Page 71 of Spike

20

SPIKE

Gray and I spent the next few days in bed, and I wasn't complaining one bit.

Waking up when it was nearly noon, tangled up in Gray, binge-watching old movies, and only getting up when we were hungry. Tommy and Nitro also hosted dinner a couple of times.

Gray and I were in paradise. Eventually, though, we needed to face the world again.

A week after the events in Blue Vale Valley, I asked Gray to go on a road trip with me.

"Where are we going?" he asked me that morning, wearing an appreciative smile as he watched me dress.

Knowing he liked the view, I took my time. He even laughed when I blew him a kiss.

"Now give me a real one," my mate demanded, and I leaned in close and slanted my mouth over his.

Then I remembered his question.

"Haven Brook," I said. "I want to show you off to Austin."

Gray got up from bed and hugged me as if he knew that was exactly what I needed.

He didn't even remark how odd it was that I wanted to introduce him to my dead friend, but that was Gray for you—considerate and understanding, and definitely more than I deserved.

Too bad Gray was officially stuck with me.

"Won't the grizzly shifters there think we're trespassing?" Gray asked.

He was probably thinking of the last time we were in Haven Brook and Juan's warning.

"Don't worry, I cleared it with Katherine," I assured him.

Gray bit his lower lip. "And Juan?" he asked.

"Katherine says it's fine," I assured him.

"Alright then," Gray said. After we finished dressing, we got my Harley and rode to Havenbrook.

Memories flooded my mind as the road stretched out before us. I couldn't help but recall the last time I took this trip.

I felt so lost and angry. Little did I know then that fate was leading me to my mate.

As we arrived at the cemetery in the late afternoon. We stopped by a nearby florist, and I carefully selected roses to honor Austin's memory.

Placing a single stem on his tombstone, I shared with him the story of Gray—how he had come into my life and changed it forever. Gray's blush only deepened as I told Austin how awesome he was.

Lost in our moment, I noticed someone observing us from a distance. Turning, I saw Katherine standing beside Juan.

As my gaze locked with the leader of the Haven Brook bear clan, Juan gave me a curt nod before turning away.

Katherine had assured me over the phone that Gray and I being here wouldn't be a problem.

Apparently, their clan had better relations with the Blue Vale Valley wolves now that Amelia was in charge.

Amelia had initiated some discussions with the MC, most of it peaceful talks, but that I would leave to Venom's capable hands.

Katherine flashed me a smile before retreating as well. That smile told me I was welcome to come by and visit Austin again.