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He says nothing as the two of us climb off the bed, walking away without glancing back. It’s not quite the same way he left us, but it makes me feel vindicated in leaving him there by himself, knowing he’s not welcome with us.

But it also hurts my heart, and I find tears welling in my eyes.

Yes, this is so much better than it was, but I don’t want to feel like this about Nex. I want to hate him for what he’s done for us, but I don’t think I can. That doesn’t mean I forgive him.

As Brenden and I climb into the shower, I turn back to him. “Are you sure you’re okay? I know I shouldn’t have let him bond with you when you couldn’t consent—”

“I would have,” he assures me. “I could hear everything you and the others discussed. I just couldn’t respond. It was like I was there, but not. You’ve done nothing wrong. You saved us.”

Sobs shake my body as I cling to him, so grateful that he believes I made theright call.

We might no longer have to deal with rejected mate syndrome, but something tells me nothing is going to be easy from here on out.

Once I’ve calmed down, Brenden tilts my chin back so he can meet my eyes. “Can we make the shower quick? I’m fucking starving.”

I snort out a laugh, more tears spilling down my cheeks as we help wash each other.

Whatever comes, I’m willing to take it—no matter how hard it is—because it brought my mate back to me, and that’s honestly all that matters.

Chapter Thirteen

Audrey

“Little mate, your mom and sister are here.” Cassian shakes me slightly, and I blink my eyes open to find him smiling down at me. “Good morning.”

I return his smile easily, even if I wish I was still sleeping. “Good morning is right.” I roll onto my back, and when I don’t see Brenden, worry courses through me.

“Shh, it’s okay. He’s downstairs eating. I swear he’s done nothing but eat since the two of you bonded with Nex. It’s like he’s trying to make up for the days he didn’t eat all at once.” Cassian chuckles as he pulls me into his arms, and I snuggle into him.

“Wait. Did you say my mom and sister are here?” I pull back enough to see his face, frowning when he nods. “Why?”

Cassian’s body shakes with laughter. “Probably because they want to see you. Wraith let everyone know that you and Brenden bonded with Nex and were doing better. Lucifer, of course, appeared in the house immediately, but Wraith sent him packing. Or so he tells me.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Like, last night? Or this morning?”

“Last night. He managed to tell everyone else to wait until today to bother you.”

I snort. “So my dad showed up while I was getting railed by Brenden and Donovan. That tracks.”

“Hey, they weren’t the only ones doing the railing. I was assisting Donovan in his railing.”

“By railing his ass? Yes, I’m aware. I was there.” Laughter spills from both of us.

I had a lot of sex with my mates last night in lots of combinations. Brenden might not be the only one trying to make up for lost time.

I sigh, realizing I’m going to have to get dressed to see my family. It’s not that I don’t want to see them. I just know they’re going tohave questions, and they’re not going to like my answers.

“Tell them I’ll be down in a minute. I’m just going to freshen up first.”

Cassian kisses me quickly before setting me on my feet. “I’ll let them know. I love you, little mate.”

I grin as warmth fills me. “I love you, too.”

I spin on my heel, knowing if I stand here any longer, I’m going to climb on his cock and take it for a spin. I’d rather not have to explain to my mom and sister what took so long.

Taking care of business in the bathroom, I head for the closet to grab something to wear.

It’s packed with clothes since we added some of Cassian’s last night. He’s officially moved in and has his own room, but like the rest of us, he expects to spend most of his time in the bedroom we all share.