Page 22 of Hunting for Acceptance

“Thank you,” Dorian says eventually, staring down at the urn for a long moment before letting out a sigh and standing up. He turns and looks at me and Cooper. “Will you two come with me?”

“Of course,” Cooper says right away as I nod my head. We stand up and follow Dorian towards the water. I slip out of my boots and socks before following him out into the water.

I shiver as the cold water laps at my feet but I ignore that, instead taking Dorian’s hand and giving it a supportive squeeze. Saying goodbye to the people you love is one of the hardest things you have to do in life, I understand that.

This is bringing up so many feelings that I worked so hard at pushing to the side. There’s a reason I work out day in and day out. There’s a reason I pride myself in being strong because once upon a time ago, I wasn’t strong enough to do what was necessary to save my family. Looking at Dorian and Cooper, I know without a doubt that I’ll never let that happen again.

As we stand in the water, Dorian begins to speak. “You would have loved her,” he murmurs, his voice just as beautiful as ever but tinted with sadness. “She had a way about her even without her natural siren characteristics that drew people in. People loved her. But gods,” he says, letting out an amused, sad chuckle, “she would havehatedyou both. She would have gone on and on about how you weren’t good enough for her big brother. She probably wouldn’t have stopped even knowing that we’re true mates until one of you put her in her place. She was all fire. She used to say I was the ice to her fire.”

I wrap my hand around his waist and he leans his head against my shoulder. “I would have let her tease us,” Cooper says softly. “But once she tried to say I didn’t love you, I would have absolutely stood up to her.”

Dorian’s body stiffens. He stands up straight, turning to look at Cooper. “You love me?”

“Oh, umm,” Cooper adjusts his glasses, looking away. Finally he just shrugs. “I thought it was obvious?”

“You can’t just--” Dorian lets out a huff before leaning down and kissing Cooper’s lips softly. When he pulls back, they’re both grinning. “I love you too. Just for the record, in case it wasn’t obvious.”

I watch on, feeling my heart brighten until I’m worried it might literally explode. I love them too. I love them both so much, but I keep my lips sealed, wanting them to enjoy their special moment.

“Are you ready?” I ask gently. Dorian nods, pulling the top from it.

“I love you, Dee. You will be missed, but I pray to Lady Fate that you’ll be able to find peace now.” He slowly dumps her ashes into the salty water and we watch as Dee is washed away, destined to find peace in her afterlife.

Once the urn is completely empty, Dorian turns and tucks his face against my throat. I wrap my arms around him and Cooper comes close, plastering himself against Dorian’s back so our mate is completely encompassed by us.

“Saying goodbye is the hardest part,” I say, swallowing thickly. “I love my family too. It was my fault and saying goodbye almost broke me.”

Dorian pulls back and looks at me with watery eyes. “I don’t believe you. There’s no way it was your fault.”

“It was,” I insist, “if I had been stronger--”

Cooper jumps in. “You were a teenager, Martin. You have to stop holding this over yourself.”

“This explains a lot,” Dorian whispers, more to himself than to me. “I’m inclined to trust Cooper on this one.”

“You don’t know the whole story.”

“Then tell me.”

I look out into the ocean, savoring the feeling of both of my mates holding me. “There was a fire. The house was slowly falling apart. I tried to go back in there and save them but I couldn’t. There was too much debris everywhere and I couldn’t lift them out of the way.”

Dorian touches my cheek gently and I look him in the eye. “If you were working a case and there was a teenager who did the same thing, what would you tell him?”

I frown. “Of course I would explain that it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t start the fire.”

Cooper smiles, shaking his head. “Then take your own words to heart, babe.”

I clear my throat. “Fine. I’ll work on letting this go if you work on doing the same. You have to stop beating yourself up for not having magic. That’s not your fault, Cooper.”

“What do you mean?” Dorian asks, looking between us.

“My parents are both sparks,” Cooper explains slowly. “But I don’t seem to have the magic in me like they do.”

Dorian’s brows wrinkle. “I wouldn’t be so sure. You smell magical to me.”

“I’ve never been able to summon an ounce of magic, even when I really, really needed it. I’ve kinda given up on the idea of using it at all.”

Dorian hums, looking at Cooper for a long moment. “I think Lady Fate will surprise you. Sometimes magic users just need a catalyst to unlock their magic. Like a familiar.”

---