Page 23 of Forever Mine

“How about family?”

“My family is the most important thing in my life. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.”

“I meant your family. You want a wife? Kids someday?”

I grinned, thinking of Maddie and Oscar. As far as I was concerned, I had already found my family and I couldn't wait to take them home. I was already working out the plans in my head to build us a home and I hoped to fill it with even more kids.

Jacob noticed the direction my eyes had taken, focused on Maddie, and he nodded and grinned. I didn't think he'd disapprove one bit. Before he got a chance to confirm that, Oscar came over, excited to announce it was our turn to dock. We were about to go ashore.

I had been on Alcatraz a few times before when visiting Steph and Mark. It was a neat place. I liked the history of it and the movieThe Rockwas awesome, but never had I quite experienced the place until I watched it through Oscar's face. I was mesmerized by his excitement and captivated by his interest. It was literally better than seeing it for the first time.

“Hey look, Liam. That's the tower where Nicolas Ca—”

“What?” I interrupted the boy. Turning to Maddie, I quirked an eyebrow. “You let him watch that movie?”

She just shrugged and smiled innocently. “It wasn't that bad and he was so infatuated with this place I had to give him something.”

“He's eight,” I insisted.

“Technically, I'm only seven.”

“Not helping,” Maddie half scolded with a laugh. “Seriously Liam, it was fine. He loved it.”

Oscar nodded enthusiastically and I suddenly realized just how difficult it was going to be to ever say no to the kid.

Alcatraz was a huge hit with him. Steph did a great job talking through the stories and engaging him. The others all seemed engrossed in the tour, too, but I just stood back and watched them all. Two humans were certainly an oddity to have for family, at least in our world, but I was grateful for all they had done for Maddie, and for Oscar. I knew we'd have to find some way to keep in touch and be a part of the family. Oscar and Maddie would need that as they transitioned to life in San Marco.

As the tour ended and we headed back to the boat, I was struck by just how beautiful my mate was. Madelyn had always been pretty. Even as little kids I had recognized that, but she had grown into a strong, quiet, sophistication that I loved.

I loved her, I thought. I paused a moment to let it fully sink it. I had never even had a serious relationship before, but somehow, I knew it was true. This wasn't just some stirred up mating hormones. I loved Madelyn Collier, Jane Winthrop, whatever she wished to be called. I loved her.

I was quiet, just watching them all on the way back to shore, content and happy with the life we had ahead of us.

Maddie

Chapter 10

Liam had been quiet much of the afternoon, but he looked happy. Oscar had been ecstatic and the entire trip was a huge hit with everyone. I knew I owed him big time for making my son's dream come true.

Earlier I had pulled Annie aside and asked her if she and Jacob could watch Oscar for the night so I could go out with Liam. I needed to thank him, but mostly we needed to talk. I had tried to explain some things yesterday; I told him I couldn't be his mate, but today felt different. Felt. That was really the biggest concern. I could feel him. I didn't think it should have started so quickly, but I somehow knew that even without a wolf of my own, our bond was forming and it had to stop.

I knew it was going to hurt like hell, but I'd been through worse. Hadn't I?

“Are you okay?” I asked him, seeing him jump a little like I had startled him. “You've just been really quiet this afternoon.”

He smiled up at me, the kind of smile that set my body on fire and made me sigh happily at the same time. No, no, no,I thought. It had to stop. He affected me too much and I cared too much for him to let it continue.

“I'm fine, just enjoying the views,” he said.

I gave him a puzzled look. “You've been staring at me, Liam, not the views.”

“Exactly,” he said, like that was the answer to everything, then he laughed.

“Annie and Jacob are taking Oscar for the rest of the day. Are you busy tonight? I really think we need to talk, without little ears around, and Jacob's convention starts tomorrow. Single moms don't exactly get breaks often,” I said apologetically, though I didn't know why. It was my life and he needed to understand that, too. I had a responsibility to my son above all else.

I felt a surge of happiness coming from him before he spoke. “Yeah, sure. I'm free anytime you need me to be.”

He was so sincere and open in ways I wasn't sure I had the courage or strength to be. Knowing how difficult tonight was going be, I felt nothing but sadness. I knew by the confused look on his face that he was able to feel my emotions, too.

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