“Yes. It’s a boy. Alex made sure to DNA test him, and it’s obvious. It was actually Julianus who found the boy and his mom. Seems like his goal is to make things right again. I can’t forgive him for what he did to me, but I’ll admit that in this case, I am thankful he dug so deep.”
“The mom is still alive,” I say. “And the boy, too. That means Aloysius hasn’t found them. That’s such a relief!”
“Indeed.”
“So, what’s the plan? Do you want the pack to take them in?”
“No, definitely not,” Silas exclaims. “Listen, Marc, I truly appreciate how much you help me and my people. All my power and wisdom weren’t of any use to me when I had to run from Aloysius. Without you, we wouldn’t have a safe place here. For a long while, Aloysius had no idea where I lived. I am not sure if he knows now, but it doesn’t matter anymore. In these past years of quiet and peace, I was able to regather my strength, and it’s just thanks to you and your generous heart.”
“But?” I ask curiously, wondering where he is going with his speech, as my chest swells at his words of gratitude.
“I love this pack and coven. It’s my home, too,” he says. “I don’t want any harm to come to our pack and coven members.”
“You think bringing the child and his mom here would do that?”
“Absolutely! In this case, we can’t just easily cover up the child’s identity. It’s different than with Maddie. We were lucky once, just because Maddie was still a baby, and because Aloysius thinks he has killed her. But we can’t repeat the same procedure. It would alert Aloysius and bring danger to our home.”
“I understand,” I say. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Make sure to find a safe place for my nephew and his mom,” Silas says. “For that sake, Alex and Julianus will briefly visit our pack so that we can discuss everything.”
He looks at me, waiting for my reaction.
“And?” I ask. “What’s the problem? Clearly, this is the only logical course to take.”
“You don’t mind that Julianus will come onto our pack grounds?” he asks.
“So, that’s what you were worrying about,” I say. “I don’t feel threatened by your loser ex,” I add, not able to sound anything but venomous when mentioning him. He hurt my mate.
“Really?” Silas asks. “You are not saying this to make me feel better?”
“Yes, really. I don’t need him to move in here, but I don’t mind him visiting for work. You don’t need to walk on eggshells around me,” I reassure Silas. “I respect you and your decisions. I trust you fully, and we marked each other. That’s all I need.”
“I really love you,” Silas says, much to my surprise, before I can see the embarrassment on his face. “And I made an Oreo shake for you,” he hurries to say, and stands up to grab a huge bottle containing an amazing-looking, chocolate shake out of the fridge. Food is truly his love language.
While Silas is still rummaging in the fridge for the whipped cream he’d prepared, the door opens, and Benji comes in. Much to my surprise, Lori is following him. I can barely contain my happiness at seeing him with his mate. I know they haven’t accepted each other officially yet, but things seem to be going well. And fuck, yes! When she looks at him, thinking no one is watching, she always smiles.
Silas must have thought the same, because he tosses a short gaze towards me. I nod instantly, knowing what he plans without him needing to link me.
“Why don’t you two sit down?” he says. “There are still so many leftovers from lunch.”
“Silas cooked for an army,” I add. “Itwasheavenly, though.”
“Is it really okay?” Benji asks.
Dude,I link him.We are helping. Get cozy here with your mate!
Right!
He turns to Lori. “Silas’ cooking is truly otherworldly.”
“Exactly, I am fantastic!” Silas says, moving behind Benji and Lori and nudging them forward, gently. “Come sit down, or I will be upset that you dismissed my cuisine.”
His words seem to have done the trick. I don’t know how he always knows what to say, but he is so good at making sure everyone around him saves face and still does what he wants them to do.
twenty-nine
Of Exes and Friends