Desired (Two Marks 2)

Nash raised his hand. “Whatever my wife wants,” he began. “But she’s going to make a mighty fine teacher. I think that’s a better way to serve the community.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Shelby came down the stairs with Marne, and introductions were made to Rachel’s parents. I didn’t miss how Harlan saw Marne, and couldn’t look away.

I stood and went around the seating area to join him. “Want me to get her over here?”

Harlan blinked and looked at me. His cheeks flushed, and he shifted his gaze to the cheese and crackers.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he murmured.

After three decades, it was going to take a while for him to assimilate back into pack life. And a pretty woman like Marne? Maybe she was just the thing he needed.

“The alpha has announced your return,” I told him. “You should be proud of what you did, saving Rachel. The entire pack is.”

We watched as Shelby laughed at something Rachel’s mom said.

Ben came in from the deck, the scent of grilled meat following him. “The burgers are almost done.”

Shelby stood and went over to him. Marne followed.

“Marne, this is—” I began to make introductions, but she smiled brightly at Harlan.

“The rescuer. It’s so nice to meet you,” Marne said, taking Harlan’s hand and holding it between hers. “I heard what you did,” she whispered. “We’ll do anything for our children, won’t we?” She glanced at Shelby, then back at Harlan.

His face was ruddy with embarrassment, but a smile turned his lips up. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I’d like a glass of wine and maybe a chat. Let these young folk do their thing.”

Somehow, she took hold of his elbow and steered the smitten shifter away.

Shelby snorted. “I’d been hoping Mom would find someone. Looks like she might have.”

“He needs some coaxing,” I added. I knew Harlan had been matched to Cathryn, and I knew Marne had had a mate who’d left her. Both had been alone for a long time. Shifters got together even without being fated mates, so maybe this was a second chance for both of them.

Shelby set her hand on my back. “Oh, if a female sets her sights on a man, watch out.”

I arched a brow, wondering if Rachel was using her wiles on me and Nash. Did I care? Hell, no.

We turned to the group. Gibson brought in a platter of burgers, steam rising off them. Ben called everyone to the counter to serve themselves buffet style.

Nash stood and tugged Rachel with him, keeping her close.

Rachel’s parents watched, and couldn’t miss the love their daughter had for her husband.

Was I jealous? Definitely. I had known going in what it would be like, that I couldn’t outwardly share my affection for my mate with humans. As long as she was in my bed later, I knew everything was going to be fine.

Nash went to grab a plate, pointing out things to Rachel’s parents as Rachel came up to me.

“You’re mine,” she whispered.

I was instantly hard. “I know,” I replied.

“Later, I’m going to show you how much.”

I growled low.

Nash turned to glance at me, then grinned, obviously hearing the low sound.

“Promise?” I murmured.

Rachel nodded and left me to go and fix herself a plate.

I watched the group. This mix of shifters and humans. Rachel’s parents, who had no clue about the depth of the secrets that surrounded them. There was no doubt about the love they had for their daughter. They would slowly learn to change their perceptions of Rachel, their expectations. If what her father said was true and they only wanted her happy, then we were in agreement.

That was my goal in life now. To make Rachel happy.

Nash would agree.

Gibson and Ben had Shelby, and it was obvious she was content in their match.

And Harlan and Marne, who had picked up plates to fill? Time would tell.

I didn’t question any longer. I knew. I had all the facts.

I had a scent match. A mate. The perfect match.