Page 51 of Rust the Rejected
“Okay,now, a James Bond car! What will you shock me with next?” I ask as Rust leads me to something straight off the big screen in the posh action-packed movies.
“Oh, my fated mate, it only gets better. Just you wait.”
I slip inside as he holds the door open. It’s so low, I almost fall in! He reaches over and pulls the safety belt across me. Then places a kiss on my lips before he strides around the front and slides into the driver’s seat. I roll my eyes at how easily he made it.
We’re on our way to Moon Island. He’ll show me around our pack’s private island and take me to the plot for our new home. I’m so excited, I bounce on the luxurious leather seat. I turn my gaze out the window. People in other vehicles stare at the car—rather Bugatti La Voiture Noire, as Rust told me. I can’t blame them. It’s a masterpiece. They can’t see me through the tinted glass, but I smile anyway.
We zip along MacArthur Causeway, leaving South Beach behind. More cruise ships docked at the Port of Miami await passengers. Their sheer size makes me wonder how the ships remain afloat. Soon, we turn off the causeway and pull up to intricate wrought-iron gates. Rust tells me they’re the entrance to Moon Island. Two members of the security team sit in the guardhouse. They recognize Rust’s car and wave.
He lowers his window and returns the gesture. I lean over and tell them hello. They greet me with warm smiles.
The gates’ swing inward as the sensor detects its counterpart installed in the car. We drive through and along what Rust points out as the main road. He points out more sights as we drive along the entire island.
Homes ranging from ranch style to two- and three-story line the road. Some front Biscayne Bay, while others have interior views. On the other end, in the interior of Moon Island, a mini town offers options for those who prefer not to leave our protected land. A school for younger members of the pack, restaurant, deli, pizza shop, beauty salon, and barber shop are available.
The wealth of our pack continues to astound me. Never would I have imagined I would be in a situation like this one. I chalked my life up to being single and working hard at my career. Now, I have a fated mate who dotes on me and a new practice as the doctor for the she-wolves of our pack. Thankfully, Rust promised he won’t force me to stop my work at the hospital or to have pups right away. I shake my head unbelievably. Now, I consider having pups even if not now. I guess that’s what love and security will do for me.
As we pass a driveway covered in stone pavers leading to a Spanish-style ginormous mansion, Rust tells me it’s Sage and Jagger’s home. Okay, wow. I press my nose to the window as I try to get a good look at it. Rust chuckles and says we can call and see if they’re up for a visit after we go to our plot nearby. I nod enthusiastically.
“That’s Tag’s residence next door. And this, my fated mate, is our plot set on Biscayne Bay, with direct water access. The acreage will allow for a home as large as Jagger and Sage’s residence. We have a few architects and interior designers in the pack. I worked with two of them for the South Beach penthouse. Come on, we can walk the land so you can get a feel for it.”
He hops out and helps me from the supercar.
I tilt my head back and let the glorious Miami sun shine on my face. A deep inhale brings the scent of saltwater and fragrant gardenia and jasmine flowers to my nose. Paradise!
Rust leads me to the edge of the property where mature palm trees rise tall and flowering bushes grow on the grass lawn. It extends uninterrupted from the road to the bay. Birds chirp in the palm fronds and bees buzz around the bushes. It’s extraordinary.
“What do you think? Can you envision us here with a palatial home and room for our pups to run and play? Once you’re ready, that is.”
I rise on tiptoe and cup the back of his neck to bring his face closer to mine. I rub the tip of my nose against his, then press our foreheads together.
“I can envision it and so much more. When can we meet with the design team?”
“Hello, there, Rust and Natalie!”
Surprised, I turn to find a male wolf shifter and a she-wolf approaching us. They wave. I wave back, then lift an eyebrow at Rust. He grins.
“How about now?”
I laugh. My fated mate wastes no time!
A short while later, they leave with a follow-up meeting set in a few days. They’ll present their ideas and sketches. I gave some input but can’t wait to see what they come up with since they know the Miami style better than me.
Once they’re gone, Rust takes my hand and leads me to the water’s edge. He cups my face and stares at me with so much love, I feel it through our mate bond. I return it twice fold. I love my fated mate!
He pulls a small navy blue suede box from his jeans pocket and opens it.
My heart skips a beat.
Nestled in silk, a giant diamond ring sparkles in the sunlight. Rainbows glint off its flawless surface. I guess the oval-cut diamond is at least fifteen carats and set in platinum, with smaller round diamonds on the band. Unbelievable.
“I would have given you your wedding ring at our mate bonding ceremony. But it wasn’t ready, and I didn’t want to rush the custom piece. I selected an oval cut to match the shape of your gorgeous face,” my fated mate says as he lifts the ring from the box and takes my left hand. He slips it on my ring finger as he continues. “Now, with my claiming bite on your neck and my ring on your finger, no one can wonder whether you are mine, Natalie Ingolf.”
He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it.
Tears blur my vision.
He rumbles deep in his chest and pulls me into his arms. I nuzzle my cheek against his heart, relishing its steady beat. One that only beats for me.
