Page 22 of Hunting for Love

I squat down so we’re face to face. “I made some papers.”

“Papers?”

I nod. “I’ve given you and JJ new identities.” I stand back up, stepping over to my computer and pulling out the large envelope I was storing there. I hand it over to Zander and start explaining. “JJ needed a birth certificate so you’ll find that in there. Also a social security card. Don’t worry, I’ve done the same thing for Lily, it’s all perfectly done and the government are none the wiser. I’m very good at my job.”

I continue my pacing as Zander slowly opens the envelope, pulling the papers out. He’s completely silent as he does it and it makes me even more nervous.

“You’ll also find papers for yourself. You’ve got an ID in there, a driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card. I made up shit about birthdays and addresses and where you were born but if you want anything changed, all you have to do is tell me and I’ll get them remade.” I rub at my face. “And feel free to tell me this is going too far. I just wanted to make sure you’re both taken care of. This is your ticket out, just in case. I never want you to feel like you’re stuck. You and JJ can run again if you want but I wanna make sure you’re safe and have the things you need.”

Zander grabs my hand, forcing me to stop pacing. I turn towards him, waiting for his response. He swallows thickly. “Do you want us to leave?”

“No.” I shake my head, squatting down again. “I want you both to stay here. But I don’t want you to feel trapped. Right now I have all the power. But with these,” I say, closing his hand on the envelope, “you can take back some power, you can have some leverage. You could leave if you wanted.”

Zander lets go of my wrist and touches my cheek. I lean into the touch. “I want to stay,” he whispers. “I wantyou, Ronny. This is the greatest gift you could have given us.”

“I want to take care of you as best as I can. I want you to feel as powerful as I see you.” Zander leans forward and I meet him halfway, kissing his lips gently.

“Thank you,” Zander whispers against my lips. “I have to tell you something.”

“Anything, Zander. Are there other papers you need? I can also get you a credit card in your new name.”

Zander smiles wide and the brightness in his eyes steals my breath. Gods, he’s so beautiful. I can’t believe Lady Fate saw it fit to bring these two into my life.

“It’s not that,” he says, his voice colored with amusement. “You’ll have to make some more papers though.”

“Whatever you need.”

“We’ll need another birth certificate and social security card.”

I nod. “Did you want a different name? A different birthday?”

“No. It’s not for me, Ronny. It’s for,” his words trail off as he touches his stomach, his eyes looking down before meeting mine again.

I have a moment of confusion before it hits me full force in the chest. Oh.Oh!Carlos was right. Zander’s pregnant. Oh my gods, Zander ispregnant.

No words could describe the feelings I’m experiencing so instead, I reach forward and pull Zander into a slow, lingering kiss. I pour as much emotion into the kiss as I can, telling him how happy I am, how excited I am. I want him to know that I’m falling in love with him with every passing moment that we share. I will care for him and JJ and our baby. I’ll be the best mate I can possibly be.

“Zander,” I whisper, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Are you happy?” And it’s the uncertainty in his voice that pulls at my heart. I need this man to know my feelings.

“I’m so fucking happy,” I tell him, pulling back so I can rest my forehead against his. “I’m so happy that I’ve met you, I’m so happy that JJ is here with us, and I’m so fucking happy that we’re gonna have a baby together. I never imagined anything like this when I thought about my future. It’s so much more than I could have dreamed for myself.”

I kiss his face over and over until he’s giggling and pushing me away.

“And it’s all thanks to you, Zander. I’m so proud of you for running. You could have stayed day in and day out but you took a chance. You made it to me.”

Zander’s pretty green eyes fill with tears and he lunges forward, tucking his face against my chest. I wrap my arms around him, holding him tight.

“I didn’t even do it for me,” he confesses softly and somehow my heart softens even further. This selfish man who would do anything for his child.

I kiss the top of his head. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now. I’m so proud of Zander for everything he’s done, I’m falling more and more in love with him, I’m realizing the lengths I would go to protect JJ, and now I’m coming to terms with having a baby. Holy fucking shit. I cannot believe this is my life.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I say gently, “I want you to be happy here, Zander. And someday when you’re ready, I want you to bite me.”

“But you’re human,” Zander says, pulling away from my chest and looking up at me.

“I know,” I tell him with a smile. “But I remembered you said mating bites are about intentions. So I was reading some books that Cooper gave me and there’s nothing in there that says I have to have sharp teeth. It might hurt a little more than if I was a shifter but I should be able to bite you. Would you want that?”

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