Page 94 of Protected By Her Mate

Rush sits next to her, his hand seeking the back of her neck where he massages her, his face creased in a perpetual scowl.

“Thank you everyone for coming today. Despite the topic of this meeting, it’s wonderful to have so much of our family in one place.” His lips twist into what I assume is a smile, though it looks like more of a grimace beneath his bushy beard. His voice is a deep rumble as he continues, “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Lennox’s mate, Charlotte Lopez, and her son, Luke, into our fold. Welcome to the family.”

I’m startled by the loud cheers that erupt around the table. Queen Sarena tips her head back and howls with delight, the sounds issuing from her human throat hilarious. As the noise dies away, I can’t help but giggle as copycat howls erupt from all around the castle.

I’ve learned since arriving at Wolf-Haven that if one wolf shifter starts howling, a whole lot of them like to get in on the action. It doesn’t matter if they’re in their human form or wolf, they all howl. It’s funny during daylight hours, but less so at night when half the city starts howling together.

“Thank you, everyone,” I say, feeling shy as all eyes land on me. “It’s been a pleasure visiting Wolf-Haven and getting to know you. Your hospitality toward Luke and myself has been really wonderful. I just wish I could be a true mate to your… to Lennox.” I look at him helplessly and he squeezes my hand.

“It’s why we’re here,” says Rush from across the table. “To see if we can help the two of you.” He’s the one brother who intimidates me the most with his permanent frown and fierce glare, so I appreciate that he wants to help us.

Magdalene beams at him and gives him a smacking kiss on the cheek, like he’s performed exactly the way she wanted him to.

“While I appreciate it, I don’t understand how any of you can help us,” I say.

Lennox nods his agreement. “We’re trapped by the curse. Too bonded to be separated, but unable to truly mate without crossing the parameters of the curse. It’s a no-win situation.”

“There’s always a solution when magic is involved,” Magdalene says, wiggling her blackened fingers. “It’s just a matter of what you’re willing to sacrifice.”

“I refuse to allow anything to happen to Charlie, so most magical solutions are out,” Lennox says stubbornly.

Magdalene rolls her eyes. “We don’t have to do much to her. I was able to turn Vanessa into a phoenix, wasn’t I?”

“I had to die in order for that to happen and you don’t even know how you accomplished it yet,” Vanessa points out, looking guilty when Magdalene shoots her a betrayed look.

“I’m working on it!” Magdalene snaps, crossing her arms. “There doesn’t always have to be an explanation. Sometimes magic just is.”

“Without knowing exactly how you turned Vanessa into a shifter, you probably can’t recreate the spell, can you?” Lock says gently to his witch sister-in-law.

“Well, no,” she admits. “But I can use a similar setup to Vanessa’s, gather the same people, use the same magic. We’ll wing it and see what happens.”

“No,” I say, and all eyes swing to me, making me sweat a little under the scrutiny. I clear my throat, trying to speak with more authority, “The spell gave Vanessa immortality, right? Would it do the same to me if it worked?”

“Of course,” she says immediately. “That’s the point.”

I shake my head. “Then my answer is no.”

“Don’t you want to think about it before rejecting such a gift?” Rush asks incredulously.

“I don’t mean to seem ungrateful,” I try to assure him. “But I don’t need to think. My answer is no.”

Lennox explains for me. “Charlie loves her son and family too much for her to consider a life of immortality, which would mean eventually leaving them all behind.”

Magdalene looks stricken for a second before saying, “I should’ve thought of that.” She looks from me to Lennox, her eyes sorrowful, “But you’re immortal and you can’t leave her.”

“Won’t leave her,” Lennox corrects his sister-in-law.

I’m sweating, my hands shaking as I confront Lennox’s family and essentially tell them I don’t care how much their brother loves me, I will never accept a life of immortality.

It’s Lock who finally breaks the silence, his tone unreadable as he directs his comment to Lennox. “You know what’ll happen when it’s her time.”

“What does he mean?” I ask, frowning at Lennox.

He takes my hand beneath the table and squeezes. “It’s not important.” To his brother, he replies, “I would expect you would do the same if our positions were reversed.”

Lock nods slowly, his gaze sorrowful but understanding. “It’s a difficult path you’ve chosen, balancing between staying near each other but not actually mating. Though human lives are much shorter than those of immortals, the years will pass slowly for you, death waiting for you at the end.”

Lennox gazes at me, the heat of his love searing me. “Being near Charlie, helping her when I can, watching Luke grow up, it’ll be worth it.” The conviction in his voice as he addresses his family has me convinced as well. If this is all we can hope for, then I trust Lennox to make it work.

---