Page 62 of Mike's Assistant

He shook his head. “No. I think we’re good. I’m just waiting for my partner.”

I looked at Talon. “Talon. Stay here with Officer Chambers, in case he needs anything else. I’ll be upstairs.”

As I said those words, the elevator slid open, and two officers joined Officer Chambers. Ms. Grace and Jake’s aunt were screaming as they guided them back to the elevator. I shook my head. Not my problem anymore, I thought.

I raced upstairs, an overwhelming need to be with my family propelling me forward. As I neared the theater rooms, the joyful laughter of Sam and Abel reached my ears. They were immersed in recounting tales of their magical Disney adventure, a gift from Santa.

As if sensing my presence, Jake turned, his eyes catching mine. There was so much gratitude and love in that one look. He stood up and came to me, his steps quick and sure. As he reached me, he wrapped his arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight embrace.

Drawing back just enough to see my face, he whispered, “I love you, Mike. Thank you. Thank you.”

The shimmer of tears in his eyes made my heart clench. "I love you, too," I replied, brushing away a tear that had escaped.

Before either of us could say another word, I leaned down, capturing his lips with mine. It was a kiss filled with promise and the best kiss yet. I knew, without a doubt, that I had my mate by my side, the boys laughing in the next room, and together, we were Unbreakable. Nothing and no one could tear us apart.

Preg-not What I Expected

Jake

The soft beeping of the video blended seamlessly with the boys’ laughter. Their joy made my heart sore. I could finally relax. The boys were with me and not going with evil Aunt Judith. It was amazing how the choking fear that loomed over me for weeks, the fear of losing them, instantly vanished. The boys seemed lighter and freer, even though I suspected they had no idea what had happened today. They just knew they met another new person, Mrs. Baker.

Mrs. Baker's visit was nothing short of a revelation. It wasn't just the assurance of the boys' placement that eased my heart; it was the recognition of my parents' faith in me. Their will and the guardianship papers were testaments of their trust. The words from those documents echoed in my mind. Obvious declarations of love and hope for the boys' future. It felt like a message from the past telling me I was on the right path.

As I continued to watch Sam and Abel, I could sense Mike's presence even before he entered the room. It was like a magnet pulling me toward him. I didn't need to see him to know he was there, watching over us, sharing in the moment's warmth. His energy was a calm reassurance to the chaos that had ensued.

“Look at you two, defeating that final boss,” Mike said, playfully nudging Sam's shoulder.

Sam puffed up his chest in mock pride. "Well, we've been practicing. Right, Abel?"

Abel nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Yup! We're the best team."

Mike's laughter rang out, filling the room with even more warmth. He came over and settled in the seat next to me, intertwining his fingers with mine. Looking down at our hands, I smiled. I loved him holding my hand.

“Did Vanessa leave?” I asked, peering up at him.

Mike nodded. “She did. Talon is still lingering around, though. I think we’re going to be stuck with him for a bit.”

I bit my lip nervously. We got rid of one dark cloud, and yet another one still loomed. “Do you really think Dominic will try anything?

Mike didn’t reply right away. He tilted his head and pressed his lips together. I could tell he was considering the different outcomes. Finally, he gazed down at me. “Truth be told. I don’t know. I’m not sure why Dominic would hyper-focus on you. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the pull toward you, but you’re my mate. Dominic, on the other hand…”

I nodded. “I was thinking about that, too. Like why would he warn you off? Is it really just to get into my pants?”

Mike growled playfully, pulling me to his side. “No one’s getting into your pants but me.”

“Just you,” I giggled, loving the feel of Mike’s arms wrapped around me.

“Good. That’s right,” he said with finality, causing me to laugh more.

After settling down, I released a breath and broached a topic that was weighing on my mind. “Mike,” I said, my tone sobering. He locked his eyes with mine, and I continued. “Um… when—” damn, I was having difficulty saying the words. I didn’t know how to ask him.

“What is it, baby? Whatever you want to say, you can tell me,” he reassured.

I exhaled loudly. “Can we move in with you?”

Mike’s eyes widened. “What?”

“I mean, well, you brought the boys and me here because I was scared. But we’re bonded, and Vanessa said that’s basically like marriage in the shifter world. And I’m sure the boys and I can’t stay in Hayden’s place forever. And you—”

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