Page 58 of Coming Home

“I want samples of that shit to test in our labs,” Patrick said.

“That’s an easy one,” I assured him.

Shelby was clinging to my arm and I knew that after this she and I needed to sit down and have a serious talk about a lot of things, and then I as going to claim my mate and prepare for our new life together.

Shelby

Chapter 19

It was good to be back home. After Patrick and Elise left, we went to visit with Ben’s parents some more. A plan was in place for the twins so that Marnie and Don could recover in peace without stressing about the boys. I really didn’t mind pitching in. I knew with Ben leaving soon, it would help me feel connected to him while he was gone.

I knew we needed to have some serious discussions, but I didn’t now how to even begin to approach that. And the possible outcome of those discussions still scared me.

The twins had asked Ben to take them bowling and I had declined the offer to tag along. They needed time with their brother, and I needed to clear my head.

As soon as they dropped me off at the house, I jumped into my car and headed for Peyton’s. I knew she only had a few hours at most and might already be heading to work to prep her station for the night.

I pulled up and hopped out. I was a little nervous walking to the door. I knew Ben was not one of Peyton’s most favorite people in the world, but she was the one I confided in the most. I knocked on the door and waited.

Peyton answered and smiled. She opened her arms and I walked into them, accepting the hug she offered.

“I called it!” Peyton yelled towards the back of the house. Suddenly I was surrounded by each of my sisters.

“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.

“We knew you were coming back from your little family trip with the Shays and would need to talk about it. Austin’s covering my shift at the diner and we have food and alcohol waiting,” Peyton said.

I was a little put off because I did not want to discuss Ben with every single one of my sisters, but I was also overwhelmed by the care and love they each showed.

I filled my plate full in the kitchen and joined them in the back playroom. The babies were playing nicely in the corner.

“Where’s Oscar?” I asked, knowing he and the twins had become fast friends and not wanting him to overhear us.

“Ben picked him up about fifteen minutes before you arrived to go bowling with the boys. You just missed them,” Maddie said.

I had taken a few extra minutes on my drive over to swing by the cemetery and visit Annabelle. I took a deep breath, realizing there were a lot of things I needed to clear the air of tonight.

“So, no mark. Guess I lost that bet,” Lily pouted.

“No mark,” I confirmed.

“What’s he waiting for?” Peyton grumbled.

“I don’t really know, to be honest,” I said.

“But everything is okay with you guys, right?” Clara asked, sounding concerned.

“Everything’s great really,” I said.

“So what’s the problem?” Lizzy asked.

I shrugged. “Why hasn’t he claimed me already? He says he’s planning to before he leaves, but why wait?”

“Girl, you two have been through a lot together. I’m sure he’s going to seal the deal. Just be patient,” Ruby said.

“Says the girl who barely knew her mate’s name when he claimed her,” I grumbled, making the others laugh.

“You guys have a lot of history, Shelbs. Have you even gotten over being angry at him for leaving?” Peyton pressed.

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