Page 20 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

You and me both. Wouldyoube separated from either me or Rael?

His dad chuckled. “Every time you say Doc, it reminds me of the Bugs Bunny cartoons you used to watch when you were little. I think of him as Nicholas. And while he’s not here at the moment, it’s his birthday in two days’ time, and it’s a big one. He’ll be sixty. Can we do something special for him?”

Dellan smiled. “I’ll get Mrs. Landon on the case. Not sure we have that many candles in the house, but we can always buy more.”

Dad tilted his head. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m wanted out on the patio.” He headed for the French doors.

Dellan frowned. “Where’s Brick?” He hadn’t seen him since they’d walked through the front door.

Horvan laughed. “Do you see Seth and Aric? Where do you think he is?”

Crank smiled. “You remember the first time the three of us—”

“Yes, I do,” Saul interjected. “And you can stop right there.”

Dellan glanced at Horvan.Remember our first time?He sent a flood of images into Horvan’s head.

Horvan let out a low growl.Will you stop that? We’ve been in the house five minutes, and already I wanna take you upstairs and—

Dellan almost choked as an image filled his mind—Rael, naked on their bed, lubing up his hole.

He grabbed Horvan’s hand and dragged him from the room. “See you all later,” he called out.

“Have fun storming the castle!” Crank hollered after them. Then Dellan caught his next words, spoken under his breath. “That’s the last we’ll see ofthemuntil tomorrow. Think Horvan can survive it?”

Dellan smiled to himself. He intended finding out exactly how far Horvan’s stamina would take him.

“I don’t know,” Saul murmured. “But what a way to go.”

“If we’re not down for dinner, start without us,” Dellan called out.

There were holes to be filled—and kisses to be shared.

Didn’t you know? Sex can be therapeutic too.

Dellan chuckled.I’m so lucky to have such a wise mate.

A mate who’s about to give you nine inches of therapy.

It wasn’t until they reached their bedroom door that Dellan had second thoughts.

I can’t just leave everyone to—

To what? Fend for themselves? They’re all adults, Horvan reminded him.

What H said. Besides….Rael’s voice grew soft.We can help you turn your mind off for a while, if you’ll let us.

Dellan sighed.That sounds perfect.

Time to close the bedroom door, shut out the world, and reconnect with his mates. It wouldn’t diminish the worries and cares that awaited them, but it would remind him how far he’d come.

From a caged tiger, unable to shift, to a man with two mates who would go to the ends of the earth for him if he asked them to.

Then he realized they’d go without being asked.

That was love.

Chapter Six

---