Page 31 of Elusive Mate

“My sister does love her coffee.”

“Yes, she told me I wasn’t worth losing it or a mug.”

Zaiden laughed. “She’s lucky you are the man you are. I hate to think what would have happened had it been another alpha who was her fated mate. In fact, with things heating up with the Shadow League and our joining the Resistance…”

“I have made a deal with Colby Reynolds. If something happens to me and you are here, I trust you to safeguard your sister and any children we have. But if something happens to both of us, or if you feel she isn’t safe here, Reynolds will ensure her safety, as well as that of our offspring.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me. If something happens to you, I will take your family to Windsong. I will ensure that they are safe.”

“You know I have a stash of assets and money that are earmarked for my family if anything happens.”

“I can’t see myself staying at Ice Storm without her. Was she happy on the Outer Banks?”

Lucian nodded. “She was, and I’ve paid off the cottage there. It’s small, only two bedrooms, so I have someone looking into something bigger. That way you would have a place to go. I also struck a deal with the vet she was in partnership with. So that will be an option, as well.”

“And her bright turquoise Jeep?”

“Left with a car storage place that runs the engine and maintains it.”

“What if nothing happens and when it’s all over, everything is fine?”

“Then the clan has vacation options for the Outer Banks,” laughed Lucian.

Zaiden clasped his friend’s shoulder. “You really do care for her.”

“You know I’ve been thinking about that.”

“About what?”

“How we all say is I care for her. It isn’t true…”

“It is. Everything you do tells the clan how much you care…”

“Not care, Zaiden. Love. I love your sister.”

“Whoa. I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say that. I would caution you never to tell her you told me first.”

Lucian laughed. “I won’t, but I plan to do that a lot more now that she’s home.”

“Once you are bonded, you’ll be positively giddy.”

Both large, dominant, males looked at each other and started laughing.

“Okay, so now that you’ve warmed me up, reminded me you are my beloved’s brother, what is it you want to tell me?”

“The day after you returned, I had a chance to talk to her. She tried to guilt me into helping her. We had words—which we both meant, but for which we will forgive one another—and we made a deal, a bet if you will.”

“Do I even want to hear this?”

“I think so. I don’t think you are unaware that you have a rather profound effect on my sister.”

“I am aware. So?”

“I told her if she could manage to keep her hands off you—which if the glances she sends your way when you aren’t looking are any indication will be more difficult than she’d like me to believe—and convince me she doesn’t believe you are fated mates, which she won’t be able to do, that I will help her get to Windsong.”

“You what?” growled Lucian.

“And that reaction was why I wanted you where no one can hear you. Do you think that she believes you’re fated mates?”

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