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“I’ll see you guys later on,” Saint said.
“Thanks again, Saint,” Aaron told him.
“Yeah, thanks Stripes. Owe you one,” Blake said around a yawn.
“S’all good.” Saint sketched a salute and slid from the room.
Chapter 25
MarshallfinishedgentlyrubbingAaron’s hair dry and took the damp towel to the laundry hamper in the bathroom. His mate was sitting on the side of their bed, shoulders slumped, and head bowed. Marshall nudged his way between Aaron’s thighs and tilted his head back. Aaron’s amber gaze met his before he lowered his head and took his mouth in a slow, tender kiss.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered against his lips.
Aaron’s hands gripped his waist as he frowned. “Sorry? For what?”
“Not being here.”
“There was nothing you could have done to stop Harlan. I knew from the beginning of the meeting he was going to be trouble, but I have to admit, I didn’t expect him to pull a gun.”
“Come on, get into bed and we can snuggle while you tell me the full story. I only got bits from your dad.”
Aaron did as asked as Marshall quickly stripped from his own clothes. Leaving them in a heap on the floor, he lifted the covers before pulling Aaron into his arms. Aaron sighed and pressed a quick kiss to Marshall’s jaw.
Marshall turned his head and captured Aaron’s mouth, pushing him down until he was lying on top of him. Aaron whimpered, and Marshall pulled away, checking him for signs of pain.
“I’m okay, I promise. I’m just so glad to have you back.”
“I’m glad Rafe was there, but not happy that he was hurt too.”
“Me too. What do you think Saint said to him?”
“I don’t want to think about it,” Marshall told him. “Knowing Saint, it would have been uncomplimentary and designed to provoke.”
“Well, whatever it was, it worked.”
“How the hell did Harlan get a gun in here? I thought the entrance was warded?”
“It is. Add it to the list of things to talk to Kyr about tomorrow.”
“Kyr?”
“He sets our wards, and he’ll be spitting tacks that someone got through with a firearm.”
“Kyr is a mage? I thought he was a shifter?”
“He’s both.” Aaron tugged him down. “Now, are we going to talk about our pack members or are you going to continue what you started?”
Marshall traced a finger along Aaron’s eyebrow and down his cheek, stopping to cup his jaw. “I’ve never been so scared as I was yesterday. I felt like I’d been shot and all I could feel was your pain. Your wolf called out to me. I… I thought I was losing you.” Marshall’s voice cracked.
“I’m okay. We’re fine,” Aaron soothed him.
“I know when I left, I had some reservations,” Marshall began. Aaron tensed beneath him, and he pressed a kiss to his mouth. “No, listen. I was stupid. I realize that the soul bond has heightened and sped up the feelings we have for each other, but then yesterday, I also realized that if the pain and hurt that I felt were real, then why was I questioning the feelings of love?”
“Marshall, I don’t want you to tell me something you don’t feel.”
Marshall looked at the man, the alpha wolf that had become his other half. His fated soul mate. He knew Aaron wouldn’t fully believe his declaration of love, not on the back of being injured. He needed to show him. Dipping his head, he nuzzled at Aaron’s throat, nipping and soothing the skin at the juncture of neck and shoulder where he’d placed his claiming bite.
“I wish my mark hadn’t healed. I want the world to know that you’re mine,” he murmured, tugging gently on Aaron’s earlobe. A shiver wracked through his mate.
