Page 68 of Daddy's Mail Order Mate

“But, Thorn, I… Did you really only reject me because of your parents and your pack? It was nothing to do with us? You wanted to be with me?”

His lips purse together and he goes stonily silent for a few beats before finding his voice again.

“It doesn’t matter why. All that matters is that I did. I was weak and cruel and—”

“Shhhh,” I cut in softly. It does thankfully manage to stop the self-destructive tirade he was starting to work himself into. “We’re not talking about that. I want to know why. So please answer my question. Did you only reject our mate bond because of them?”

There’s a long delay before he finally whispers in reply.

“Yes.”

I sigh out shakily and try to not reel from that firm confirmation of fact presented to me. Thorn needs me to take care of him right now and guide us through these emotions, just as he’s protected me from the dangers of the world.

“I’m… More afraid of a life without you than a life with you, Thorn. I’ve been able to reconnect with pieces of myself I thought I lost, or never had. And it’s not just the wolf. I’ve been able to be happy again, feellove, feel… Hope for the future. I’ve been so terrified of it, but what I want most now is a future with you and Rowan in it. I want to walk this path with you, even if it’s painful, because it will be worth it.Youare worth it. And so is he.”

Thorn stares at me with glassy eyes and all I want to do is embrace him and fall apart into my own tears. But I have to hold strong and keep myself together for the important crossroads ahead of us.

“If you want to be with me, say it right here, right now. No one else weighs into this decision. This is you deciding for yourself if you want me. Anything that might get in the way of that—the world, our history, anything—we can figure out together. That is, if you decide that you want me.”

I stare into his eyes with all the bravery I have in me, despite how much hurt and fear my heart holds.

“Declare us as fated mates and renew the bond properly, if that’s what you want. And if you don’t want to be mates, I will walk away right now. Or well, I’ll walk away when they let me out of this bed.”

I take a little pause to chuckle at my own dry joke—I just can’t let a good line pass me by. But after a moment of savoring my own wit, I continue.

“I’ll walk away from you, and Rowan, and this whole society. I can’t and frankly don’t want to be a wolf without you, and if you don’t give me that option, I’m going to just go live like I’m only human and figure out who I am without any of this holding me back anymore.”

With my heart on the line and in his hands, I have to sit and wait for him to make this decision. As much as my anxiety wants to rule me right now, I endure it. I’m tired of running from my emotions, and this will finally set me free either way. Either I’ll get to have a life with Thorn, or I’ll get to have a life without him. And no matter what, I’ll survive and find out how I get to be happy.

His mouth parts open, and I hold my breath in taut expectation. It takes him another second more to find his voice, but he does eventually speak in a hushed, gravelly tone.

“I want you, Gwen. I love you. I want to be mates. Bonded.Us.”

I sob out in relief and pull a bit on his arm. He knows exactly what I need from that alone and stands to come in and slip his arms around me. I clutch around his broad shoulders and cry into his jacket, and feel the last big waves of grief settle out intohope.

His hand cups my cheek and I turn towards his face, and the two of us meet for the softest, longest kiss we’ve ever shared.

Chapter 23 - Thorn

“How’s work?”

I glance up from my laptop to see Gwen leaning in towards me as she tops off my coffee. We’ve been home for most of the day now after we spent a few more days at Elm Wood getting things wrapped up and the house resecured. It’s been such a comfort to be back, particularly with our new dynamic in place. I’ve definitely had my work cut out for me with rooting out the little coup in the making. The most bothersome part at this point has honestly been the paperwork.

“Fine. How’s Rowan?”

“Doing well. I think he’s very happy to be home.”

“Good.”

She starts to step away, but I take hold of her wrist in a gentle capture. It’s not done out of desperation like I’ve had to before—I don’t have to chase what I already have. Gwen smiles softly as I stand and lean in and peck her on the cheek.

“Thank you.”

I hear her set the coffee pot down before she slinks both arms around me

“I can’t help but feel a bit grateful for that whole failed abduction business,” she remarks.

I look at her, boggling in confusion.

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