Page 75 of Reclaiming Quinn

Oh no, love. It’s never going to be simple. My world is complicated, and without me to guide it as I should, I need those who are strong enough to stand their ground for me and for our wolves. Will that be you?

I want to, but Deke….

Deke needs you whole, Quinn. His life depends on it.

What do you mean?

Your wolf can find Deke, no matter where he is. The choice is yours, though. Because as I’ve said, the road will not always be easy.

But Deke will be with me.

Yes. He’s your mate. He will always stand with you, if you allow him.

Quinn wanted nothing more, but he’d been hurt so much already. Could he handle any more? Yes, with Deke, Sean, Gareth, and everyone else with him, he could take whatever life would throw at him and he would come out stronger.

Yes, I want my wolf!

Then claim him! Do it now!

Quinn peered into the eyes he’d stared out of years ago. The ones that saw a world filled with color and vibrancy.

I want you, wolf. I’ve always wanted you, but I was afraid. Please forgive me.

The wolf shimmered; then it began to fade away.

No! I claimed him. Please, Mother, don’t let him leave.

He isn’t, Quinn. He’s returning to where he was always meant to be.

When the wolf faded from view completely, strength surged through Quinn. He was the wolf, and the wolf was him. With the bond reforged, Quinn could sense Deke clearly. He snapped his eyes open.

“I know where they are.”

“How?”

In answer, Quinn stood and reached deep within himself, calling to his wolf. It roared up and out, his need for Deke speeding the change to less than a heartbeat. He could sense Deke, his fear, his resolve. Quinn moved for the door, determined to get to his mate.

“Lyram, pick him up. Rupert, let’s go. Sean—”

“If you think I’m staying here, you’re nuts.”

Gareth winced. “I was going to ask you to do your best to stay out of trouble.”

“Yeah, good luck with that too.”

They headed out the door and down to the elevator. It was empty when they got on, and stopped only once as it descended. A woman stood there, her mouth open.

“I’ll… take the next one,” she squeaked.

“Good choice,” Gareth rumbled, stabbing at the Close button.

“Sorry about that,” Sean called as the door shut.

When they hurried through the lobby, people stared, but Quinn didn’t care. For the first time in years, everything was clear in his mind, and he wouldn’t be deterred from getting to Deke. Quinn was done hiding from the world.

Now it was time to save his.