Page 68 of The Bull's Head

“You gave me a gift,” he said softly. “I’ve always wanted to bake something for someone I love.”

“No, your gift is in your creativity. I only helped you to find an outlet for it.” He stepped back and peered into Byk’s eyes. “I wanted you to have the chance that was stolen from you all those years ago.”

Byk’s head lolled. “I’m tired,” he whispered. “I haven’t been on my human feet that long in forever.”

“Then what do you think about going to bed?”

He fluttered his lashes. “Yes, please.”

Teddy hefted Byk into his arms, pleased when he didn’t protest and simply wrapped his arms around Teddy’s neck. He carried him to their bedroom and placed him gently on the mattress.

“Did you want a shower first?” A nod. Teddy wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. Byk was clearly ready to collapse. “How about if you get comfortable, and I’ll be back in a minute? Afterward, you can decide if you want to sleep or shower. Sound good?”

Byk’s eyes were already closing, and he murmured something before his chin dropped to his chest. His poor baby.

Teddy got up and made a quick trip to the kitchen. He grabbed two plates and silverware and was about to return to his room when Sonia appeared.

“Got a minute?” she asked.

“Sure, but I can’t be long. I want Byk to eat something so he can sleep.”

She smiled. “I’ve been baking for thirty-six years. I’ve worked in several restaurants, and even had my own place until I retired. I have to tell you, never in all that time have I met someone with so much heart. He did whatever was asked of him without complaint. When asked questions, he did his best to answer, and if it was wrong, he nodded and then did it the way I showed him.

“Byk is a gem, Teddy. A true, pure-cut gem. I wish I had been able to teach him when he was younger. I truly believe that he’d be a master by now. I’m so very sorry for the years they stole from him, but I’m going to do everything I can to help him realize his dream.”

Tears stung Teddy’s eyes at the thought of what Byk had lost and what Sonia was offering to help him find. He wasn’t the kind of person who thought only a mate could solve issues. That would be narcissistic. He knew that everyone in Wald had a part to play in making a life for the people who lived here.

“Thank you again for doing this. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“No, sweetheart. You’re wrong. I’m the one who is grateful to you. See, after all those years, baking had become more a chore than anything else. Sure, I did it, but it simply wasn’t as fun as it had been. With Byk, he brought the joy back for me. He made me remember what it was like to be young and in love with the art. And that’s thanks to you. No one I know would have gone the extra distance to help their mate like that.”

He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I think you’re wrong there. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s that the people of Wald have each other’s backs, mated or not. Mal and Alp are building a family here. Something where everyone works to better their kin’s lives. It’s not going to work for everyone, because what family doesn’t have people who would rather be left to their own devices?”

She nodded sagely. “You’re right. My sister loved our family, but she wanted a break. She was tired of hearing about being a shifter. Just wanted to be, in her words, normal. She decided to head to Florida and have some fun.” She choked. “That was where they took her. The last time I ever heard from her was four years ago. I got a phone call telling me she’d met a man she really liked.” Her lips tightened as she clenched her fists. “She said his name was Jackson Hyde.”

Teddy wanted to roar. The man was dead, but it was like they’d never be free of his influence. He pulled Sonia into a hug and squeezed. “I’m so sorry. You know that he’s dead, right?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I know that he died here and almost took Malachi with him.” She sniffled. “When I was growing up, I was taught the Maker would want us to forgive our enemies, but I can’t. Not ever. He took my sister, my niece. She might have been his daughter, and he….” She clutched his shirt, then buried her face in Teddy’s chest and sobbed. He stood there and held her, as thoughts of Byk flitted through his mind. He could have lost something precious before he’d ever even met him.

“I, too, believed that hatred was wrong, but he hurt so many that I cannot find a way to move past the anger to forgiveness. Honestly, I don’t believe I ever will. My truest hope is that Hyde is suffering for his sins and will do so until eternity is no more.”

“I find I can’t disagree with that,” Sonia said with a hiccup. She stepped away, brushing tears from her cheeks. “You should go back to Byk. He needs you.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek again. It was good that the family Teddy needed to surround Byk with continued to grow. “You always know where to find us.”

“I do. And I hope we’ll see more of each other.”

Teddy grinned. “Does this mean I can sit in here and watch Byk work?”

She chuckled as she patted his arm. “No, but it’s a good try.”

He laughed as he headed for the door. When he got to the hall, he made a beeline for their room. As he entered, he could hear the soft snores from Byk, and it soothed the ache he’d experienced while talking with Sonia. He put the plates and silverware on the table, turned down the lights, then stripped off his shoes, socks, shirt, and pants before climbing into bed with Byk. As soon as the covers were pulled up and Teddy had his arm wrapped around Byk’s stomach, he found sleep came far easier than ever before.

And it was down to his mate.

Chapter 22

Teddy awoke, surprised to find his cock achingly hard. Byk’s scent filled him, coalescing in the straining shaft. He reached around and ran a hand over Byk’s chest, delighting in the smooth skin. There was no doubt in Teddy’s mind, Byk was a beautiful man inside and out. He’d seen the outside—now he desperately wanted to experience the rest.

---