Page 95 of Honorable Convictions
“How exactly did you go so long without snuggles?”
“Now you know why I was always in such a bad mood.”
“I’m going to make sure you get all the snuggles you need.”
Mitchell kissed his nose. “You already do.”
“I want you to know I’m glad it’s you. You and me. The two of us. Forever.”
“There could never be anybody at my side but you.”
“I wasn’t sure I was brave enough to handle this.”
“We’re a team and together, we can do anything,” Mitchell assured him, stealing another sweet kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Chapter 43
Despite their wonderful weekend, Mitchell’s mate was nervous about the reaction they were about to get as they walked into work together. With permission to ignore his phone, Mitchell had turned it off to enjoy being Pierson’s partner. When he’d checked his device that morning, it was full of texts and voice mails, but he’d only dealt with the ones related to current cases. His friends were going to have plenty to say, but he’d punch anyone who was negative about Pierson. Hopefully, they’d adjust swiftly, and the Juris Knights would be brought together in a more profound way.
With their hands locked, Mitchell and Pierson headed for headquarters. “You can relax, Blondie.”
“I hope everyone is okay with our new titles and us being in charge of the JKs.”
“We’re perfect for it. You ready for this?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
Mitchell stole a quick kiss and pulled open the door to the Fallen Knights’ office. They were greeted by silence, which was odd given the normal level of noise that came along with so many people working in such a large space.
“Ladies and gentlemen, get your hands together for our Master Juris Knights. I know I’m looking forward to their ceremony this afternoon,” Conley called out.
The applause was started by Drystan and was soon raucous. With a smile for Pierson, he accepted a plate with a slice of cake on it. Mitchell was about to dive in and enjoy his treat, until Kyle jumped on his large desk, startling him.
“I’m so glad you guys finally stopped hiding. I almost exploded from having to keep it a secret,” Kyle shouted.
“You knew?” Pierson asked.
“You remember giving me your address? My computer totally showed Mitchell with the same one, and I know he’s lived there forever. It took my best acting skills not to say a word. I heard Mitchell was seeing someone, and I had to wonder if he was hate-fucking you.”
Mitchell shook his head. “I’ve never hate-fucked anyone.”
“Of course not, you’ve been mates with Pierson forever. Someone pass me some cake.”
The Reverent Knights left for Council session to secure the MJK title, Kyle scrambled back into his chair, and Mitchell shook countless hands as fallen knights congratulated him and Pierson. Few amongst them, however, were Juris Knights.
“Hey,” Roman said from his side. “Take your time at the party. I’m going to head to my desk. When you guys are ready, text me so I can give the JKs their assignments. Afterward, we’ll meet in the boardroom and get going on everything we need to plan.”
“Sure, we won’t be but a few minutes,” Mitchell promised. Although he wanted to start his new job, his instincts were telling him he needed to speak to the JKs that were already gathering around the round table they’d keep as part of their restructure.
“What’s wrong?” Pierson asked quietly the moment Roman was gone.
“Let’s go talk to our JKs.”
“Sure,” Pierson responded, and there was a flatness in his gaze. The snub of the Juris Knights hadn’t gone unnoticed, and Mitchell was sure his worry was burrowing in with teeth.
“Good morning,” Mitchell remarked once they got to the table, where JKs were settling in with their coffee and notes. There were a couple of grumbles of reply but mostly silence. Not even Peter or Noah, who Mitchell considered his closest friends, would meet his eyes. “What the hell is going on?”
