Page 109 of Finlay

His eyes swam as he searched my face. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what came out of his mouth next. “I love you, Finn.”

The words tumbled out at speed, Chester’s face flushing. He seemed almost surprised by himself, but not regretful.

I blinked rapidly. “Ye do?”

“Yes.” He lifted his chin determinedly. “I love you. You’re the best person I’ve ever met and I’m honoured to have you in my life.”

I tried to speak, but my throat was too thick with unshed tears. Instead, I pulled Chester into a crushing hug, trying to communicate what I couldn’t yet say.

We held each other there, on the banks of the loch, until I’d pulled myself together. Until I was able to release him and finally unlock the words I’d been desperate to say for weeks now. “I love ye too, Chester. I thank my lucky stars that I came across your shop that day. I stepped over the threshold and everything in my life changed for the better. I’ll never stop loving ye for that alone.”

We kissed then, right on that spot by the loch where I’d fallen apart so many times. I’d been living with the belief that I’d put myself back together successfully, but now, with Chester in my arms, I knew I’d been wrong.

He’d been the one to put me back together. To heal the wounds I’d never thought would close.

To teach me how to love again.

It was only Chester’s shivering that had us drawing apart. The winter wind was brutal as it whipped across the loch. It didn’t bother me though, which was good consideringI was still naked. “Come on, let’s get you somewhere warm.”

Chester started to turn instinctively, but my hands snapped to his shoulders. “Nope, no turning around. We’ll go to my place until the others have got things sorted here.”

His teeth sank into his lip. “Is it safe to leave the house? The window is broken and the door is unlocked. What if I get robbed?”

I chuckled, tucking him under my arm and steering him towards the woods. “If that happens, they’ll be confronted by three very pissed off shifters. Don’t worry though, no one can cross the wards around your property without me knowing.”

Chester shot me a quizzical look. “What does that mean?”

Shit.Apparently, this was something I’d neglected to tell him. “Ah. Well, I set wards up around your house a couple of months ago. It’s like a spell, almost, and I can feel if anyone crosses them.”

Recognition dawned. “That’s how you knew Clyde was here.”

I nodded. “Our focus might’ve been on Reid, but you were never left unprotected, m’eudail. I’m sorry it took us so long to get here.”

“Don’t,” he said softly. “Don’t apologise. You came, that’s all that matters.”

“I’ll always come, Chester.” I kissed his temple, frowning at the iciness of his skin. “Ach, you’re freezing.”

“At least I’m dressed.”

I shrugged. “It’s fine. I don’t feel the cold.”

“Still, we should’ve taken my car.”

I winced internally. Chester’s car had unfortunately been parked in what I’d term the‘splatter zone.’It’d need avery thorough clean before Chester could use it again. “Well, there is a way to get back even faster than a car.”

Chester eyed me warily. “Are you suggesting what I think you are?”

Minutes later, Chester slid from my back and fell to the floor. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

I shifted back into my human form and crouched in front of him in alarm. “Fuck. Did I go too fast? I was just so worried about how cold you were.”

Chester gave me a wobbly smile and patted my shoulder. “It’s fine. I just need a minute.”

An amused chuckle came from a few feet away. “I see your first time riding Finn wasn’t very successful. You need more practice. I can give you some good riding techniques if needed. I find it’s all in the prep.”

I glared at Logan as Chester flushed. “Are ye quite done? Or did you have another innuendo waiting to make itself known?”

Logan winked mischievously. He was dressed now, his hair damp and slicked back from his face. “What would be the fun in telling you? It’s much better to drop a sexy surprise grenade.”

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