“You might as well just tell them,” Dean said.
He sucked in a breath, looking around him. So many men, paranormal, shifter, human, old friends, new friends, and they were about to hear the most important news of Bas’s life. “I found my mate,” he said quietly then cleared his throat and tried again. “Hudson is my mate.”
The shouts, hollers, and celebration around him was loud as Bas was tugged into hugs and patted on the back. In a whirlwind he was passed from person to person as everyone shared their excitement. Even though he was slightly uncomfortable with all the touching, Bas found himself smiling by the time he stood in front of Leo.
Leo grabbed the back of his neck, bringing their foreheads together. “Congratulations, brother.”
Brother. Because even though they weren’t blood related, he, Leo, and Aaron had lived their entire lives with just each other to count on. Through confusing teenage years, wild and crazy early adulthood, until where they were finally at in their lives, it had been the three of them every step of the way.
Opening his arms, knowing that Aaron would be hovering close, Bastian pulled the other man into the embrace with him and Leo.
They stood there just sharing space as it finally hit Bas that he had a mate. He blew out a long breath. “I have a mate,” he whispered.
“And he’s such a cutie,” Aaron said.
“I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard of him,” Leo said. “He seems perfect for you.”
Perfect. The sweet sunshine of a hero that had no idea that the paranormal world existed. Bas drew back. “How am I going to tell him about me? About us?”
Aaron shook his head. “Better you than me, bud. That sounds terrifying.”
Leo grinned before nodding toward their friends behind Bas. “I think it might be best to take the advice of those that have been there.”
“Just don’t lose control and shift in the middle of a club,” Lawson suggested sarcastically.
Craig rumbled out a laugh. “I agree.”
“Or get yourself shot and have your mate come looking for you,” Sam added.
“I do not recommend getting shot ever,” Shawn said.
Bo sighed. “Maybe we aren’t the best to offer advice.”
“It’s fine!” Nate bounced over to him. “Hudson already loves your kitty form.”
Bas sniffed. “I’m not a…kitty.”
“Pretty kitty,” Logan said sweetly.
“We’ll help!” Noah offered.
Bas glanced at Leo, who had a bit of panic in his eyes.
“Uh,” Leo managed.
Bastian agreed. This had chaos written all over it.
“I hate to break this up, but someone just pulled up out front,” Trevor said. He had his head tilted to the side as if he was listening to something.
“It’s your mate!” Noah shouted.
Bas clamped a hand over Noah’s mouth. “Not a word from any of you.”
Noah’s shoulders fell.
The doorbell rang.
Bas had the sudden impulse to run and climb a tree.
