Page 63 of Shifting Fate
“And Liora didn’t choose to be gang-raped by a bunch of asshole shifters, either, yet here we are!” I lurched to my feet and fought for breath. I didn’t know why I was so angry, but right now, I wanted nothing more than to slap some sense into Sawyer Banks.
He recoiled and quickly looked away. Not at me. Not at Gage or Rory, and especially not at Bastien. He kept his eyes locked on the floorboards in front of him. His jaw ticked.
None of us said anything for several minutes. Roslyn began to whimper, but was gently shushed by her father. I dragged in a deep breath, then sat back down beside Sawyer.
I rested my hand on his knee, surprised when he didn’t jerk away. He took a shuddering breath, his eyes falling closed. “Look,” I began. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be an asshole, but if we want any chance at defeating the Dreadhunters, we have to work together. Harper isn’t Liora. He’s not going to suddenly turn on us. He’s not going to hurt you. He saved my life, Sawyer.”
Sawyer’s Adam’s apple bobbed, but he gave a small nod. “I know.”
“You’ve seen shit. I get it. I can’t even begin to understand what you’ve lived through. I’m not discounting that, but Harper’s a good guy. Do yourself a favor and look him up, see what sort of a life he’s lived. Read the articles and watch the news clips, you know? And try and see it through his eyes. He lost his sister once, and now he’s going to lose her again.”
“I’ll try,” Sawyer murmured. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not us you should be apologizing to,” Bastien said.
Looking as if he might burst into tears, Sawyer nodded jerkily and stood. “Tell Remy I’ve gone to bed, would you?” Ducking his head, he slipped out of the room and up the stairs.
It wasn’t until after he was gone that I let my breath out in a whoosh. I rubbed my face with one hand, then flopped back down on the couch beside Gage. “Christ on a cracker.”
Bastien smiled at me, a hint of pride in his voice when he said, “I’m impressed, Dallon. Standing up for what’s right? There’s hope for you yet.”
I knew he was teasing, but still. I huffed. “Well, it’s bullshit. Harper doesn’t deserve all the flack he’s been getting. Sawyer needs to pull his head out from up his ass and see that. Ugh.”
I seriously needed a hug. Where was Arias? He was supposed to come visit tonight. I crossed both arms over my chest and let my head fall to the backrest of the couch, just as someone knocked on the front door.
Not just someone. Arias.
I was out of my seat in an instant, already making tracks. Gage’s hoot of laughter followed me down the hall, but fuck it. I flung the front door open and threw myself into the arms of my very-surprised mate.
“Is everything okay?” Arias asked, sounding uncertain.
“Missed you,” I replied simply, not even caring that I sounded needy.
I pulled him inside. He chuckled and leaned in to lay a gentle kiss on my lips. I growled and chased him when he pulled back, cupping the sides of his neck in both hands. His scent swirled around me, heady and sweet. I’d never get tired of it. Ever.
I took a step back to appraise him, letting my gaze linger on the perfect fit of his acid-washed jeans, especially around the groin area. Mmm. My mate was fine as hell. Biting my lip, I smiled at him. He raised a brow, but I knew he knew what I was thinking.
“You look good enough to eat,” I murmured.
“I take it you have room for dessert?” His eyes twinkled like starlight. Heat flushed through me from head to toe. Then, with a laugh, he held out a small plastic container of…chocolate-dipped strawberries?
I smirked. “Not exactly what I was thinking, but it’ll do. You sure know a way to a man’s heart.”
“It’s not hard. All you think about is food and sex.”
I snorted out a laugh. “Gee, thanks.” I slapped him on the arm and said, “Come up to my room? I don’t wanna share.”
“The strawberries or me?” he teased.
“Both.”
I had to admit, the strawberries were sweet, but being cradled in my mate’s arms after a round of mind-blowingly passionate sex? Held like I was a treasure that he would always cherish?
That was the sweetest gift of all.
