by Fiona Starr
I throw myself on my bed and cover my head with my pillow, willing all the thoughts away, but I know that’s no use. There’s nothing that can break this bond I share with Angus and Marco, and maybe even with Joely.
I flip over onto my back and try to breathe through it. I could try to ride this with them, just let it happen, feel whatever it is that comes. But nothing is going to fix what’s wrong.
Any chance I have with Joely is long gone. I am pretty sure I broke that line a long time ago. I can’t let her in, and I can’t keep her out, so maybe I’m just destined to suffer through it.
Chapter Twenty-Five
JOELY
I walk down the hallway, feeling... off. After what Angus and Marco and I just shared, this feeling isn’t welcome or expected. I slow down and then it hits me.
This sensation has Van written all over it. I stand still, letting his misery swirl around me. Why does he let himself feel so unhappy? Why now?
Oh. Of course… Van felt the three of us. The same way I can feel him in the background and the same way the three of them can sense each other when they aren’t wearing their chains.
Heat rises in my face. And then I push it back down. It doesn’t need to be this way between Van and me. Whatever is happening with Van, he chose this, not me. I have no idea what’s going on in his head, but the gist of it perfectly clear.
I have to block out his pain, as much as it hurts me to do it. Because until Van chooses differently and decides to let me in, There’s not much that I can do about him except be here if the time does come when he’s ready to reach out for me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
JOELY
The trees flash by like a blur as Angus runs all out through the forest. I cling to his back, my body molded perfectly with the contours of his form. Marco and Van bound alongside us, the three of them in a race to the top of the mountain.
Marco is a black shadow. Van is a vision in white. And Angus is a ball of wild energy underneath me as we continue to climb.
I don’t know what the future holds for my three wolves and me. And yeah, I count Van as mine even though we’re still figuring things out. I know he’s struggling, but if there’s one thing Van doesn’t respond to very well, it’s pushing. I decide that’s all right. I am not going anywhere and until he figures out what he wants, I can’t know if I’m a part of his solution.
School’s been on break since the Samhain festival, and with the Vessel broken, the guys have taken advantage of these past few weeks to let their wolves be wolves. We run together almost every day, and when we aren’t running, we’re at home, just being together and enjoying the time we have.
There are still so many unanswered questions, for me and for them… but I’ve learned one thing for certain.
Being part of a family doesn’t have to mean being born into one. Family can be built, and chosen. And a good family can withstand anything.
The wind whips through my hair as they break through the tree line, and as we step into the sunlight a flutter of joy rises in my chest. I can feel when the boys are communicating with each other. Their mirth moves like a ripple vibrating through the part of them that I can read a little more clearly every day. I wish I could hear their words, but whatever they’re saying, it makes them all laugh and that makes my heart soar.
I press my face into the fur on the back of Angus's neck and breathe in his scent, knowing that whatever is coming, my men and I will face it together.
The story continues…
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Fiona Starr lives her happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her hunky husband and their fleet of fur babies.
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I write Contemporary and Paranormal Romance with varying levels of steam.
Some collections are short quickies, some are longer for lingering over, but all of them are sexy, sweet, and happily ever after!
Also by Fiona Starr
Society of Ancient Magic Series
Dark Arts
Over Hexed
Witch Wars
Academy of Elemental Magic Series
Hidden Power
Forbidden Bond
Shadow Promise
Paranormal Underworld Romance Collection
Captive Witch
Fated Witch
The Diablo Falls Paranormal Romance Collection
First Cursed
Scale of Betrayal
Contemporary Romance Short Stories
His Zesty Marinara
MMA Fighter x2
The Blaze Family Romance Short Story Collection
Half Pipe Hottie
Cowboy’s Promise
Her Roman Candle
Something Blue
His Violet
Spring Break Surprise
Mr. Platinum
Forever My Love
Dear Lonely Heart
Resolution: Free Fall
Naughty Sleigh Ride
Blaze BOXED SETS!
Blazing Hot Winter
Blazing Hot Spring
Blazing Hot Summer
Blazing Hot Christmas
