Page 76 of The Bull's Head

“Today? Now?”

A soft smile from Gwyneth. “I figured you’d say that.” She glanced toward Teddy. “Will you be here for the procedure?”

“You cannot make me leave.”

“Good. We’ll get to work, but why don’t you give us a bit to get everything set. Go talk to Damon and his family, and check in on Ivan. He’s been extra surly of late.”

Of course he had. Despite what he believed, Ivan’s bear was pining for his mate. Teddy hadn’t seen Jerome lately, and he could only guess that he’d locked himself away from the world once more, feeling broken over the things that were stolen from him.

Maker, I know it’s uncharitable, but if you could make Hyde suffer for us, we would deeply appreciate it.

He kissed Byk, who clutched Teddy’s neck and held him. Teddy could feel the fear rolling off the slender form. “Shall I stay with you, Byk?”

He shook his head. “No, go talk with the rest of our family.”

Those words both shocked and excited Teddy. “You said our family.”

“I did. I always thought those we were born to were the only family we’d have, but you’ve shown me that the people we hold close to us, the ones most dear, are family we’ve created in our hearts. I thought I was alone in the world, but now I’m discovering that I have you, Ivan, Alp, Mal, Dr. Lydia, Sonia…. And the amazing and scary thing? I have more coming into my life every day. It fills my heart to bursting.”

The hope in Byk’s voice wormed its way into Teddy, filling him with the same feeling. This would work. This will work.

Because Teddy wouldn’t accept anything else.

Chapter 24

“Brother!”

Ivan threw his arms around Teddy and squeezed. Even though they were about the same size, Ivan was far stronger. Or maybe he just liked showing people he could crack them like a glow stick.

“How are you?” Teddy asked, gesturing to the couch.

Ivan sat, a wide smile on his face. “I am awesome. This past weekend I spent many enjoyable hours with a husband and wife who were very enthusiastic. They?—”

“Stop. Ivan, just stop.”

He sat back and stared at Teddy with a smug grin. “You are prude now?”

“When you’re lying to me, yes. If I want made-up porn, I have sites bookmarked.” He leaned in. “They tell me you’re grumpier than usual. What’s going on?”

The stony face, hardened by decades of a life lived rough, crumpled. “He will not talk to me. I tried to see him when we arrived, but he turned me away again.”

Of course it was about Jerome. Maybe Ivan hadn’t realized it yet, but he was so entwined by his mate, he’d never want anyone else again. The self-proclaimed “manwhore” was now at the mercy of a tiny man.

“Let me ask you something. How did you approach him?”

Ivan cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

“He’s not a conquest, Ivan. He’s your mate. He’s special, and he can’t be treated like someone you’re trying to pick up in a bar. This isn’t you wanting to get in his pants. It’s you wanting to have him in your life.”

Ivan scrubbed a hand over his close-cropped hair. “I don’t know how to do that,” he said morosely. “I’ve never wanted for companionship. Everyone knew going in it was going to be a night of unimaginable pleasures, but then we would part ways.”

“Unimaginable, huh? Not at all full of yourself, are you?”

Ivan snorted. “If you were not my brother, I would have had you on your knees within moments of meeting you. Bent over the couch not long after that.” He sighed. “What you’re asking for is… I don’t know if it’s something I am capable of.”

Teddy got up and sat beside Ivan. “Do you want me to be honest, or shall I lie to spare your feelings?”

Ivan scowled. “Those are my only options?”

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