“What?”
“I used the sport as a way to push my demons away. I don’t need it anymore.” I lift my head, meeting his eyes. “I have you.”
“Don’t do that for me. I’ll support whatever you want.”
“I keep imagining you in the ring. I would hate it, seeing you bleed.”
“Baby—”
“No.” I rub my knuckles back and forth over his jaw. “I felt like I had to do it to survive another day. My aggression and anger needed somewhere to go. It wasn’t healthy because it only suppressed the memories instead of dealing with them. I wanted peace.” I straddle him and grasp his neck. “You are my peace. I found it with you.”
“Shit, mate.” He pushes my hair back and tangles his fingers in the strands, holding me. “You are everything I didn’t know I was missing. I want to give that to you. It means something to me.” He presses his other hand to my heart. “You gave me your heart, and I will cherish it.”
“I love you,” I whisper fiercely. “Can you feel it? My absolute devotion to you.”
“Yes.” He glides his hand to my neck, feathering his fingers over his mark. “I felt it before we completed the bond. I came here for a reason. We can call it fate, or the work of the universe. I needed you, and you needed me. We are a team, and our love is a gift. I found a sexy fox waiting for a man who would treat you with care, yet who would know how strong you are.“
“I found a patient, sexy, deadly assassin.” I grin, tightening my grip. “You are the man I wished for, and I will always be grateful you came to the club. Fate or the bond, we are a family.” I glide my hands down, caressing his chest. “Could I convince you to take a bath with me?” I lean close. “I promise the water won’t be the only thing wet,” I rasp, nipping his lip.
I ease back, and he rolls me and jumps off the bed. I squeal as he throws me over his shoulder.
“I’ll do my part to make sure you're dripping,” he growls.
My mate always keeps his promises.
Even though I withdrew from the fight, the family was determined to celebrate at the club as if I had won. I guess I did. Ezra didn’t want to leave the house, but did it for me. We’ve been secluded for days, and besides Haven, haven’t seen anyone untiltoday. The tub is one of our favorite places to relax. He makes sure I’m taken care of in every way. Our conversations vary from deep and thoughtful to light and playful. He’s been teaching me to cook, and more often than not, we get lost in each other, and the food is cold. He admitted he had been looking for my family, and asked if I wanted to be involved. I have no desire to see them again. Perhaps it would be healing for me to face them, and get answers. I took some time to think about what I really wanted. They mean nothing but bad memories, and I want to leave them in the past. Instead, I gave him permission to do what he thought was best, but I didn’t need to know his decision. I know my safety is the most important thing to him.
I didn’t question him when he left our home while Haven was over, taking his supply bag, and came back to our bed before the sun came up.
All I need is here. In this room. My mate, and my true family. I have accepted the many sides of my personality, and Ezra satisfies them all.
Almost all of the family are present. Issy left, but is planning to come back soon. Alanna is searching the internet for available houses in the area. She flew home reluctantly. I won’t be surprised if Ezra buys her a house here. The dragons, Penny, Bishop, and Laken, are at home. Penny is on the verge of giving birth. Harmony and her mates are keeping them company, along with the wolves. Once the baby joins us, the family will take turns visiting. Having a new dragon baby is a blessing. Saphira, Maverick, and Kingston are staying with them. Saphira is excited to welcome her niece or nephew, and support her brothers.
Sally is holding court, her hands gesturing wildly, blessing the crew with one of her many stories. Daisy and Roxanne are laughing with her, and Micah is watching her like a proud best friend. Allie and her brothers are adding commentarythroughout her tale. Haven and her mates are getting to know Ezra, my sexy mate, taking it in stride. Kade and Cash are listening, silently observing. Quinn, Stephanie, and Juliana are watching Sally with a mixture of awe, humor, and reluctant amazement. Quinn’s face is passive, but I can see the tenderness he feels for Sally as he stares at her. Elijah is laughing while rubbing his mate’s back, his cowboy hat pushed back. As usual, Bash is holding his mate close, paying no attention to anyone but her. Ryker and Serenity are like the king and queen of the group, watching over everyone. The lions surround their mate, having a quiet conversation.
“Why are you standing by yourself?” Heath asks.
“Are you mad?” I ask, focusing on him.
“Why would I be?”
“I quit fighting.”
“So? Are you happy?”
“Deliriously,” I whisper.
“Rylee, that’s all I wanted for you.” He leans against the wall, facing me. “When I taught you to fight, it was to help you, to give you an outlet. It helped at the time. I enjoyed showing you ways to defend yourself.” He glances at Ezra. “I understand the reasons you don’t need it now.”
“I just didn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Shit, you have never disappointed me. You're strong and resilient, and your body is filled with love. I’m happy you found what you were searching for.” He sighs. “He’s good for you,” he grumbles.
“Don’t strain yourself,” I say dryly.
“Fuck. I never wanted to think about you with a mate.” He rolls his shoulders. “If it had to be someone, I’m glad it’s him.”
“Thanks, Brother,” I whisper, touching his arm briefly. “I decided I want to teach self-defense.”
