“I hope so Stace.I couldn’t stand it if anything were to happen to them.Or to you.”Gage sighed, squeezing her hand.
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He watched the twocouples leave the restaurant.Oh, how he would love to take Gage’s parents along with his woman, but that wasn’t part of the plan.No, he would continue to be patient.Soon.Yes, soon all of their plans would come to fruition, and they would have their revenge.Slipping his sunglasses back on, he pulled away from the curb and out into the Sunday traffic of Austin.
Chapter 14
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Leading into Thanksgiving, Gage and Stacey were both pleased, yet nervous.For the last week, since the explosion at Gage’s house, the two had been more hyper aware.It was something Stacey found she was not sure if she liked it or not.She was a bit envious of Gage.This was something that appeared to be second nature to him.Hell, it seemed second nature to all of Alpha team.Then there was the fact that Celeste and Lewis were still in Austin and that the asshat targeting her and Gage had been silent.
“Stacey, honey what’s wrong?”Celeste asked.
Stacey mentally cursed wiping her hands on the dishtowel draped over her shoulder.Looking up, she saw that the older woman was watching her closely.It was a look that Stacey recognized.Her own mother would give her that look when she knew something was bothering Stacey.Over the last week, Stacey had also realized that Celeste Carson was like her own mom; not much got past her.
“Celeste, I’ve been feeling...different.Since Gage voiced that he believes he’s the target, he, and I both have been hyper aware of everything around us.While Gage may be comfortable with that, I’m not sure how I feel about it.I mean, it’s second nature to him, but not to me.I’ve never really paid much attention to my surroundings unless I was in a match or walking through Times Square.Then there’s the fact, that he and I are both worried about you and Lewis.”Stacey admitted.
Celeste walked around the kitchen island where the two of them had been making pies for Thanksgiving dinner the next day at the Jamison house.Without a word, she pulled Stacey into her arms and hugged her tightly.
“Stacey, you listen to me.My son, his teammates, and my husband, are warriors.It’s in their blood.However, so are you.I sensed that when I met you in Gage’s hospital room.I see in you that same fire I see in Lewis, Gage, and his teammates.I understand that this feels uncomfortable to you, but I would wager that if you just gave into those instincts; you will find this new skin fits pretty good.”Celeste stated, releasing Stacey, and cupping her face.
“You think so?I mean, I wasn’t in the military like Gage, or my dad, or Lewis.How in the hell am I a warrior?”Stacey argued.
“That doesn’t matter.For example, look at Krista and Alora.They never served, but in their own ways they too are warriors.Wouldn’t you agree?”Celeste explained.
Stacey was silent a few moments, “Yeah, I guess they are.”
“There you go.Honey, men like Gage and his brothers will unknowingly attract women.Yet, they will only be happy and satisfied with a woman who in her own way is a warrior and can balance him.”Celeste smiled.
Stacey stood there stunned as Celeste patted her cheek and turned back to the pie crust she had been working on.Her mind was now running a million miles an hour.Was Celeste right?Was she and Gage in some way fated to be together?Nibbling her lower lip in thought, Stacey returned to her own pie crust.
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