Reclaiming Quinn - Parker Williams Page 0,59

could Deke be any less than Quinn?

That night, as Zach and Deke lay in the dark room, Zach reached a hand out and twined their fingers together.

“You know, I’m not usually the one who’s afraid.”

Deke could believe that. Zach was forever prodding the wolves around them, angering them to the point of violence.

“I won’t deny I’m scared. And I hurt. I feel like my skin is being chewed on from the inside.”

That was what Deke had been afraid of. Without proper medical attention, Zach’s bones weren’t knitting properly. It was obvious when he walked, the way his leg bowed whenever he was forced to put weight on it. Zach was strong, but even he had limits.

“We’re going to get you out of here, I swear it.”

Zach chuckled. “I think you’re a great guy, but we both know every day that passes, it’s less likely that anyone is going to find us.”

“I refuse to believe that. My Alpha would never walk away, and my mate? Goddess, Quinn will move heaven and earth to get me back.”

“How can you be so sure?”

There was a quiet desperation in Zach’s voice.

“Because that’s what having a mate means. Neither of us is whole without the other. We just need a break to get them here. Do you have any idea where we are?”

“It’s got to be the outskirts of Chicago. I don’t recognize any landmarks that even give a clue.”

So they were right back where they’d started. How could Quinn find them if there wasn’t anything to base a location on?

Because I can feel you in my heart.

Quinn? If ever a sweeter sound was needed more than at this moment, Deke wouldn’t believe it. Oh, baby. Is that really you?

Deke. A sigh that tickled Deke’s brain. I’ve been trying so hard to reach you.

You’re staying safe, right?

I don’t want to be safe. I want to be with you.

And I want you where I know no one can hurt you.

There was a pause, and then Quinn’s voice was in his head again.

Screw you, asshole.

Deke slapped a hand over his mouth to muffle the laugh. He never thought Quinn would stand up for himself, and now that he had? Oh, Deke wanted a lot more of it.

Quinn….

Don’t you patronize me. I need my mate, you selfish bastard.

The outburst shocked Deke. Do you really think I’m being selfish?

Another few moments of nothing more than the echo of Quinn’s voice before, No, you’re not. I love you because you care. It’s just hard being away from you. I can’t see you or smell you or tell you how much I love you. And I can’t tell you that the Mother came to visit me.

She what? Are you hurt?

No, she would never hurt me. She told me a story of how Lydon came to be, and how she was with me when Ryker and Kristopher were doing… what they did.

Deke clamped down hard on his mind. He didn’t want Quinn to see the ugly thoughts. Of course, he should have known better.

She couldn’t stop them. Mother had no strength left. She’d used it all to help Sean find Gareth so he could become a full Omega. She hoped it would help balance the scales and lead the wolves out of the darkness, me included.

Still unsure of his feelings for the Mother, Deke said nothing. If she helped Quinn, then Deke was grateful.

“Tell your mate I said hello.” Zach grinned. “You should see the soppy look on your face. You’re totally besotted with him.”

And Deke was. He knew that now more than ever.

I need you to do me a favor. Talk to Gareth. Tell him…. Tell him Zach knows about shifters.

A human?

He’s not like most humans. He’s brave, and he’s willing to risk his life to save others. He did it for me.

Deke opened his mind, letting Quinn see Zach the way Deke saw him. He feared Quinn’s reaction to Deke and Zach’s friendship. Would Quinn slide back into doubt about his place in Deke’s life, thinking Zach a better fit?

He’s a good man, and I think he’s right. The two of you will be great friends. I can’t wait to meet him.

Goddess, I love you. I can’t wait to have you in my arms again.

I need to go now. I’m getting a migraine from trying to hold the connection open.

Then go rest. Just know that hearing you has made my day.

I love you. Oh, before I forget, Gareth wants you to try and figure out where you are. He’s got