Now, at the top of this mountain, understanding filled him.
His honey business wasn’t urgent.The recipe remained safe from potential robbers.Suzie had become vital to him, and it was time to quit protecting himself and step forward confidently.He needed to prove to Suzie he deserved her.
Everything else could wait.
They hadn’t discussed where they would live.Scotland was his home, but she was close to her family.He didn’t mind traveling, but Angus always told him he was working too hard.
He’d take time off.
Niall released a chuff, and Scott and Liam glanced askance at him.He couldn’t speak now but would later at the castle.Right now, he was hot and wanted a swim.Niall trotted away and glanced over his shoulder to check if the black leopards were following.They were, without hesitation, and that warmed him.Contentment spread through him again.
He upped the pace until he loped along the forest paths, taking in the scents and sights in one long stream of information.The enticing aroma of honey almost drew him to a stop.An undiscovered wild hive.He slowed, but no, this was time for play.The hive would stay until he was ready to investigate.Niall kept up his hustle until he scented water.
The waterfall’s source was higher in the hills and icy cold, but his thick fur kept him warm.He reached the path’s edge, the pool at the bottom of the fall before him.He paused briefly, scanning for new debris, before leaping with a mighty splash.
Either way, these kitties would get wet.
He chuckled at the growl of displeasure but kept swimming, his powerful paws dragging him through the current.When he turned, he witnessed the two leopards leaping.As one, they struck the water.Twin roars had Niall chuffing and grunting in amusement, the joyous sound unusual enough to make him start.Friends.It was wonderful to have friends.
“You could’ve warned us the water was that cold,” Scott grumbled half an hour later back at the castle.“My balls drew up so high, I doubt they’ll come back soon.Just as well I haven’t found a mate with sexual expectations.”
Liam chuckled.“Well played, bear.But you should watch your back when you visit Middlemarch.I hear payback is a bitch.”
Niall lifted his whisky glass in a silent toast, wanting to laugh but not quite daring.“You don’t mind me flying back with you?”
“Our flight is next Tuesday,” Scott said.“Liam and I have a brief stopover in Dubai before grabbing the next leg of our flight.We decided we didn’t want to mess around with a stopover.We’re ready to get back to our routine.”
Niall listened to Liam and Scott describe the farms they worked on and the duties they performed with interest.“Maybe I can visit your farms while I’m in Middlemarch.The laird never had much domestic stock.”
“Sure,” Liam said, winking at Scott.“We can push him into a muddy puddle or get him to help clean the pigsty.”
“We’ve got the last grand dinner, and then we’ll be packing to head home,” Scott said.“Could you join us for dinner?You can act as our wingman.”
“I could do that,” Niall said.“I’m meant to do a speech.If you want, I can have Angus switch the seating so you’re at my table.”
Scott and Liam exchanged a glance and turned to him as one.Both nodded with enthusiasm.
“Please,” Liam said, and Niall could tell he wasn’t feigning the gratefulness that seeped through.“Every time I go to dinner, I feel as if I’m prey.Someone is stalking me for dinner.”He shuddered.
Scott gave an emphatic nod.“Liam is not exaggerating.Somehow, you must ensure clans don’t subject future participants to such immense pressure to arrive home with mates.I have no idea how you’ll do it, but I feel sorry for some attendees.Some packs have scraped and saved for their people to attend.That creates expectations.”
Niall tapped his finger against his chin.Neither he nor Angus had anticipated this, and he doubted a solution existed.He’d wanted attendees to enjoy the experience and connect openly with fellow shifters.“I might use the remaining few days to chat with those left.”
“See, that’s the problem right there.Those left feel like failures.It’s difficult not to feel rejected when it’s such a joyous time for others,” Scott pointed out.
“Scott’s right.We’ve enjoyed ourselves but have lives we want to return to and our passion for farming.Others don’t have the same luxury.Perhaps provide a partial refund or complimentary attendance for the next gathering.I mean, if it doesn’t cut into the bottom line too much.”
“Angus and I will consider everything you’ve mentioned.We could conduct a questionnaire to gather feedback on how to improve the next gathering,” Niall said.“There’s time for a survey.”
“You should do that,” Liam said.“Honestly, it will be good to get home.I’ll have the luxury of knowing if anyone is staring at me, it’ll be the cows impatient for their morning hay.”
Scott laughed, but Niall could see Liam truly was uneasy.Something to remember because attendees weren’t meant to feel stressed or pressured.He’d wanted shifters to relax with others and enjoy social interaction.
Simple pleasures were everything.It made him even more determined to claim Suzie to experience this freedom and joy with his mate.Maybe with his children, too.
His bear chuffed at this thought.They were in complete agreement.Suzie belonged with them, and they needed to persuade her of this truth.
At last, the day of their flight arrived.Every part of Niall knew his decision to go to Suzie was right, even if she ignored his messages.He needed to show Suzie he loved her and would grovel at her feet if necessary.He understood now that Suzie was essential to his well-being, and while he’d waited to go to her, he’d written her letters.They were in his carryon, and he hoped she’d read them.He’d also collected some other things for his win-Suzie-over arsenal.He crossed his fingers that they’d help.
