Page 182 of Labor of Love

“Me too.” Standing, Anatoly held a hand out to Kael and smiled when he took it. Pulling him up, he slid his arms around Kael and let his hands slide over his warm, damp skin. His mate fit perfectly in his arms. All warm and soft and meant to be right in that space. Kissing him, Anatoly slid his lips over Kael’s. Kael kissed him back, his tongue sliding out to touch Anatoly’s. “Let’s shower, and then you can meet my parents.”

“Oh. I never thought about meeting your parents. Will they mind that I’m a shifter?”

“Gabrielle is mated to the pack alpha, so they won’t have a problem with you.”

Pulling Kael into the bathroom, Anatoly turned the walk-in shower on and pulled Kael under it, laughing when he squealed. “It’s cold!” Kael laughed, then flung his arms over Anatoly’s shoulders. “I’m so glad we found each other.”

“So am I. I have waited an eternity for you.”

“What if you met me after…”

“I would have taken what was mine. I might be nice now, but I haven’t always been this way, and I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.” Anatoly rested his forehead on Kael’s. “My beautiful, amazing mate.”

“I’m glad I’m yours. I didn’t want him. Not once.”

“I’ll keep you safe. Let’s clean up, meet my parents, then get you packed.”

Anatoly spent far too long making sure Kael was clean, and it did involve his mouth and Kael’s dick, which they both enjoyed. When they were done, Anatoly dried his mate, then helped him dress. He enjoyed the shy looks Kael gave him and the soft kisses that followed.

When they were both dressed, Anatoly took Kael’s hand and teleported them to outside his parents’ home. “Ready?”

Kael licked his lips, looked at the front door, then at Anatoly, and whispered, “No?”

Chuckling, Anatoly tugged on Kael’s hand and knocked on his parents’ door before walking inside. “Mom! Dad! We’re here!”

“We’re here?” Irina walked into the living room and stopped. She looked at Kael, then smiled. “Wow. Look at you. I can already tell you are far too good for my son.”

“Hey! I’m standing right here.”

Irina waved his comment away, then pulled Kael into a hug. “You’ve mated.” Leaning back, she palmed Kael’s cheek. “Welcome to our family, Kael.”

Kael glanced at Anatoly, then nodded. “Thank you.”

“Ah, the awkward meeting the family moment.” Cesare commented as he came to stand next to them. He held his hand out and shook Kael’s when Kael took it. “Irina is correct. You are far too good for this one.” He pointed a finger at Anatoly.

“I didn’t come here to be abused, but you’re right. He is too good for me.”

“Oh no.” Kael shook his head. “I should be?—”

“Don’t finish that thought,” Irina told him. “Come and have some tea in the kitchen. You’ve just missed Gabrielle and Abram with the kids.”

“So, you’re recovering?” Anatoly chuckled when Cesare nodded. “My sister and her mate have four children. Remember when you asked about what our children would be, and I said I wasn’t bothered? They have two of each. Two vampires and two shifters. Three boys and one girl. She’s the baby of the family, and her three older brothers adore her.”

“Have you met Kael’s family?”

“I have, and they’re packing as we speak. I think, under the circumstances, it would be better if they lived here. I spoke to Abram before, and he’s agreed to have them in his pack.”

“Wise decision,” Cesare murmured. “From what you’ve told us, it would seem that if this Sylvester doesn’t get what he wants, then Kael’s family would suffer.”

“He isn’t a good alpha.” Kael pursed his lips. “He let Nigel kiss me,” he whispered.

“Well, Nigel won’t be seeing you again. Let’s enjoy our tea, then I’ll take you home so you can pack.”

“And you can tell us all about America. We visited once, but that must have been almost ninety years ago now.” Irina looked at Cesare, who shrugged. “What’s it like now?”

Anatoly smiled at Irina, who winked at him and listened to his mate speak. His mate. At last, and soon, he would be where he belonged. By Anatoly’s side. Safe and protected.

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