Page 172 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“Give me a few minutes to recover.” I chuckle. “And I will get them for you.”

We take an hour of rest before having our afternoon snack. Later that night, we meet with Hayden and Esme. To my surprise Stella and Portia join too.

“The whole gang.” Dave smiles while snuggling into my side.

I put an arm around his shoulders and nod.

“How are you settling in?” Stella asks.

“Very well.” Dave smiles proudly. “Raffy was really successful today.” He doesn’t tell them that I shifted, probably to let me be the one to tell them.

I can’t help but beam a bit. “I shifted to Nero today.”

Esme smiles brightly, her eyes shining in joy. “I’m so happy for you, Raphael!”

“That’s really good news,” Hayden agrees. Then he tells us how happy he is working with the kitchen staff and how nice it was that he was allowed to take a few days off to be with Esme.

“And you, Stella?” Dave asks. “And Portia?”

“For me nothing much changed.” Portia smiles.

“I like it here,” Stella tells us. “I feel safe, and it’s good to work with a pack and an alpha. And that young witch, Jazz, she is great to work with.”

Hayden hands us all a bottle of beer, before he and I start putting together the barbecue. It’s been a long time since I felt so fulfilled and relaxed.

Chapter fifty-six

Uncle Raffy

*RAFFY*

Thenextcoupleofdays pass by without anything happening. I continue doing my training and strengthening my bond to my wolf. The bond to my mate is so intense now that I can hardly keep my fingers off him.

After training today, I go and pick up Dave for lunch. He has a play date with Annie, Ella, and the little twins. Dante joins me to meet with Ella. On our way, we chat a bit about random things. Dante is a rather quiet and composed man. He doesn’t smile a lot, but I can see a gentle look in his eyes when he is with his mate.

“I’m so happy this pack accepts same-sex mates,” I tell him.

Dante tilts his head. “Was that an issue in your old pack?”

“Yes, but not only that. They would have never let me be with a human.” I pause. “My father was pushing me to take a worthy mate.” I roll my eyes when I say the word worthy and can hardly suppress a growl.

“Stella told me,” Dante says quietly before he shakes his head. “Forget I said anything.”

“My dad was an abusive prick,” I say into the silence. “We don’t need to hide the truth. Stella is feeling guilty because she couldn’t protect my mom.”

“Your mother died in an attack?” Dante wants to know.

“That’s what they say,” I admit. “But I’m not sure anymore… I… thinking back to it now, I think she was fed up with everything.”

Dante stares at me, shocked. “You think she killed herself?”

“I think she got herself killed during the attack,” I admit. “Please don’t tell Esme. I don’t want her to hurt even further.”

Dante looks at me sadly and nods.

“I can’t forgive myself for almost selling my sister off,” I mutter.

Dante nods. “I understand why you think that way. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself easily, either. I don’t think I need to tell you that it was a very close call for you, or you would have ended up like your father, the man you despised so much.”