Page 16 of By The Moon

“I guess it does if what you’ve said about mates is true.”

“I want you to like him, Dad. He means a lot to me. Maybe more.” Jerome stared down at the floor. “He feels like home.”Looking up at Shaun, Jerome shrugged slightly. “I can’t explain it.”

“You don’t need to. I felt the same way with your mom. Like I said, Jerome, I need some time to…” Shaun shook his head. “Vampires and mates and us humans aren’t actually alone. How many of those stories out there could be based on truth? Do werewolves exist? What about fairies?”

“I don’t know.” Why was he being asked these questions? He only met Louis last night.

Do fairies exist?

What? Fairies?

Yeah. Fairies.

No idea and why would I need to know?

Werewolves?Jerome tapped his head when Shaun looked at him.

Come again? What?

Now you know how I feel! Dad is asking me about them, and I don’t know what to say.

Neither do I. Sorry but you’re on your own. I have to go now.

Of course you do.

Stay safe.

You too.

“Well? Do any of them exist?”

Jerome stared at Shaun, hoping someone would save him. Today was not going how he thought it would.

Chapter Seven

“Ican scent him on you.” Hugo banged his shoulder into Louis’. “You found your mate.”

“I found him when he was twelve.” Hugo stared at him, his eyes growing wide. “Yeah. Twelve.”

“Shit, and you waited. How old is he now?”

“Eighteen. I wanted to wait longer but… I couldn’t stay away.”

“I’m surprised you managed to stay away as long as you did.”

Louis nodded. “Puberty was hard. He was so fucking gorgeous.”

“Look, Louis. I’m happy you found him and have finally mated him, but does the council know?”

“No. I’m going there after I’ve finished here.”

“You have time to practice your begging skills.”

Louis snorted but didn’t respond because Hugo was right. He should have spoken to the council first. They’d become more lenient since Kelvin had mated Key but they still wanted to know about a human mate before the mating occurred. Louis had messed up and he knew there would be a price to pay. Probablysome nasty job like Kelvin had to do as punishment. He didn’t mind so much now that he had Jerome in his life.

What he did want was Jerome in his life. He was now that they were mated, but Louis wanted him in his home and his bed every night and morning. Knowing his mate was safe and where Louis could keep an eye on him meant Louis could work better. With Jerome sleeping in a dorm, Louis didn’t feel like he could keep him safe, and with Maxim and his merry band of trolls back on the scene, Louis had to make sure his mate was safe.

“I’m thinking of asking Jerome to move in with me.”

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