Page 178 of Labor of Love

“A price has been agreed. First amount will be given after they mate, and then when Kael gives birth to an alpha. Quite a bit of money, actually. The alpha of Kael’s pack won’t be happyto lose it. If Kael’s family remains in the pack, he will take the loss of the money out on them.”

“I figured as much. Let me call them and see what I can do, but if it sounds as you say, then I’ll offer them a place regardless, and if it doesn’t work out, help them find a place that will suit them better.”

“Thank you, Abram. You have no idea how much that will help ease Kael’s mind.”

“Now, tell me all about your mate and not the version you have to tell your family.”

Anatoly chuckled and leaned on the table with a smile on his face and proceeded to do just that.

6

Going downstairs the morning after meeting Anatoly, Kael staggered into the living room, rubbing his gritty eyes. He’d lain awake for most of the night, trying to think of a way to tell his family about Anatoly, and the only thing he could think of was to just blurt it out.

As soon as he noticed everyone was in the living room, he did exactly that. “I met my mate last night. My real mate. His name is Anatoly, and he is a vampire.”

Todd glanced up at him and chuckled. “That’s a good one. How did last night go?”

“Which part, Dad? The part where I was ordered to kiss Nigel or the part where he tried to shove a finger in my ass to make sure I’m a virgin.”

Todd’s eyes narrowed. “He did what?” he growled out.

“I left and went into the forest because I needed some time alone, and that’s where I met him.”

“Him as in your mate. This vampire.” Sherry sounded as if she didn’t believe Kael, and he guessed, under the circumstances, it might be hard to believe.

Pulling his phone out, he called Anatoly, who answered after the second ring. “Can you come here to meet my family?” Asecond later, there was a knock on the door, and Kael went over to answer it, knowing Anatoly stood on the other side. “Come in.”

Anatoly walked in and nodded to Kael’s parents. “Hello.”

Todd scrambled up and pointed at Anatoly, then at Kael. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m Kael’s mate. My name is Anatoly Bruni. I’m aware things are tense right now, and my turning up isn’t under the best of circumstances.” Exactly what Kael had thought. “I’m aware he’s been sold to an alpha of another pack.”

“Sold,” Todd scoffed. “He hasn’t been sold.”

“I told Anatoly everything, and I have been sold. Five hundred thousand once we’ve mated and another five hundred thousand once I’ve provided him with an alpha. Just because Anatoly is a vampire doesn’t mean he shouldn’t know the truth.”

“Kael. You know we don’t agree with it,” Sherry spoke to him but watched Anatoly. “He’s our alpha.”

“I can offer you all a way out.”

“And why would you help us? We’re shifters. Our species have hated each other for years.” Todd stood and pulled Kael away. Kael shrugged him off and stood next to Anatoly. “Kael.”

“He’s my mate. Would you deny me my mate because he’s a vampire?” Kael asked softly, and Todd sat in his chair, shaking his head, his eyes darting between Kael and Anatoly. “Dad?”

“It isn’t that. You know what he’ll do to us if you don’t mate Nigel. The pack needs the money.”

“Is the money more important than your son?” Anatoly laced his fingers with Kael, and Kael smiled at him. Now that there was daylight, Kael got to truly see Anatoly, and his mate was gorgeous. All those classic lines and gorgeous blue eyes with thick brown hair.

“Nothing is more important to me than my children, but he is our alpha.”

“Where I grew up is a mixed town. All three species live and work together. There is a pack there, and the alpha is my friend. He’s actually mated to my sister, Gabriella. You would be welcome there, but it is in the middle of Russia, so we have snow. Lots of snow right now.”

Todd leaned forward in his chair. “What about work and school?”

“We have those there, too, and we always need people to help in the town.”

“What size is it? I work in computer tech, and Sherry is a nurse,” Todd asked, his eyes bright. “Would there be a place for us?”

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