in his chest as he closed his eyes and breathed in the scent he’d missed so much. He basked in the feel of his mate all of a few seconds before he opened his eyes. He didn’t deserve it. Kenny needed someone strong, and Morgan was far from that. Fate had made a mistake, Morgan was all too aware of how weak he truly was.
“Here,” Kenny said, swooping in and picking Morgan up.
Morgan’s face was on fire as he turned and buried it against Kenny’s broad chest. Kenny was just too hard to resist, not that Morgan was trying very hard or at all.
“I… um, my legs are fine, you know,” Morgan blubbered out, although he wrapped his arms around Kenny’s neck and held tighter.
“Mm. I do know, but I’ve missed my mate. I don’t think anyone will say anything if I need to hold you.” Kenny’s voice softened. “And I get the feeling you need this just as much as I do.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Morgan let out a contented sigh. He was going to soak it up while it lasted. Because once Kenny found out the truth about everything, he wasn’t going to want to hold Morgan any longer.
What if I just said nothing? Morgan felt dirty at the thought. No matter what happened between them, he needed to come clean about everything and warn the pride of what Morgan had potentially just brought to their front steps.
They made their way to the living room where everyone was gathered. Rhy held a sleeping Samantha in his arms; Morgan wished he’d gotten to hold her one more time before he had to spill his guts to the pride. Ava was in there. Their eyes met for a brief second. She was clean and looked well rested, her bright blue hair braided to the side. She gave him a smile before breaking eye contact. She’d only come to visit him a handful of times in the infirmary room. She had been mostly quiet, but there were times where she’d smile.
Clyde scooted over, making room for Kenny and Morgan to join him on the couch. Kenny didn’t put Morgan down, and to be honest, Morgan was fine with that—in fact, he preferred it. He glanced around the room and was met with encouraging smiles and understanding eyes. Morgan took a deep breath. Kenny kissed his temple.
“You aren’t alone,” Kenny said.
Yeah, for now.
Morgan pushed it to the side. He couldn’t stay selfish.
“I want to first say thank you,” Morgan started.
He couldn’t look at anyone. It was too hard. He was about to admit to a part of himself he’d hoped he would never have to bring up again. “And I want to say sorry. When um—” Shit, it was harder than he thought. “I didn’t know I would meet any of you while out here and get close. And you know I met Kenny, and he’s um, my—’’ Morgan sucked at this. He wasn’t getting to the point. He angrily tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Why the hell can’t I just talk and get everything out there?
Kenny cleared his throat, and Morgan’s face felt on fire. He caught sight of Kash slapping Dezi on the leg.
“Morgan, we are all happy you’re here,” Dezi said. “If you’re ready to talk, then good. If you aren’t, then there is no rush.”
Morgan shook his head. “There is.”
He glanced Ava’s way, and she crouched in on herself. He blew out a tense breath and leaned back against Kenny. Sue him—he needed his mate, to feel close to something that was secure.
“My old pack will come here.” Morgan shook his head. “Well, to town, I mean. They might come here. But they don’t know about any of you.” Morgan sat up, his heart thudding in his chest. The sound of his blood rushing blocked out any other noise.
Kenny pulled Morgan back against him. “Shh. It’s okay.”
Morgan wanted to scream out that it wasn’t okay. He’d put them all in danger. Kash was pregnant, and Dillan and Rhy had a newborn.
He needed to leave.
“Whatever you’re thinking, I’m telling you right now to let it go.” Kenny lowered his voice and got closer to Morgan’s ear. “I will chase you to the end of time if I have to. I will never let you go.”
Morgan closed his eyes and relaxed against his mate. The words were a balm to his frayed nerves.
But would Kenny still be willing to do it once he found out everything?
Morgan wanted to hope.