Page 25 of Fearless as an Eagle

Thepastthreedaysshowing Mia what she’s been missing without us have been the best of my life. When the snow finally stopped, the roads were so bad there was no getting out. But this morning a knock on the door woke us up. The sheriff came to let Mia know the roads were clear. I honestly wasn’t expecting anyone to clear the service road for the National Forest. I figured we’d be helping Mia do that. But I guess our girl has friends in high places that look out for her. That’s good to know.

We’ve gotten to know a lot about our mate these past few days. And I for one, am sad for this time to end. But real life is calling. Bennett has clients he has to see, Riley has a store he needs to check in on, and I have plans to draw up. Big plans that require my immediate attention. Because this living situation just will not work for me. I can’t stand the thought of leaving her here while we go back to the city. A sentiment I apparently share with my friends.

“So, what now?” Bennett breaks the silence that’s fallen over us since the sheriff left. “We can’t just stay here forever. We have lives to get back to. But you live and work here. How’s that gonna work?”

“You’re coming with us, right, Mia? We all live together already, we can just move you in,” Riley says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

For him it probably is, but it’d be a big change for Mia. Even bigger than letting us in… Letting us stay. She’s used to living alone. I can’t imagine how different it’ll be for her to be constantly surrounded by us. Not just for a few days that seem like a vacation. Then she’d have to drive out to the forest every day for work.

“Are you asking me to move in with you? Don’t you think it’s a little quick?” she asks.

“You don’t have to decide-” I start to say before she starts laughing.

“I was joking, dummy. Of course, I want to live with you. You’re my mates, you idiots. I don’t want to go a day without you. If you tried to leave me here, I’d just follow you. Then I’d tell Alex you were mean to me and he’d have to hurt you,” she says with a sigh.

“You’re a little shit, ya know that?” Riley mock glares at her.

“Of course I do. Maybe you should have figured that out before you tied yourself to me for the rest of your life,” she chirps with a shrug.

“I don’t think you would have let me mate you any faster than I did, baby girl. So, we’ll just be glad I’m learning that after the fact.” He winks, making her laugh.

I’ve heard her laugh so much in the past few days and every time it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Well, then, pack your bags, baby! We’re going home!” I announce.

Two hours later, Bennett pulls into our driveway.

“Wow. This is where y’all live? Not too shabby for three bachelors,” Mia says from the front seat as Bennett parks the Jeep.

“It took forever to find a place we’d all agree on. Mason’s an architect so he was the pickiest. But he knows his shit, so we just went along with him,” Riley tells her.

“All that time we spent cooped up in my cabin and I never thought to ask you what you did for a living,” she grumbles with a shake of her head.

I chuckle as I get out and open her door. “That’s okay. You have the rest of my life to learn everything there is to know about me.” I smile down at her and take her hand, leading her to the front door.

“Still. That’s probably something I should know. You know what I do. And I know all about Riley’s shop. What do you do, Bennett?” She turns to look for him only to find him right behind her.

“I’m an athletic trainer. I grew up loving sports. Played football through high school and college. Would have gone pro, but I tore my ACL. Now I help other athletes heal from their injuries,” he tells her.

“I’m so sorry. That must be tough, helping them and watching them go back to the sport they love.”

“It used to be. But it doesn’t really bother me anymore. If I wouldn’t have gotten hurt, I wouldn’t be here today. I might have been a huge football star, but I wouldn’t have found you. Trust me, I’m more than happy with the way my life’s turned out.” He presses a kiss to her forehead and then guides her inside after I open the door.

“Care for a tour, love?” I offer as Mia walks in the house, looking around, taking everything in.

“I’d love one!” Her face lights up at the prospect and I chuckle as I take her hand and lead her through the foyer.

Our first stop is the living room. It’s the most used room and we spared no expense in outfitting it with the comfiest couches and a huge, flat screen TV. There are matching dark wood side tables and a coffee table. The room screams masculine, with dark woodtones everywhere, from the paint to the rug, to the couch. It looks very much like a man cave.

“Did you decorate yourself?” Mia asks with a chuckle.

“We can change anything you don’t like. We want you to be comfortable here,” I tell her.

“I was just joking, Mase. I love it. It reminds me of the woods… just more comfy.” She laughs and we all join her.

Next on our tour, I show her the state of the art kitchen with mahogany cabinets and tan and black speckled granite counters. The appliances are all stainless steel and there’s a deep double sink with a window looking out into the back yard.

“Wow. That’s some kitchen.” She looks around with wide eyes and I’m afraid it’s overwhelming her. It is a lot bigger than what she’s used to. Does she hate it? “I guess I didn’t realize you like to cook so much,” she murmurs as she inspects the kitchen.

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