Page 25 of Hunting for Love

Martin crosses his arms over his chest. “Looks like I’m outvoted anyway,” he says with a heavy sigh. “I realize I’m not the brains of this operation but something about this one feels urgent. I feel like this is where we’re supposed to be.”

Cooper comes over to join us by the fire, looking just as exhausted as Martin. “If I have to hear you say that phrase one more time,” he says tiredly.

“What?” Martin asks, his brows drawn low. “It’s the truth. You’re obviously the brain.”

“You’re super smart,” Cooper says and I can tell this isn’t the first time he’s said this. I can’t stop myself from smirking. “Just because you’re also built like a brick wall doesn’t mean you’re stupid. You’ve gotta stop thinking like that.”

“Whatever,” Martin grits out through clenched teeth. “These guys want us to take a week off. It feels wrong.”

I look over at Cooper, watching conflicted emotions flash behind his glasses. “I get what you meant before. This onefeelsdifferent,” he says, touching the center of his chest.

My eyes meet Carlos’ and we share a look. There’s something going on here, something that their instincts are clearly reaching for. Will they allow themselves to follow those instincts or will they try to push them away? Being hunters, maybe they won’t be like most humans, maybe they’ll know to channel those feelings and let them lead them.

“One week,” Martin finally says, the fight going out of him. “One week. And I refuse to do it completely unplugged. I want Ronny monitoring things and informing us if anything changes. But otherwise, we won’t be jumping from bar to bar and chasing every tiny lead we get. One week and then we all jump in. Deal?”

“What’s the deal?” We look up, finding Axel and Jeff standing there. “I’m just kidding. I heard the whole conversation.” Jeff points at his ear and smiles. “One of the perks of being a vampire.”

“Is Lily sleeping?”

Axel holds up a baby monitor and nods. “She was really fighting it today, but I finally talked her into napping.”

“What I’m hearing is that you guys don’t even need me anymore,” Jeff says with a giant pout that turns into a grunt when Axel elbows him in the stomach. “I’m kidding. But seriously, I think taking a little break would do you both some good. We’ll hit the ground running next week.”

I’m sure the conversation is over but Jeff is clearing his throat. “And I just want to add that I’m sorry.”

“What?”

Jeff rubs the back of his neck. “Ever since I was turned, I worry I’m not here for you all the way you need. And before you argue, don’t. I know I’ve been taking a backseat lately, trying to find my legs. I’ve got Axel and Lily now but that doesn’t stop me from also being your leader. I want the best for you all and the best for this team. I want to keep this world in order because now I have a daughter growing up in it. That gives me extra motivation. So from now on, I’ll be a bit more hands on and if I need to step back because of family time, I’ll communicate that better. Okay?”

There’s nothing to really fight about so everyone here nods and gives noises of agreement. With that, Jeff nods his head and sits down.

“Also, I ordered pizza. A local place said they would deliver here at the campgrounds and I figured we could all use a treat.” Beside me, Carlos’ stomach growls.

Eventually, JJ and Ronny get back from their walk. JJ runs over to me, carrying a handful of random flowers they’ve collected while out on their walk. My heart warms as my son tells me all about the animals they saw and the things they’ve collected.

My eyes jump up to Ronny’s, finding his dark eyes already on me. He’s so soft with us, making sure we’re cared for and loved. Loved. He loves us.

I love him.

I’ve known for awhile but with everything changing so fast, I was afraid to admit it out loud. Ronny ishumanafter all. Shifters fall for their true mates supernaturally fast. Almost instantly. But humans prefer more of a slow burn as far as I know and I was scared of frightening him away with yet another shifterthing.

But in this moment, with his soft eyes on me, I know without a doubt that Ronny loves me. And I love him. There’s no more reason to hold myself back.

So I don’t.

Leaning over, I give Ronny a soft, lingering kiss. When I pull back, there’s a little smile playing at his lips, his scent lemony and bright. I finally admit to myself that I want Ronny to be my mate in every sense of the word. I want him to leave a bite in my skin that declares me as his. I want to be claimed just as much as I wish to claim him.

I look over at Jeff and Axel. “Would you mind if JJ stays over with you guys tonight?”

Axel looks at me, his brows rising in surprise when he sees the look I’m giving him. “Absolutely. I’m sure he’ll love helping me with Lily.”

“I get to sleep over with Lily?”

“You do,” I tell him with a wide smile. “Does that sound like fun?”

“Yes! I love Lily. And I love my baby sister,” JJ says, leaning down to kiss my stomach.

“We don’t know if they’re your brother or sister yet, JJ.”

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