Page 85 of Reclaiming Quinn
“You do. I am so sorry you’ve languished for so long. I’ll never forgive myself for that.” She peered at Quinn. “You were right. I thought my beloved creations—the Omegas and the Vampyri—had been destroyed, and I spent far too long licking my wounds and let things here go to hell.”
“No one blames you, Mother. When we lost everything, we all felt the same,” Zach assured her. “It’s why we went our separate ways. Seeing each other reminded us of our failures.”
“Thank you, Zachariah, but this blame rests on my shoulders, and I will do whatever I can to fix it. It might take me a very long time, but as long as I’m believed in, I will continue doing my best.”
“Thank you for coming, Mother. If you wouldn’t mind, could I….” Gareth rolled a hand.
“You want your mate back. Of course. Thank you for letting me know that not everything I loved was gone.” She stood. “Goodbye, my Vampyri.”
The assembled murmured their goodbyes as they stared at each other. When Sean’s eyes cleared, Quinn knew he was back.
“Everything settled?”
“For the most part. But now that the Vampyri can choose their own paths, I’d like to make them an offer.”
As one, they turned to Gareth.
“When we travel, I could use a detail to provide protection for Sean and my children. Right now I have wolves who stand guard over them, but I believe that Vampyri would be a better choice, especially given their connection to the Omegas.”
Sean opened his mouth to say something, but Gareth held up a hand.
“This would be a job, so there would be a schedule, and I would pay you. You would have free time of your own. We travel the world, visiting packs who need help. Perhaps you could even find your mates while you’re with us.”
“Do I have anything to say about this?’ Sean snapped.
“No, you don’t. When you accepted me as your mate, you knew what it would entail. While I would die to keep you safe, I can’t be there all the time, so I need help. The Vampyri are warriors who need something to do. It seems to me that it would work out for all involved.”
“I think it’s perfect,” Quinn said. “Gareth needs you safe, and the Vampyri can do that.”
Sean scowled. “Whose side are you on?”
“The side that was without my brother for more than half my life. You’re an Omega, and you have a responsibility to all wolves. If this is the price you have to pay, isn’t it worth it?”
“As I was going to say before you all jumped me… I think it’s a good idea.”
“Liar.” Gareth grinned. “But thank you for accepting.”
“No, it’s true. Like the children, I feel safe with the Vampyri. It’s insane, because I’ve never warmed up to anyone quickly. Yet deep down, I know they’re good and decent. Our children trust them, as do I.”
Quinn stood. “I’m so happy to hear that, Sean.” He turned. “Gareth, if there isn’t anything else, I want to go sleep with my mate.”
“No, go ahead.” He smiled. As Quinn strode by, Gareth reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. “Quinn, I’m glad he’s home where he belongs.”
That made two of them.
