Page 98 of Reclaiming Quinn

Because you need to learn to play again. C’mon, catch me if you can.

And with that, Deke rushed ahead. When he glanced over his shoulder, he saw Quinn, head tilted as if he was confused. Deke stopped and turned back but was surprised when Quinn put on a burst of speed.

Gotcha now, he cried happily, then charged after Deke.

Deke surged ahead, but Quinn was right behind him. Deke’s heart was full to bursting. The life that Quinn had lost would once again be found. The life that Deke had always tried to find had finally been realized. He was ecstatic, and he knew that from this moment forward, the lives of him and his mate could only get better.

Because now they had a home.

Each other.

LYRAM STOODoutside Caleb’s door. He’d avoided this moment for the past several days, always saying he needed to get the Vampyri set, or he had important work to do. Dani had seen him several times, and she frowned at him. She never came out and called Lyram a coward, but that’s exactly what he was.

“Talk to him. What’s the worst that could happen?” Sean had asked, as he, Gareth, their kids, and the caste of Vampyri got on the plane that would take them to England for a meeting with a small pack there.

“Easy. He could hate me. He could tell me to stay away from him.” And Lyram would. If Caleb insisted, Lyram would never come near him again.

“That won’t happen. Caleb cares for you. He….” Sean sighed. “When I was resting before the babies were born, Caleb and I sort of talked. Well, mostly I talked, and he scribbled notes to me. He’s scared and confused, but he doesn’t hate you. He never has, and I honestly doubt there’s any reason for it now.”

In Lyram’s mind, however, there was plenty of reason. While it saved Caleb’s life, he’d violated him on a primal level. He’d taken away Caleb’s choice by forcing the shift on him. Though Dani had said Caleb was just confused, for his part, Lyram had an overwhelming sense of guilt.

“You have to do it sometime, Alpha.” He turned to find Dani there, cup of tea in her hand, smiling at him. “Caleb’s been trying to get your attention since you got back.”

“I know.” And it was true, he did. But he’d studiously ignored his mate, although each time it felt like a knife twisted in his heart. “I just….”

“Alpha…. Lyram. What are you so worried about?”

He hung his head. He couldn’t stand to see censure in Dani’s expression, especially since Caleb was her son. “I don’t want to hurt him. Not again.”

“It’s bound to happen. We always do something that will hurt those we love. It won’t be intentional, of course, but it will happen. Our feelings are easily bruised, but the two of you will work through anything the future will hold for you. I can pretty much promise you this.” She nudged him with her elbow. “Stand up and show him you’re ready to claim him. Let him know he’s loved. I’m going to bed. Maybe now is the time to man up, don’t you think?”

She patted Lyram on the back, then made her way down the hall toward her room. She was right. Lyram was an Alpha, for Goddess’s sake. But he also had a mate who needed him. Though he tried, Lyram couldn’t still his shaky hand as he knocked on Caleb’s door. Lyram swallowed hard, then took a deep breath. Three quick raps sounded too loud in the hallway, but he’d finally done it.

“Caleb, it’s Lyram. Can we talk?”