Page 23 of The Devil on my Chest

“Who’s that?”

“Our very own Deputy Joe.” Mal smiled as he glanced at the screen. “He’s waiting at the airport for us, and he said he can see the plane.”

“Joe’s picking us up?” Rocky was surprised at that. “I thought Ra or Simon…”

“They’re finishing off the preparations for our welcome home party,” Mal said, his smile widening. “It’s being held at Cam’s bar. Everyone who wants to attend is invited – a celebration of our mating. Why do you think I made you wear your nice shirt?”

“Shit. Really? A party for us after all I did. Oh, my gods.” Rocky quickly swiped at his eyes. “Don’t let anyone see me cry, Mal. Absolutely do not let that happen. That could ruin a guy’s reputation.”

“As if, you doofus. As if.” Mal’s kiss was quick against Rocky’s facial hair, but before Rocky could respond, Mal was sitting back upright in his seat. “Put your seatbelt on,” he said with a grin. “It’s time to land.”

/~/~/~/~/

Cam’s was packed. There were people spilling out into the street. Rocky wandered through the crowds, keeping a close hold on Mal for sanity’s sake, nodding and smiling, but inside he was stunned.

Deputy Joe had been waiting in his cruiser at the airport, Doc was with him. Deputy Joe broke into a run and hugged Rockythe moment he set foot on the tarmac. Hugged. Him. “You had us all so worried, boss,” Joe said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Doc stepped forward and waved a cupcake under his nose and when Rocky scrunched his nose up at it, he dropped it in Joe’s hand and then he hugged Rocky, too.What is going on with these people?Doc had never hugged anyone to Rocky’s knowledge, except his own mate and kids.

They’re being nice,Mal had sent back as he was engulfed in hugs as well.

“Congratulations for you both,” Joe said. “But we can’t linger here. I’m under strict instructions to get you two back to town.”

After collecting their bags, they all piled into the cruiser. Mal asked Joe about what had been going on in town while they’d been gone and conversation flowed easily. But Rocky didn’t feel as if he had much to say –have we only been gone a week?Rocky felt as though he’d been living in a fog for years.

Driving into town, that feeling persisted. It was as if everything was in focus for the first time. Just as he’d smelled Mal properly once they’d exchanged bites that first time, now it was as if Rocky could “see” more clearly as well.

“Did someone paint the shops and businesses while we were away?” He whispered to Mal. “Everywhere looks so bright and clean and homely. It’s really nice.”

“No painting required. You’re just seeing things as they truly are.” Mal patted his hand, and Rocky made sure to hang onto it.

Did the curse really rob me of so much?

It was the same when the car arrived at Cam’s bar. Yes, it was busy with so many people. There was a huge banner across the door proclaiming “Welcome Home Mal and Rocky.” But thefirst people Rocky saw were Ra and Simon, the rest of their original group behind them. Tumbling out of the car, almost face planting in his rush, Rocky wrapped his arms around Ra’s waist. “I never thanked you,” he whispered as Ra hugged him back hard enough to break his ribs. “If I did anything stupid, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ra said gruffly. “You’re family. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

And that seemed to be what everyone else thought, too. Hugs and well wishes followed Rocky and Mal into the bar. When Rocky caught sight of Cam with a protective arm over Fergus’s shoulder, he stopped in his tracks, suddenly scared. Cam looked intimidating on a good day.

But no. Rocky had to make things right. Flicking his hair over his shoulder, he strode over, standing directly in front of Fergus.

“I don’t remember that night, but please believe me, I am so very sorry. To you and Cam,” he added as Cam’s harsh expression softened. “I hope you both know I would never intentionally hurt you or anyone else in this town. If I had been in my right mind it would never have happened.”

“Oh, darlin’” - Fergus’s face lit up as he laughed - “thank you. But it takes more than a cursed wolf shifter to dull my shine. Between Brutus, my momma, and me, we’ve decided to expand our savory line. Make sure you call in some time real soon.”

“You’re looking a lot tidier than the last time I saw you.” Cam nodded. “Let me pour you some drinks and by the way, welcome home.”

“So, Fergus, how much longer is it until your little one’s due?” Mal said brightly as Rocky tried to hide his tears.People are being so nice to me.“It can’t be long now is it?”

In his head, Rocky heard Mal sayit’s like I told you, mate. These people love you. This is our home.All Rocky could do was nod, but then he spied someone else coming toward him.

Can you save me from Mrs. Hooper? She’s got two of her boys with her and there’s probably a wooden spoon in her handbag.

That one’s all yours, babe.Mal was laughing through their bond.You’re the sheriff in this town. You can deal with it.

Chapter Fifteen

A month later and in a lot of ways it was as if Rocky and Mal’s excursion to New York hadn’t happened. Rocky and Mal still went to work five days a week. Rocky still dozed in his office when it was time to complete reports that Mal did for him. At night they often stopped in for a drink at Cam’s before heading home.

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