“Then I fell in love with Evan and decided to make it permanent,” I said, smiling at him, the male who’d kept me safe, just as I’d once asked. “My family cropped up again a couple of months ago, and it was only a few days ago that we found out they don’t plan on doing so again anytime soon. That’s why I reached out when I did. I didn’t want to risk putting you on their radar by contacting you earlier.”
“I don’t understand,” Mac said slowly. “Why do I feel like yer not being completely honest with us?”
“Mac’s right.” Bryce turned to glare at Evan. “What kind of ‘skills’ do you have? Are you, like, the mafia or something?”
“Or something,” Evan said vaguely.
“I’m not being completely honest.” I sighed. “But it’snot for any nefarious reason or because I don’t want to share this with you. It’s to keep you all safe.”
“That implies that you’re not safe,” Cole muttered. “Because you have this knowledge.”
God, this was so frustrating. Maybe it had been the wrong decision to not allow them into the supe world. But they didn’t have any ties to it, nor were any of them mated to a supe. There could be huge repercussions both for them and the clan if anyone found out they knew.
“All I ask is that you trust me when I say that I’m safer now than I’ve ever been before,” I said eventually. “I’m safe, and I’m happy. The only thing missing in my life is you three. I know that’s my fault, and if ye want nothing more to do with me or to change how our friendship looks going forward, then obviously I’ll accept that.”
It’d kill me to do so, but I would.
“Don’t be an eejit.” Bryce nudged my foot with his. “Course we want things to go back to normal, ye daft sod.”
Mac and Cole nodded in agreement, and tears welled up in my eyes. “Really?”
“Really,” Mac said, Cole finally taking a seat again. “We’ve missed ye. It’s not been the same without you.”
I hesitated before speaking. “I can’t go back to normal completely. I don’t think I’m ready to meet anywhere other than here and work.”
Bryce turned to glare at Evan. “Why?”
“Not because of me,” he said quickly, holding up his hands. “Reid is free to go wherever and do whatever he pleases.”
“This is because of me,” I said quietly. “My anxiety. I’m seeing a therapist, but it’s going to take a while before I’m back to where I once was.”
“That’s okay,” Cole said. “I’m glad yer seeing someone. Are ye finding it helpful?”
I thought about my sessions with Dr. Tyler. About how each one exposed an old wound, but in doing so allowed it to heal properly. “Yeah. I really am.”
Mac shot Cole a pointed look, which went ignored.
“We can meet here,” Bryce said. “Whatever works for you is good for us, boo.”
“Thank you.” A few tears slipped free, but I knew none of my friends would judge me for them. “Fuck, I’ve missed you all.”
Suddenly I was enveloped in a massive bear hug with three different sets of arms holding me tight.
For the first time in months, my heart felt whole.
We’d finished dinner hours ago, but we were still sat around the table, chatting. Evan had excused himself a little while ago, using the washing-up as an excuse. Really, he was giving me time alone with my friends while letting me know he was close by.
It was moments like these that had me loving him more and more with every passing day.
After catching up on months of news, we were now discussing the latestDemon Huntersupdate. The conversation was so heated that none of us heard the front door open.
“Is this a friendly chat, or should I be concerned?”
We all jumped at the sound of Logan’s voice. I laughed, getting to my feet to greet him. “Logan, we weren’t expecting you back yet.”
Logan smiled, but his eyes were on someone behind me. “Things wrapped up faster than expected. I didn’t realise you were having guests.”
We hadn’t bothered to tell him, not thinking he’d be home for a few more days. “Come meet my friends,” I said, dragging him forwards, excited for my two worlds to be colliding. “Everyone, this is my friend Logan.”
