Page 22 of Scar Bonds: The Scars That Bind Us

“I don’t think he will.” Cradling his mate close, Finlay said quietly, “What you did, what you said, the way you said it, and everything else, I’m so damn proud of you for standing up for yourself. But you also proved to Morgan that the only way he can get his own way with us will probably lose him his position as Alpha. And being Alpha of the Luna Pack was all Morgan’s wanted since he was eight years old.”

“Then he’s got what he wanted. It’s been four years since I first saw him, and it’s not like I’ve bumped into him since then… Not until you came barging into my space.”

“Meeting you was the only decent thing to come out of that event, and ironically, the only reason I was there as Morgan’s plus one, was because the man can’t get a date.”

“We both know why. You can send him a book on dating tips for Christmas.” Senan’s body was warm against Finlay’s side,and his cock twitched. “Hmm, when I’m curled up with you, the thought of working as many shifts as I’ve been used to does not appeal.”

“Great minds think alike.” Finlay trailed his hand over Senan’s shoulder. “I think I’ll get in touch with my boss and let him know I’ll only be available for local work. The jobs will be few and far between, but today, that panic I felt at not being able to get to you was very real. Not that I think you can’t look after yourself, because you clearly can, but…yeah. I suppose that sounds lame.”

“Sounds like a mate talking to me. But we might need a new house. We need somewhere for you to have a grill, and I don’t even have a back porch.”

Finlay had already decided to put his house on the market. Senan’s was smaller, but it was a lovely space, perfect for the two of them. “I’ll get in touch with your landlord tomorrow and see if he wants to sell. Then I can build us a porch for the grill.”

“Now that’s a sexy image.” Senan giggled against his chest. “You shirtless with tight jeans and a tool belt. Hmm. My favorite fictional fantasy. I do love a man who’s good with his hands.”

“Ooh, you’ll have to show me some of the books you’ve been reading.” Finlay pulled his mate so Senan was lying on his chest. “Did you want me to show you how good I am with my…hammer?”

“I can’t believe how well you say things like that with such a straight face.” Senan was still laughing when Finlay pulled him in for a kiss.

Epilogue

Three months later

“Jeffrey’s leg is still in a cast.” Gabby rolled half over in her chair, she was laughing so hard. “And the thing is, if you ask him how he did it, his story gets more and more elaborate every time. Betty told me in strictest confidence that he’d tripped over a rope at that Shibari thing. He was so busy eyeing up all the displays, he didn’t pay any attention to where he was going.”

Senan laughed with her. There were a few times he missed working, but Gabby made sure he didn’t lose his friendships just because he’d rather spend his time with his mate. Looking across their new porch, he caught Finlay’s eyes and winked. His mate looked very competent cooking meat on his new grill and chatting to Brennan and Alex. A couple of Finlay’s shifter friends had dropped in and were entertaining Fern and Aisha. The only one who hadn’t arrived was Wyatt, but he had an exam and would be dropping by later.

For Senan, life had become fun again. He wasn’t sure when it happened exactly, but with Finlay in his life, he found himself laughing more, more willing to go out, or even just lay around and enjoy his books – and his mate. He didn’t worry if his scar or fae self was showing. Finlay accepted him, and for Senan that was a confidence boost he didn’t realize he needed.

“So…how are things with you?” Gabby tapped his arm. “Is mated life all it’s cracked up to be?”

“Yes.” Senan nodded. “It’s…life changing in the most amazing way.”

“Here’s hoping it happens to me one day. Surely there’s a shifter out there somewhere who can handle all my awesomeness. Oh, my gods, did I tell you about that last date I went on? I thoughtthings were going so well over dinner, and then he started telling me about how his wife didn’t understand him. His wife! I got out of that restaurant like my ass was on fire. He’d never mentioned a wife when we were making plans to meet up. I tell you, there are times when I just want to give up… Oh, my gods. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” Senan got up and looked around as Gabby started screaming and flapping her arms around. His eyes widened as a new man went over to Finlay, embracing him warmly. A very familiar-looking man, although he was wearing more clothes than the last time Senan had seen him. “I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t know.”

Finlay must’ve said something as he and the new arrival came over. “Senan, a friend of mine was in town. I hope you don’t mind him dropping in. Maximus, this is my mate, Senan and his good friend, Gabby.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Senan.” Maximus Khan gave him a brief nod, but Senan could already see his attention was more focused on Gabby who was now burying her face in her shaking hands.

“I’m going to kill you. I’m going to stab you with my fingernails for this, Senan. How could you not tell me?”

“Excuse me, beautiful lady, are you all right?”

Gabby looked up, her red curls flying as she nodded. “Beautiful? You… You’re Maximus Khan. In my friend’s backyard – a friend who didn’t tell me you were coming. Maximus Khan!”

“And you, my lovely lady smell delicious.” Maximus’s voice got deeper, and Senan saw his eyes flash with his animal side. “You’re the mate I’ve waited for my whole life. We must get to know each other. Excuse us, Fin, Senan, nice barbecue.”

Before Gabby or Senan could say another word, Maximus picked Gabby up out of her chair and carried her bridal style around the side of the house. Senan just heard a faint, “I’ll call you tomorrow…” before the sound was drowned out by a car door slamming.

“So, he’s not one for conversation, is he?” Senan started to laugh. “Did you set him up to do that?”

“No, I wouldn’t do that.” Finlay quickly shook his head. “I just let him know we were having a small get-together, and it would be a good opportunity for him to meet you. If he says Gabby is his mate, then she definitely is. Shifters don’t joke about things like that.”

“Wow. Just wow.” Senan poked Finlay’s arm. “Your meat’s burning.”

“Damn it, Brennan, you were supposed to turn it over. Haven’t you seen a movie star before?” Finlay hurried over to his prized grill as Wyatt came around the side of the house.

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