Page 28 of Kept
Eli looked at him one last time—Scott trying to puff himself up and failing, this man who'd made his life so small, who'd taught him shame where there should have been pride. He seemed pathetic now.
A stranger he'd never have to see again.
He laced his fingers through Kade's, marveling at how perfectly they fit. "Let's go home," he said softly.
The dangerous mask melted as Kade smiled down at him—that private smile just for Eli. He brought their joined hands up, pressed a kiss to Eli's knuckles that sent warmth spiraling through him.
"Yeah. Home."
They walked to the bike together, Eli tucked safe against Kade's side. Behind them, Scott remained frozen on his porch, finally understanding what real strength looked like—the kind that protected rather than preyed. The kind that didn't need to tear others down to build itself up.
"Your mom?" Kade asked softly as he handed Eli a helmet.
"Not there." Eli adjusted the straps, surprised by how little it hurt. "She never is when it matters."
Maybe someday she'd wake up, see what she'd chosen, what she'd lost. Maybe she'd reach out, try to make amends. If that day came, he'd decide then what to do.
But he wouldn't wait for it. Wouldn't put his life on hold hoping for someone to choose him, when they’d already proven they wouldn't.
Kade's thumb brushed over the bite mark through Eli’s shirt. They both shuddered at the contact. That familiar growl rumbled through his chest—possessive, protective, proud.
"Mine."
"Yours," Eli agreed, then grinned. "Take me home."
The motorcycle roared to life. Eli wrapped his arms around that strong waist, pressed close to the warm strength of Kade's back, and smiled as they rode into morning light.
He'd spent years thinking love meant staying silent, meant looking away, meant choosing comfort over truth. His mother had taught him that with every excuse she'd made, every bruise she'd ignored, every time she'd told him it was his fault Scott got angry.
But Kade had shown him different. Real love was fierce and protective. Real love chose you every single time, especially when it wasn't easy.
The bite mark pulsed warm against his skin as they headed toward their real home, where no one had to make themselves small, where love meant showing up instead of looking away.
Behind them, the perfect suburban house stood silent. Just another property where a bitter man nursed his fading glory and a woman chose comfortable blindness over family.
Eli pressed closer to his mate and let them fade into nothing. All the years in that house had just been the prologue to his real story.
He was finally, truly free.
Click here to keep reading an extra bonus epilogue for Eli and Kade
A brutal breakup. A moment of raw desperation. A last-minute decision that changes everything.
Cole never thought he'd be the type to throw himself at werewolves, but here he is—signed up for the annual mating run, where humans offer themselves to be claimed. He tells himself it's just for one night. Just to feel wanted, even if it's only physical.
He doesn't expect Blake and Luca.
Sworn brothers in arms, the two wolves have shared everything—except a mate. When they both catch Cole's scent, they make a decision that breaks every rule.
They'll share him.
Luca wants to protect him, worship him, prove that Cole deserves gentle hands and patient love. Blake wants to claim him, consume him, prove that beingtoo muchis exactly what he's been starving for.
Together, they want to keep him forever.