Page 120 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

When we finally pull back, breathless and smiling, the clearing erupts in cheers and applause. Lily’s high-pitched shriek of “She said yes!” cuts through the noise, followed by Sumi’s excited barking.

Tomas stands, pulling me up with him, his hand lingering on my waist. The music from the barn kicks back in, louder now, filling the air with a familiar tune.

“Come on, Trouble,” Tomas says, his voice low and teasing. “Let’s take this celebration inside.”

The barn is already alive with movement. Fairy lights strung across the rafters cast a soft golden glow over everything. Ben spins Sue around in an exaggerated waltz while Colt attempts to teach Arcadia a two-step. The twins clap wildly, hopping in place.

Tomas doesn’t let go of me, guiding me onto the makeshift dance floor as the song shifts to something slower. He pulls me close, one hand resting lightly on the small of my back, the other still wrapped around my fingers.

“You okay?” he murmurs, his forehead brushing mine.

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’m perfect.”

For a moment, it’s just us, swaying in the warm light. He doesn’t let go—not until Ben claps him on the shoulder with a grin. “You’ve had your moment, Alpha. Now let the rest of us spoil her a little.”

Ben holds out a hand, and I laugh, letting him spin me out onto the makeshift dance floor where a few others have already started swaying to the music.

“Congratulations,” he says softly, guiding me into an easy rhythm.

“Thank you,” I reply, studying his face. There’s no shadow, no hint of jealousy—just warmth and quiet happiness. “Are you okay?”

He smirks. “More than okay. He’s a good one, baby. You deserve this.”

I nod, letting his words settle deep. He twirls me again before passing me back to Tomas with a lingering kiss.

From across the barn, I see Sue laughing as Colt finally convinces her to try the two-step. Daddy steps in to dance with Cady, his big hands steady as he guides her into a simple rhythm. Then they spin in wide circles with the twins, their laughter ringing out like tiny bells. Later, Daddy leans against the barn door, arms crossed, watching them with a soft, fond expression I’ve rarely seen.

By the time Tomas reclaims me for one last dance, the sun has dipped low, casting long golden beams through the open barn doors. He holds me close, his forehead resting against mine as we sway to the fading music.

“I love you,” he murmurs, his voice soft and steady.

“I love you, too,” I whisper back, the weight of the day settling over me like a warm blanket.

Grayson’s bond stirs in my chest, his presence blooming into my awareness. A curious ping flutters through the connection, quickly followed by something deeper—something heavy with reflected joy. Xavier’s energy brushes against mine, warm and steady, a silent affirmation of their presence.

For the first time in a long time, everything feels perfect.

Chapter Fourty Four

Dope

— Grayson —

Darkness dissolves into dim light as I wake, the familiar disorientation of the transition tugging at me. Before I can fully shake it, I’m greeted by a face—Xavier’s, mere inches from mine, their green eyes gleaming with amusement beneath a fan of coal-dark lashes.

“Finally!” they say, drawing the word out like it’s a long-standing grievance.

“Finally?” My voice is dry, groggy. I arch a brow. In one smooth motion, I flip us over, pinning them beneath me. Their black hair spills across the pillow, bronze skin warm under my touch. My lips find the curve of their neck, and I let my fangs graze their skin, drawing a sharp intake of breath. “Finally what?”

Their heartbeat picks up, their scent shifting—headier, sweeter. “Honestly, I can’t remember.”

“Good. Let’s see if we can prolong this temporary amnesia.”

“Wait, wait, no. We need to get over to Colt’s. Dominga is engaged, and I haven’t seen the ring yet.”

“I’m sure she’ll tell us all about it,” I murmur, trailing kisses along their neck. “Just give me fifteen minutes. I need to hear you moan my name once or twice before we go.”

“No, we need—” They gasp as my hand slides under their t-shirt, fingers ghosting up their side. Gods, it’s good to feel muscle and flesh again. They were so bony in Elba, worn thin.

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