raif, who stands with Axel till the others are out of sight.
“What’s up?” Axel asks him, gathering the ripped contract.
“I know...I know she’s your mate, but she’s part of the family now. My sister, and I’d do anything to protect her. We all will.”
Axel pulls Raif into a hug. His brother has always been the most closed off out of all of them, and to hear him speak this way about Chloe warms Axel’s heart. He appreciates his brother, knows it’s hard for Raif to be without a mate of his own. That Raif could easily push Chloe aside in jealousy or anger. But he hasn’t, he’s opened his heart to her, accepted her as part of their family, as his sister.
Axel pats him on the back. Raif is stiff throughout the hug, arms down at his side. Till he brings them up and tightens against Axel. That’s when Axel knows it will be ok. That no matter what obstacles come their way, he has his brothers by his side, his mate too, his family.
Chapter Forty
Chloe
Chloe finds Axel at the front desk, hugging Raif. It’s a sight to see, two big mountain men hugging it out. She stands back and watches as they slap each other's backs a couple of times before pulling away with smiles.
“Everything ok?” She asks carefully. She hasn’t known Axel long, but has never seen him interact with his brothers this way before.
Axel smiles at her softly as she walks closer. They tower over her as she stands next to them.
“There’s some stuff that’s come up with Harvey Group. I’ll tell you about it. But everything’s ok.” He strokes his fingers through her hair and kisses her temple. She folds herself into his side under his arm, it’s her favorite place to be. When she looks up at Raif, he has a small smile on his face, like it makes him happy to see the two of them together.
“I’ll let you guys talk. See you for dinner tonight?” Raif asks.
“Yeah.”
Raif squeezes Axel’s shoulder and bends down to kiss Chloe quickly on the cheek. She knows what it means. Raif has accepted her. She thought he would be the hardest to win over since he seems the gruffest, but he’s really a big teddy bear, too. She steps out from under Axel’s arm and throws her arms around Raif’s waist, hugging him quickly and pulling back. He doesn’t have time to hug her back. She hugged him so quickly, but she can see the bright blush blooming on his cheeks. He bows his head and scratches the back of it.
“I’ll just...make my rounds.” With that, he turns and walks out the front of the lodge.
“That was nice of you,” Axel says, wrapping his arms around her so they’re chest to chest. She puts her hands around his neck and runs her fingers through his hair.
“I think I’m growing on him.”
“You definitely are. You’ve grown on all of us, especially me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, like a fungus.”
She laughs and smacks his shoulder lightly.
“I’m kidding,” he says, nuzzling her cheek. “I love you, and my brothers have accepted you. Raif even called you his sister.”
“Really?”
“Really. You’re something special, Chloe Barker. I’m so glad we found each other.”
