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"We weren't talking about you, Elroy, or anyone else. It was personal business between me and Billy, and I didn't want Ford sticking his nose in." Andy told the truth without sharing the topic of their discussion because it was none of Elroy's business. "Billy has his breakfast alone, so I knew we wouldn't be interrupted."
"I hope it was a productive discussion." Elroy chimed in, obviously relieved that he hadn't been the subject.
"It was." Andy nodded as he gave Elroy a side glance. "It wasn't as positive as I'd hoped, but definitely productive."
"Good." Elroy smiled, and they continued walking out past the guard and toward the river.
Dallas was on his way to Silas' office when he heard his phone and saw the text from Andy. He texted back, see you soon, and then knocked on Silas' door. He was led into Silas' office and told to take a seat. It was just a few minutes before Silas entered through a side door and stepped into the room. "Good to see you, Dallas." He said and shook his hand. "I understand you were a part of that dust-up at the Wayfarer last night. Will the cougars never learn?" He said and took a seat behind his desk.
"It was just Billy trying to regain his manliness by attacking Archer, who had humiliated him in front of his men. It didn't go well for him, considering he was in a rage and had no plan. Sheriff Keller sorted it all out quickly once he arrived." Dallas explained.
“He’s very good at shorting out shifters.” Silas laughed.
"Yes, he is." Dallas agreed, then paused for a moment. Then, he said what he came there to say. "Andy Burns is my beloved. We met at the bar, and I recognized him instantly, and he recognized me. I am meeting him this afternoon, and I would like your permission to bring him to the Coven." The shock was evident as the room was struck silent, and Silas slowly stood up, rounding his desk to stand a few feet in front of Dallas.
"I know we are not on the best terms with the cougars, and Andy is hesitant to come here, but I would like to know that he will be treated with manners and respect even if just for the fact he is my Fate's chosen beloved." Dallas stood up and took a step back before continuing. "Having him here may be impossible considering the mocking and the barbs that are so often directed at the cougar population of which I was as great of an offender as any. I don't want him to be hurt or feel less than in his own home, so if acceptance is not possible, then I will take steps to relocate to another coven."
"Slow down; I'm just now processing the fact that you found your beloved. Let me be the first to congratulate you. It is a wonderful thing, and I'm happy for you and for Andy." Silas began, and then the side door opened once again, and Master DuCane stepped into the room. Both Dallas and Silas came to immediate attention.
The Master walked over to stand beside Silas and reached out his hand to Dallas, who took it. "I overheard part of your conversation, and I wanted to extend my congratulations on finding your beloved." Dallas was pleased and touched by the sentiment.
“Thank you, sir.”
"Also, I wanted to make it clear that your beloved is welcome here, and every effort will be made to ensure his comfort. My human beloved endured criticisms and attacks when he first arrived that culminated in many changes in this Coven, as you know." Dallas knew very well what had happened during that time, and it had been awful and bloody. The Master did not tolerate his beloved being abused, and those responsible paid dearly.
"No other beloved will ever be treated with anything but kindness and respect. It is the least that a civilized society can extend to new members. It is time that we look deeper into the lives of our neighbors and forge an understanding that will work for us both. This constant animosity cannot stand." Dallas was taken aback by the intensity of the Master's words.
"I look forward to meeting your beloved and bringing him into the Coven. I understand he is a gardener, something we are always in need of. He will fit in just fine here at Coven DuCane. He is welcome, and he will be safe. You have my promise." With that, he said his goodbyes and left the room.
"You have your answer, Dallas. There will be no more talk of soliciting other covens. Now go get your beloved and bring him home."
"Thank you, sir," Dallas said and quickly exited the office. He couldn't have wished for a better outcome. Now, all he needed was to bring Andy home so their lives could truly begin.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Elroy stuck with him all the way to the river, and then Andy had to pretend like he was looking at the plants when all he wanted to do was head to the border and wait for Dallas. This lie was turning into something bigger than expected.
"Do you need help? I don't know anything about gardening, but I can do what I'm told." Elroy offered, and Andy found it strangely touching. Andy stood there for a few minutes, deciding what to do. He only had a few minutes to get to the border, and he had to convince Elroy to go home.
"I don't see anything that I can use." Which was not a lie. "I'm going to walk for a while, but I'd like to be alone if you don't mind. I want to think." There, that should work. Elroy stepped back and looked nervously from side to side.
"Ford told me to follow you. He said you were up to no good, and he wanted to know where you were going after speaking with Billy." Elroy confessed, and it took Andy completely by surprise.
"My discussion with my brother is none of his business, and where I choose to go is also none of his business." He barked, and Elroy flinched. "Go home, Elroy, and if you try and follow me, I will know you're not very good at surveillance. Don't force me to put in a complaint about you with Billy." That really got his attention.
“Don’t report me.”
“Go home.”
"I'm going." Andy watched him walk away and disappear into the woods, but Andy did not move. He stood, rooted to the spot, for about fifteen minutes as he listened to the sounds around him, making sure Elroy was no longer in the area. After a few more minutes of listening, he sent a text to Dallas, letting him know that he was on his way and should be there shortly.
Dallas texted back, telling him he was there waiting for him, and the thought brought a bright smile to his face. The realization that this was really happening suddenly hit him, and it took his breath away. His life was changing, his future was bright, and all possibilities were now open.
He had his mate by his side, a good man well respected in his field and loved by his friends. Dallas was the best thing to ever happen to him, and he thanked Fate for her generosity. He wasn't going to think about the challenges of living at the Coven. He was simply going to take this amazing gift one day at a time.
He found his steps quickening the closer he got to the location, and soon he saw Dallas there standing waiting for him, and he broke into a run. Dallas grabbed hold of him when Andy jumped into his arms. "I'm so glad to see you." Andy gushed, and Dallas chuckled.
"I am so glad to have you back in my arms, my love," Dallas said and then took Andy's lips in an absolutely suffocating kiss. It sucked the air out of his lungs and filled his heart with a want so deep he trembled.
