Page 121 of A Broody Mate for the Human

Dave sighs. “I…” He pauses. “I can’t tell you that what you did was right, because it wasn’t, but the things that happened, they weren’t all your fault.”

“If I hadn’t pushed my sister towards this agreement, then—”

“Then they would have found another way to get her to agree. They would have killed you, had you been in their way, and maybe even Esme. And Troi for sure would have found a reason sooner or later to attack your old pack,” he says. “Raffy, you took on your father’s truths. Your upbringing shaped you, but you grew up and learned to form your own opinion. It was a hard lesson to learn, but you did it.”

I sigh, rubbing over my face tiredly. Dave takes one of my hands in his. His hands are so much smaller than mine, but he has beautiful long fingers, like a pianist. Everything about him is beautiful.

“You said your sister was so happy when you helped her and forgave you instantly. And it’s true, she did. She told me when we were waiting for you to wake up.”

“But how can I forgive myself?” I ask.

“I think no one can really do this for you.” He smiles sadly. “I can only accompany you on the way. You don’t need my forgiveness because there is nothing to forgive from my side. You were nothing but wonderful towards me and helped me mend my broken heart.”

Silence lingers between us before Dave speaks again. “I’m not going anywhere, Raffy. I know you said I need to hear the truth before accepting you as my mate, but I’m still here. So, are you still running away from your responsibility?”

“I’d never,” I say.

“But?”

“Are you truly ready? After what happened with your mate?” I can feel my cheeks heating up in anger. This jerk that hurt him. But then I’m not much better. “Had I met you two years ago, I would have rejected you on the spot, Dave. I would have thrown the gift away the moon goddess gave me, just like your first mate. I’m not a good person.”

“What makes you think my former mate is such a bad person?” he asks. “I don’t condone what he did to me, but he was heavily traumatized too. Just like you. Sometimes we can be good people in our core, but our past and surroundings mess us up. Matthew is going to therapy now, and he’ll be a much better mate once he gets his second chance.” He smiles up at me. “Just like you are a great mate now.”

I wrap him in my arms, pressing him against my chest.

“You had a feeling we were mates, right?” Dave gives me a curious look. “For a while already. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“I didn’t want to pressure you,” I mutter into his hair, taking in his sweet scent.

“That’s sweet,” he says dryly, “and dumb.”

“And you? Don’t tell me you didn’t have an inkling either.”

“Touché.” Dave laughs.

“There is something else, Dave.” I pause. “While it’s true we’re mates, the bond isn’t really strong. It’s due to me having been a rogue and my wolf being mostly dormant. I don’t know if the mate bond will get stronger with time, but worst-case scenario… this is how it will remain.”

Dave’s gaze softens. “Raffy, I love you. I’ve never loved someone before. I thought I did, but I didn’t. You, with or without the mate bond, I love.”

My heart skips a bit. “I love you too.”

Dave’s fingers brush through my long hair. “Tell me you want me as your mate,” he mutters. His voice breaks slightly at the end, and I make sure to reassure him.

“I would never not want you,” I tell him. “I, Raphael Hayes, accept you, David Ford, with the crazy surname and monster-demon-pet, as my mate.”

“I, David Ford, accept you, Raphael Hayes, as my mate, although you tend to look like a scruffy hobo.”

I close my eyes, feeling how the bond between us strengthens. It’s going to be even better when I mark him. Nero comes forward in my mind, as graceful as he always used to be, but the slight darkness around him, the gloominess he always carried due to our father’s abuse, is replaced by something else now. His eyes shine with joy.Our mate accepted us.He beams, for the first time in a long while, talking in full sentences.We did something right. No, you did it! You did it.

“Nero is happy,” I tell Dave.

“That’s your wolf, right?”

I nod.

“I can’t wait to meet you, Nero,” Dave says, and I can feel Nero perking his head in relief and joy that Dave is not afraid of meeting him.

I can feel him retreating back to my mind, not strong enough to remain with me for too long, but we’re getting there.