Page 71 of Spies without a Face
Marius scowled at me but then broke under Austin’s withering glare and turned away.
“Take him away, please,” I directed the gargoyles. “I don’t want him in here one minute longer.”
After the gargoyles hauled Marius out of there, Lucas raised both fists and exclaimed with victory.
“Mates? I can’t believe it.” He cocked his head. “Well, I can because Austin told me—but Pandora…” He gave me a questioning look. “Never mind, I’m not going to pry and ask what or how, I’m just going to be happy for you both.”
“Good call.” Zoe laughed. Then she turned to me.
Cassandra and Nova joined in as they congratulated us. A happy glow filled me, but I knew I had a lot of explaining to do, especially with Austin.
“I apologize that it all went down this way. I should’ve handled this better. I should’ve told everyone what was going on.” I turned to Austin. “Especially you. I’m sorry.”
I wrung my hands as I explained what happened with Marius tonight. “Luckily, Austin knocked him out with a solid punch, and I was then able to restrain him.”
Austin took my hand and squeezed it. “You were amazing tonight. I’d never seen anyone as impressive.” He turned to the others. “You should have seen her wield a wand.”
“I’ve seen it,” Cassandra said with a chuckle. “It’s amazing.” She then tipped her chin down. “That must have been quite the fight.”
Austin’s support even after I’d kept things from him meant a lot. I almost lost him tonight. Great cauldrons of fire, I almost lostme—or at least my free will.“Fortunately, I had a bear shifter on my side.” I turned and glanced at Austin with admiration. “How did you know I was in trouble, anyway?”
He ran his hand over the back of his neck. “Now that’s a story that involves some curious cats.”
“Cats?” Lucas perked up. “Say what?”
“Pandora’s cat made quite a ruckus to get my attention, and Tuxy joined in. When I went to see what was going on, the tortie pulled the curtain aside long enough that I saw Pandora was restrained and in trouble.”
I knew that Desi had moved the curtain but had no idea that the three cats were what got Austin’s attention. “They’re going to get some extra treats and affection tonight.”
“Where are those courageous kitties?” Lucas said. “I need to congratulate them on a job well done.”
“They’re probably hiding or resting after all the excitement,” I said.
We refocused on finding the cats and then praised them with said promised treats.
After everyone left, it was just Austin and me. “Now you know the whole story. Are you sure you still want me as your mate?” I’d asked it half-jokingly, but a twinge of fear rose since I’d almost blown things with him.
Austin’s expression turned determined. “Without question.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’ve been uncertain about many things in my life, Pandora, but one thing is vividly clear to me—that I want to be with you.”
“Oh, Austin.” I place my hand in my heart, trying to rein in all the wild emotions that had risen over the night. I’d had to be strong for so long with my responsibilities at the Network and protecting Salem. Just being near him seemed to take off some of the burden off my shoulders. Like I could relax because someone had my back—a burly, protective bear shifter who looked at me like I was the only woman for him. I almost blew it tonight but wasn’t going to make that mistake once more. I smiled at him. “I’m so lucky you moved in next door and asked me to conspire in concealing your cat.”
AUSTIN
Alone with Pandora in her living room with her safe, I relaxed with ease. I grinned at her. “I need to thank Tuxy for bringing us together.”
She not only wanted me back but agreed to be my mate. My bear was just as euphoric as I was.
“Why don’t you bring him over here? He was part of the teamwork tonight and deserves to celebrate.”
“Be right back.” I kissed Pandora and hurried next door. After I dashed up the stairs, I picked up Tuxy. “Good news, buddy. We’re not leaving Salem after all.” I wasn’t exactly sure what we were doing but was glad that I wouldn’t be leaving Pandora.
Once we returned, Pandora’s three cats and Tuxy eyed each other with wariness. One of them hissed at him.
Pandora said, “They’ll need time to get used to each other.”
I arched a brow. “Are you saying Tuxy can come to visit?”
Her beautiful lips twitched into a smile. “Tuxy can come and stay here for as long as he wants. We can say it’s his permanent home. That way you won’t have any issues with your landlord.”
