"Cyril, though human, was definitely a monster.One I don't think you could ever be.After all, you saved her."I look in the rearview mirror at Libby's sleeping form.
"I may have secondary trauma from seeing what he did to her through those memories.Wyatt, he bought her from her family – Hunters.Her own family hated her because she can see spirits.They called her an abomination."
"Jesus.Well, she's safe now, because of you.We'll offer her a place to recover.She can stay as long as she wants."
"I didn't know ghosts and spirits were a real thing.It's not an area I've researched heavily.We'll need to find someone with more expertise to help her hone her gifts and let her know she's not alone."
Keeping one hand on the wheel, I reach over with the other and take my mate's hand."You're a good man, Andrew.I'm lucky to have you as my Fated."
Bringing my hand up toward him, Andrew kisses my knuckles."You're good, too, Wyatt.Just because you crave pain doesn't make you a bad person.You're a great brother, and cousin.You're an excellent agent for the Coven.You're a stellar mate.And, you are the best part of my new life.I love you."
Tears sting my eyes, but they don't fall.I can't remember the last time I cried.Probably when I was a child before it was beaten out of me.I should say something, but my throat is tight with emotion and the words won't come.My mate doesn't push me to talk, and we ride the rest of the way home holding hands.
Because of Andrew, I finally know what love is supposed to feel like.
Epilogue
Andrew
"IthinkIfoundsomeone to help you with your abilities," I say to Libra."His name is Prescott.He's supposed to be some kind of ghost hunter, spirit expert… I don't know what you call them."
She contemplates the information quietly where she's resting against a pile of fluffy pillows on a sofa in the library.The bruises are fading, lacerations healing, but I imagine the mental and emotional wounds will take years to scab over, if they ever do.
"You know, I spent years hating my abilities.My family tried starving me, beating me.When they finally realized they couldn't rid me of them, they sold me off to Cyril, even knowing what kind of monster he was.I've lost so much time to this idea of brokenness.It's time to embrace what I can do.Learn to love myself."
"Personally, I think what you've been gifted with is fascinating.I'm sorry for what you've been through.No one should have to experience those things, especially at the hands of their blood family.You aren't broken, or deviant.You are exactly who Fate intended you to be."
"Thank you for caring enough to find me."
"I hope you choose to stay for a while and let us get to know you better."
Leaving Libby with Prescott's contact info, I kiss her forehead and head out to meet Wyatt for an evening hunt, only to be waylaid by Jagger on my way out the door.
"What memories did you see when you fed from me?"he asks.
"Probably what you expect I did."
He nods."It was a risk."
"I won't say anything, Jag.It's not my place."
"Thank you," he says, patting me on the shoulder as he turns to go."You're good for Wyatt, and a welcome addition to the family."
"Jag, don't let your demons keep you from connecting with Richard.If you let him, he'll love you.No matter what."
There's no response as he walks away.I've done what I can do.It's time to find my mate!
The forest is alive with nocturnal happenings, but my focus is listening for my mate's heartbeat.It's the one advantage I have over him.My heart no longer gives me away to beings with heightened senses.
An owl hoots.Something rustles the underbrush.
I remain still.Scenting.Listening.
There he is.
On silent feet, I maneuver quickly through the trees.
As I draw closer, the breeze shifts, and I alter my path.This time, I am determined to catch Wyatt.I can't let a shift in the wind give me away.
