Page 100 of Corbin
“I’m flattered,” she stammered. “If anyone wants me to, I’ll be happy to sing for all of you.”
Silence fell over the crowd.
The Guardian walked over and politely took her hand in his. “I, too, have heard your melodic voice and would love to hear it again. The greatest gift I ever receive is for any of my shifters to bond with a worthy mate. You and Corbin have proven yourselves more than worthy. I am honored to have you join our group. Jaz and Adrian have indicated they welcomed you to become a pack member.”
She nodded.
Corbin understood she had likely choked up at all the adulation, unable to speak. He said, “Thank you and everyone else who saved both of us. To have Eirene and Pixie with me and Ares is a gift we can never repay. I promise all of you in the pack that I’m going to work hard to help finish your cabins.”
“Me too,” Eirene chimed in. “I heard about what you’re doing. It so happens I have an album coming out soon, and that means I have disposable income I can put toward the projects.”
Corbin turned a shocked look at her. “I thought the album wasn’t ready?”
“That’s what I told Leszek. It’s been finished for a while.”
The men cheered.
All except Badger, who yelled, “Food and beer. Is that so hard to do?”
Jaz rolled her eyes at him, then asked Corbin and Eirene, “Will you two join us for dinner at five tonight?”
Corbin looked at Eirene, “I’m good if you are, but I want to take you for a bike ride through the country.”
Eirene nodded happily at Jaz and told Corbin, “I’d love it.”
He turned to Adrian and then shifted his gaze to the Guardian. “Will it be acceptable for me to leave the compound on occasion with her?”
“You have proven yourself trustworthy in many ways. You are free to come and go so long as you inform Jaz or Adrian first. That way, we will know when to become concerned if you fail to return when expected. As you’ve discovered, there are some unsavory individuals in SCIS. Bosse and his mate have already been told they may do the same.” Moving his gaze to the other shifters, he added, “Adrian is determined to take each of you with him to develop your skills in the human realm and prove you are ready to be independent as well. Work with him and you will benefit.”
Eirene drew the Guardian’s attention when she asked, “Will I be able to continue my work helping vulnerable female shifters?”
Corbin hadn’t thought to ask about that and worried at the Guardian’s answer.
“Yes. I’d like to introduce you to Scarlett, who is mated to one of our shifters. She’s been involved for a long time in locating vulnerable female shifters who need support and aid. She has quite a network and is very experienced. She is the reason we were able to locate the shifter who killed your father after taking the photo you supplied to a wide number of women in her local shelters. One of her ladies recognized the scent as the male shifter she had escaped. Scarlett would welcome someone like you on her team and said she’d like to discuss Nova with you. She seems to have knowledge of Nova and has questions about the woman.”
“I definitely want to meet her,” Eirene said, sounding surprised at this news. “I have zero ninja skills and would be happy to learn from Scarlett and help her save others. She might have some insight into finding Nova’s daughter. I also want to thank her for finding my father’s killer.”
In his meticulously polite way, the Guardian assured her, “I shall arrange the meeting. Thank you again for what you did to save Corbin. You and your wolf will always have the protection of our entire organization should you need it.”
Overwhelmed by the incredible community he and Eirene now belonged to, Corbin stayed quiet until a pause stretched. He asked the eagle shifter, “Is there anything else you want to talk to us about?”
“Not at this time.” He told Eirene, “I’ll look forward to hearing you sing after dinner.”
Corbin noted Adrian and Jaz’s surprised looks at learning their boss would stay for dinner. But they appeared to be pleasantly surprised. With plenty of time to catch up later, he turned to Eirene. “Ready to go for a ride, babe?”
“Absolutely. Do you still have a bike?”
“Yep. Adrian had a replacement for mine delivered here.” He took her hand to pull her away from everyone.
She called over her shoulder, “See you all tonight. Thank you, Adrian, Jaz, and Mr. Guardian.”
Corbin snorted at that. When he reached the bike parked inside the bunkhouse, he rolled it out and climbed on. “I’m taking us on a ride, then back to a private area on the far side of the lake on this property. I think it’s time we give Ares and Pixie a relaxing, long visit before we come back.
Ares said,Thank you. You are best human.
Corbin sent back,You’re welcome. You are my better half.
Eirene said, “Pixie is excited. She can’t stop talking about seeing Ares.”
