Waylon chimed in. “It’s funny. I’ve always smelled magic around you, but I didn’t realize it’s actually you. I thought it was just your being with Frost all day. But I smell it now. I can’t believe I missed it. You’re more than half druid. Well, now I’m just confused.”
Audor answered before Leif could. “Leif was born a druid. He was turned vampire. I’m no expert in biology or anything, but I think he’s still technically full druid. He just happens to also be a vampire.”
Audor always sounded so proud when he talked about Leif. It was nice. Sometimes, there would be a moment that reminded him how close they were. He loved Audor like a brother. They were best friends.
“I’m sorry I worried you.” At his veer off topic, Audor focused on him with his eyebrows raised. Leif pressed on. “I never dreamed you’d think you’d never see me again. Please know I’d never do that to you. You’re the only person I have beyond Aspen.” Leif knew he had chosen an odd moment to bare his heart, but he couldn’t let Audor go even a moment longer thinking Leif could abandon him.
To his surprise, tears filled Audor’s eyes. He visibly swallowed before he spoke. “I’ve spent a lot of nights sick to my stomach, thinking about how my being fated for a wolf drove you away. I hate that seeing me with Waylon hurt you. But I didn’t know what to say or do to help.”
To Leif’s horror, a tear slid down his cheek. “I’m so sorry I made you feel guilty for being happy. You deserve your blessings. The problem was always me. Not you.”
Audor swiped his eyes and hugged Leif again. This time, Leif didn’t try to get away. Sweat and all, Leif needed this hug. When he pulled away after a few hard back pats, he noticed Waylon was gone.
Leif swiped his eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to run off your man.”
“You didn’t. He’s in my head, rubbing his hands together about getting the drop on everyone.” A loud laugh burst from Audor. He covered his mouth, but his eyes still swam with humor.
“What?”
Even not knowing what happened, Leif still smiled. Audor’s happiness was contagious.
Audor dropped his hand. He wore a luminous smile. “Aspen’s neighbor Betty Anne already told everyone. The litany of cursing in my head is epic. It seems Aspen went over to help her with her AC and she saw Aspen’s mark. It was off to the races the moment he left to see how fast she could spread the word.”
Leif couldn’t stop smiling. He hadn’t known how much happiness he missed just from letting jealousy beat him. Leif also hadn’t known this much bliss existed. All he knew was it sounded like Aspen was home. A quick skim of Aspen’s mind confirmed his suspicions. He couldn’t get to him fast enough.
Chapter Five
Aspenstoodatthekitchen counter, staring into space and eating cookies. Betty Anne was a sweet lady. As a young, unmated wolf, she couldn’t afford to live on her own if she lived anywhere else. Only the small-town pack, helping each other, kept her afloat. The more he thought about their conversation while he worked, the more he realized exactly how horrible life had been here for Kyrie. While this pack was a mixed bag of various Weres, Kyrie was too different, it seemed. Each day that passed, and the more he learned, the closer he felt to the best friend he had made. Aspen had been the odd man out—the outcast of his pack back home. Truthfully, Aspen felt a tad torn. Everyone seemed so nice and accepting. He didn’t understand. Kyrie deserved better. He didn’t like the way he had been so easily accepted when such a sweet wolf was a pariah.
A warm caress ran through his hair.Are you okay, sweet bear? I swear I felt you thinking of me in sadness.
Aspen’s chest warmed. He felt a loving smile cross his lips.Sorry. I just miss you. Are you having fun? Is your honeymoon all things awesome?
Kyrie’s caress moved to Aspen’s shoulders as if an invisible hug squeezed him.It’s great. I love it here in Scotland, but I can come back if you need me.
Aspen rushed to stop that from happening. Kyrie deserved this break from life.No, enjoy your time with Fen. You two deserve this. I’ll still be here when you get back.
I love you.
Aspen felt all cuddly inside.I love you too.
“Who are you exchanging I love yous with, and should I be concerned?”
Aspen startled as Leif appeared behind him. “Holy shit! You need a bell or something.”
A sexy chuckle rumbled behind his ear.
Aspen’s eyes fell closed as Leif reached past him and took a cookie. Lips brushed the shell of his ear. “Do I get an ‘I love you’ too?”
Fuck. He forgot what they talked about. “I love you.”
“Mmm. That never gets old.” Leif kissed his neck. He pulled away and took a bite. “Oh, that’s good. Homemade?”
Aspen had to take a steadying breath through his nose. His body knew his mate stood only inches away. “Yeah. Betty Anne—”
The sound of a cellphone ringing brought Aspen up short. He spun in a circle. Aspen had no clue where his phone was. It wasn’t like anyone ever called him.
Leif found it first. “It’s a Montana area code.”
