Page 91 of Cam's Treasure

"Uh..." Cam trailed off. He'd told me about his struggle with the realization that he was going to be a big brother, and I had a feeling he wasn't even ready to entertain the idea of himself as a dad. Not that he needed to. He was still so very young, and he had all the time in the world.

"All right, we'll leave you to it, then. Text me if you need anything, any of you. Kai, I'm glad you have your coat back."

"Thank you for your help," Kai said with a smile that Raiden returned as he stood up.

I waited until they were at the door to join them and ask them about staying with them when my cycle restarted. They didn't hesitate before saying yes, even though there was a possibility they'd have their own kids to deal with by then. They really were amazing people.

I'd asked Raiden before if he'd met any other phoenix, and he'd told me stories of the few he'd met, promising to tell me everything he knew about my kind whenever I wanted. He'd also theorized that the reason I hatched alone could be that my mother reached the end of her cycle at just the wrong moment,and she must've left in her confused or childlike state if she didn't have a support system either.

We'd had that conversation right before Kai had shown up, so I hadn't had a chance to think much about it or take Raiden up on his offer, but we had all the time in the world for that, and I was content to leave it at that for now. I'd lived a long life without knowing much about where I came from, and my present and future were much more important to me than a past I could never change.

Once the dads had left, taking a reluctant Miles and Mateo with them, I returned to the living room to find my mates still on the couch, Kai and Micah leaning against Cam.

"I...I wanted to talk to all of you about something," Kai said as I joined them, and I froze before settling on the couch. What did Kai want to say? Now that he had his coat, had he changed his mind about us?

That couldn't be right. I could feel our bonds getting stronger. There was no way he'd want to leave now. Not when he could feel them too. Right?

Kai

Three sets of eyes watched me expectantly, and I realized I should've just said it instead of making a big deal.

I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn't come, so I switched to the mental link, the fact that I was a part of it still sending a spark of happiness through me.

As I'd swum around the pond earlier, I'd realized something; I wanted to be all-in with my mates. They'd proven to me that they would do anything for me, including risk their lives.

I want to be with you. In every sense, I said, holding my breath as I waited for their reaction.

Unsurprisingly, Cam was the first to react. He took my hand in his, his green eyes sparkling as he watched me.

"Are you sure? We don't mind taking it slow," Micah said a second later, and Cam grunted.

"Speak for yourself. I'm done waiting."

"Cam!" Micah exclaimed, making him roll his eyes, though no one could mistake the fondness of the gesture.

"Fine, fine. Are you sure, Kai?"

I nodded quickly, then forced myself to say the words so there was no doubt. "I'm sure. I want this. I want you."

Cam grinned, and Ember made a happy, rumbling sound that made me think of a bear shifter.

Shooting to his feet, Cam tugged at my hand, pulling me after him. "Come on. Let's go upstairs."

He patted Jodi on the head as we went, and she gave a soft woof before clambering onto the just-vacated couch.

Nerves and excitement skittered around my insides as we went up the stairs. The chaste kisses they'd given me before bed the last few days were the extent of our intimacy, but I wanted more. I wanted everything with them now that I didn't have to worry about my coat.

Ever since the day I met them, they'd been nothing but kind and good to me, and even when I hadn't been sure if I could truly trust them, they'd wriggled their way into my heart.

I didn't think I could live without Cam's mischief, Micah's concern, or Ember's care now, and I didn't even want to try.

While I'd slept here the last few nights, I still felt strange stepping into the master bedroom, like I never wanted to leave.

"If you're up for it, we can move your stuff here later," Cam said as if he could read my mind too.

"I'd like that."

With a grin, Cam settled on the edge of the bed, then pulled me close, spreading his legs so I stood between them.

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