Page 53 of Free Beast Mate

“On vacation?”

“Christ.” John banged the back of his head against the metal. “Vice, I got Felicia, a boy, Amoris, and his mate in here. We’re coming out. Fuck off already.”

A pause, then, “Okay, John, come on out. Hold fire!”

We emerged on the shore. My bare feet dug into the sand, and I paused to wiggle them. Wind blew in my hair, sun bathed my skin, and it smelled of fresh seas and beasts. Male beasts everywhere.

I threw my head back and howled. Once done, I found Vice standing before me with his hands on his hips. His red eyes hadn’t paled, and he hadn’t assumed his battle form either, but the frown that marred his face looked familiar. I grinned wider. “I’m back, baby.”

Behind Vice, the beasts started stomping. I matched their pace, hitting my foot on the sand. Vice did the same, a grin finally splitting his face. I hadn’t felt this happy since the first day I’d scented my mate. My heart filled with joy. I was outside. I was free. “Lers!” Vice shouted. The crowds parted and good ol’ Lers ran to me. He still sported the evil-villain mustache. Nothing had changed. Lers extended his hands. “Welcome back, boy.” He choked up as I handed him Emma.

“Don’t get all teary-eyed on me,” I told him. “And take care with my mate.”

I watched him disappear inside. I’d visit her in med bay. Lers hated being disturbed while working, and I wasn’t gonna bug him when he worked on my mate. She’d get better faster, and I’d mate her soon. “Well,” I said to Vice, “aren’t you gonna give me a hug?”

The beasts parted, and Jamie marched down the path. My breath caught. He looked just like our father, only bigger. Long white hair, silver eyes, and arms the size of tree trunks. Silence took over the crowds. I felt like the whole city stopped. Perhaps it did. And I certainly ceased breathing as Jamie ran and threw his big body at me. Air whooshed out of my lungs as I stumbled back but caught myself from falling. I wrapped my arms around him. We stayed like that for a while, me inhaling the scent of the abundant strength coiled inside him.

“I love you,” he said. “I hadn’t had a chance to tell you that.”

Surprised, I smiled. So maybe some things had changed.

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