Page 26 of Hunting for Acceptance

“You can take the first shift and then once you get tired you can wake me up?”

“Perfect,” he says, leaning over Dorian and kissing me. I lay down with Dorian and fall asleep quickly, knowing this is just the start to our story. We have so many beautiful milestones to look forward to ahead of us. I can’t wait to make each one special with my mates and now my daughter. Lady Fate might be onto something with her matching and timing.

EPILOGUE

DORIAN

Not that long ago Iwas walking into a bar like this, looking for my next target. The thought alone makes my stomach sink. Thankfully, a big hand in my own squeezes, keeping me in the present.

So much has changed since then.

I was so desperate to help my sister that I was willing to do whatever it took. I thought I was forced to face life all alone but instead, Lady Fate sent me some help.

Cooper follows behind Martin and I, carrying Lana in her baby carrier. The rest of the crew steps in after us. Thankfully, this little bar seems to be able to fit all of us along with all the other people here tonight.

“Would it be okay if we pushed a few tables together?” I ask the bartender, smiling when he says that’s fine.

We all work together to find a little corner we can fit everyone, squishing tables together and pulling over a few chairs. We order a couple pitchers of beer and some pizzas for us all to share.

“Are we, like, super sure this place is safe?” Carlos asks, looking around the bar.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know. Something feels off.”

Jeff tilts his head. “Seems fine. And there wasn’t any cases around here that Ronny could find. I think we’re all good.”

Carlos huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. He keeps his eyes on the door just in case.

“Before the end of the night I want at least half of you up on that stage,” I tell them all stubbornly. “It’s my birthday and I demand ashow.”

Martin chuckles, shaking his head beside me. “I’m not sure if I’ll get up there, but I promise to make it up to you later tonight.”

I squint at him before getting an idea. I lean over, whispering in his ear. “Are you going to let Cooper ride you while I watch?”

He pulls back, blushing slightly. “Is that what you want? It’syourbirthday, Dorian.”

“Yep! That’s what I want and I have a feeling Cooper will be on board.”

“On board for what?” Cooper asks, sliding into the seat beside me.

“Letting me watch you ride Martin.”

Zander groans, putting his hands over JJ’s ears dramatically. Carlos just shakes his head,stillwatching the door. I wonder what’s got him all worked up.

“I’ll sign up,” Jeff says, standing up with me. “Who else is with us?”

Zander drags Ronny up from his seat and the four of us head to the table by the stage, going through the giant binders they have and picking out which songs we’re going to pick for karaoke.

Just as I’m filling out my slip, someone new walks into the bar. I turn towards our group, my stomach fluttering as Carlos stands up, his eyes flashing with his shifter side for a moment before he can pull himself back into control. His hand wraps around the necklace he always wears.

“Oh my gods,” Jeff murmurs beside me. We all watch as Carlos slowly walks over towards the man who’s just stepped into the bar.

The man is shorter with blonde hair. He smiles wide looking at the group at the table. He starts to walk over towards them. Carlos goes to meet him and I put my hands over my mouth, watching as Lady Fate works her magic.

Just before they meet in the middle, Carlos stops, holding out his hand.

But then the most unexpected thing happens. The guy looks down at his hands where he’s holding something before ducking under Carlos’ arms and heading over to the table where everyone is sitting. Carlos looks hurt as he spins around, watching with his mouth wide open in shock. If I didn’t know any better I would say Carlos thought he was meeting his true mate, but this kid wouldn’t have just rejected Carlos like that, right?

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