Gemini’s words took his breath. He was right. The fear of losing Aspen had Leif sick all hours of the night and day when they were together. Every day, it had gotten worse, until he turned into someone else. Aspen had loved him enough to set him free. Now they had a real shot, and Leif had pissed on all Aspen’s sacrifices. Leif had no idea how to fix it.
With his heart in his throat, Frost left his last patient’s house. Gemini waited for him—alone—on the sidewalk. His mate’s thoughts were soothing and sweet. He was proud of Frost, and his love consumed Frost every second of the day. There were no thoughts of being found or worries of being exposed. That let Frost breathe easier. Then Gemini smiled, and Frost nearly missed a step. He was so pretty. Every day, he got sexier to Frost, and that seemed almost impossible since he kept Frostmesmerized. Frost wanted to run his fingers through his long, soft locks. Goddess, he was just everything to Frost.
Gemini’s expression turned loving. “Same, baby.”
As much as Frost knew Gemini was in his head every second of the day, he still hadn’t gotten used to someone hearing every thought he had.
Frost kept moving until they were nearly toe to toe. “Done. Everyone is doing fine.”
Gemini took his hand. “Ready to go home?”
“We should stop by the house and check on it. I don’t want anyone thinking they can just move in and take over or whatever.”
Gemini nodded along. “Sounds great.”
Frost took a shaky breath. Even though he had been using his magic for a bit, he still hadn’t gotten comfortable moving through space and time to get anywhere with a single thought. His biggest fear was losing Gemini somewhere along the way. “I guess this is it.”
Gemini held his stare like the rock he was. “You couldn’t lose me even if you tried. I believe in you.”
With a sharp nod, Frost braced his feet and held tightly to Gemini’s hand. He envisioned their cabin, and they were there. Frost took a breath. They were okay. Together, they moved around the cabin, checking each room. Everything looked the same until they reached his home clinic. His entire desk and the surrounding floor were covered in stacks of books.
“What in the hell?” Frost moved to the first pile. Before he inspected the top book, he spotted a note on a stack nearby. Frost leaned closer to read it. For some reason, he didn’t want to touch anything. He read the note aloud. “Frost, these are the books on medical care for each species and cross-species that you’ve been wanting. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner that you’re my nephew. When I lured you to Wulfe, I only knew you were a powerful druid with awakening powers. It wasn’t until you called out for Lucifer, and he came to you, that I realized there had to be more to you. Lucifer would never come for a single damn soul crying out in distress. His bitterness and anger mean too much to him. I knew I had to look deeper. You come from a powerful line. It took a lot of research and hunting to find the truth, but you're his. I didn’t know what to say. The last thing I wanted was to feel as if I had failed you the way I failed Tam.
Please know that you are loved and wanted. I know you’ve needed these books for research. If you decide to come home, I’ll wait for you to come to me. You’re owed the choice. Love, Auntie Celeste.”
Frost turned Gemini’s way.
Gemini looked resigned, as if he already knew what Frost would choose. He chose Gemini.
“Are you ready to go? It looks like everything here is fine.”
Gemini’s eyebrows rose. “I feel how badly you want to be here to help the community.”
Frost closed the distance between them. “Then I know you also feel the way you’re more important to me. Let’s go back to Tibet. I can’t go back to you feeling stuck in last place. You are and will always be my first choice.”
Gemini flashed him a wry smile. “You know that’s not entirely true. I know I’m your first everything, butyoufelt like I was stuck last because of the way you’ve been torn in a million directions. Whatever makes you the happiest is what I’ll do.”
Frost held Gemini’s stare. “You make me the happiest.”
Gemini rubbed Frost’s arms, as if trying to warm him. “How about this? We stay hidden for a little while longer, but we do it here. You can relax, read your books, and still be within shouting distance if a true emergency arises. I get to rub your feet and kiss any place I want on this delectable body.” He shuffled closer, tempting Frost in every way. “When you’re ready, we’ll wipe away the wards.”
“Kiss anywhere you want, huh?”
“Yep,” Gemini said, making theppop.
Frost couldn’t stop smiling. “I’ve missed our bed.”
Gemini grabbed two handfuls of Frost’s ass and lifted. “Then let me reintroduce you to it.”
Frost wrapped his legs around Gemini and buried his face against Gemini’s neck. Everything felt easier when he let Gemini take control. Frost might not have any real answers yet, but he knew one thing. Gemini would always be there to look out for Frost no matter whose toes he smashed—even the Goddess herself.
Chapter Three
Aspencouldn’trecallthelast time he had been this nervous. It was ridiculous, considering he had just had dinner with Lysander the night before. He worried too much over his clothes. Aspen was a bear. What the fuck did he know about being stylish? Finally, he settled on a t-shirt that looked okay with his eyes, and comfortable jeans. He felt so off kilter, going on a date at his age. Aspen was an old bear. He wanted to chill and snack.
Before Aspen walked away from getting ready, he caught sight of his reflection and froze. There were dark circles under his eyes. Maybe he should just focus on becoming one with the pack. It had been a nice day, being useful and hearing all the pack gossip. He should stop dealing in matters of the heart. Aspen needed to turn to love for his community and away from romantic love. Just bury that shit.
Someone knocked on the door.
