“So?” he asks.
I nod, letting a smile tug at my lips. “Our auctions are going to continue, bigger and better than ever. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are working with us on this, and to close Atlantic Canada to the Dominion Sons. With them shutting down any port entry, and us controlling the land borders, the Sons don’t have a way in.”
Cade’s brow furrows. “Won’t they just hit harder?”
“They might eventually,” I say. “But not yet. Without supply lines into the area, they have nothing to move. And if they try to push in now, and tryto touch even one of us, they’re going after all three provinces. If one club goes down, the others go to war.And that’s too much heat for them for the payout they’d get…ifthey ever won.”
I step closer, and he lifts his chin just enough to keep his eyes level with mine.
“There’s still danger, Doc,” I say in a low voice. “ButIcontrol it now.”
A smile slowly spreads across his lips, and I damn near groan at the sight.
His eyes then drift down the line of my jaw until they land on the trees and wildflowers inked on my neck.
“My favourite tree bleeds when it’s cut open,” he says.
My heart skips a fucking beat as I stare back at him, and he slowly lifts his eyes to meet mine again.
“Its wood is white, but when it’s cut, it turns blood red,” he says, taking a step closer. “Some associate this with blood, war, and death.” He shakes his head. “But for others, it symbolizes transformation and renewal.”
My chest rises and falls with a heavy breath as I watch his gaze fall to my tattoo again, and he tilts his head slightly to get a better look.
“It’s a tree that grows in difficult places and thrives in challenging conditions. It stabilizes soil to prevent erosion and provides shelter for protection.”
His eyes meet mine again, and I need to remind myself to fucking breathe.
“My favourite tree is the alder tree. And I love you, too.”
My lips are on his before that last word is fully out of his mouth. My arms lock around his waist, and his hands slide up the back of my neck as I drag him into me, needing him as close as he can be. I want to fuckingdevourhim as I slide my tongue along his, and he lets out a soft moan against me. His body presses against mine as if he’s as desperate as I am, and he holds me like he knows exactly who he belongs to.
And I’m never going to let him forget it.
Over two weeks apart, haunted by unanswered questions, and now facing everything we still need to figure out… but none of it matters while he’s in my arms, and holding nothing back. My man was cut wide open, but he’s still here. And he’s going to be stronger than ever as he transforms his life into the one he truly wants and deserves.
We both still have a tough road ahead of us, but I’m going to keep him close through all of it. If he wants me to bring him into the fire and help him forge his strength, I will. If he wants me to build a shield around him and let him breathe, I will.
Whatever the fuck Cade needs, I’ll give it to him.
I’ll protect him and keep him safe. Always.
Because he’s fuckingmine.
FORTY-EIGHT
“Motherfucker!”
I chuckle as Boot breaks a cue over his knee and tosses it on the pool table. Then he points at me from the other side of it and narrows his eyes.
“The only reason you keep winning is because of your physics shit.”
Mac snorts as he grabs the chalk and casually rubs it over the tip of his cue.
“Wrong type of physics,” I say, reaching into the pockets to roll the balls to the end of the table. “I’m in quantum mechanics.”
Boot’s forehead creases. “Well… whatever that is, you’re using it.”
“Sure,” I say, grabbing the broken cue from the table and tossing it back to him. “It’s the little things that count anyway.”
