Voiceless - M. Sinclair Page 0,39

specialty dance floors filled the studio and new mirrors glinted without any of the dust or fade from before. A large music system and storage had been added on the far wall, the piano cleaned off and newly tuned.

If she was to follow the hall, she’d find a locker room for the dancers, a full office, and a bathroom suite. Instead, she stood looking around the space, no doubt trying out how to ask who bought it without sounding upset. I felt bad about holding her in suspense but I had a feeling that Hunter wanted to be the one to tell her.

After a moment, she turned towards us and I felt a surge of magic connect the four of us, opening up a channel of communication. “Who bought it?”

“We did,” Hunter admitted and then stepped forward grasping her jaw lightly. “Well, you did technically, you just need to sign the final papers and it's yours.”

Surprise colored her dark eyes as she arched a brow. “What? Hunter, what are you talking about?”

My wolf let out a rumble at our distance from her but I tucked my hands into my jeans knowing that I would probably mess up explaining this to her somehow. I could tell our mate didn’t like to be just handed things, so I felt like there was a certain way to handle this situation without causing her to instantly reject it out of guilt. Someone in her life had made her feel guilty about ever wanting anything for herself, and I wanted to erase that thought process as fast as fucking possible. She could have whatever she wanted, all she had to do was ask.

“When we showed you around town that first day,” I explained when Hunter hesitated, “you seemed to absolutely love this place. So the bank offered a deal to us and if you sign for it, you will own the studio.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement as I realized it may not be as difficult as I assumed. It also confirmed my thoughts that she really fucking wanted this. I loved the idea of her being able to be part of something that she took so much joy from.

She followed it up with a small frown. “Wait, I know literally nothing about running a studio. I have never even had a job outside of helping with Bunny Bites for two days.”

“You’re great with numbers,” Luca pointed out seriously as she nibbled her lip listening to him for what I imagined was some way for her to rationalize this opportunity she wanted so bad. If my presumptions were correct and Colette hadn’t been allowed many things in her life that she enjoyed, this idea was probably terrifying and exciting at the same time to her.

“Lena hasn’t stopped talking about how fantastic you were at organizing her books. Plus, you can teach, which is what’s really needed for a studio. We can always hire other people for the boring shit.” Luca’s point was a valid one. It was a small town and people were always looking for work.

She exhaled looking around, clearly still undecided. “I’m not sure I could ever pay you back, I mean this is a huge deal, buying me a business--”

“You’re our mate, Colette,” I assured her softly as she blushed, meeting my gaze, “anything that makes you this happy, fucking thrills us. Plus, think of us as business partners, we want to do this with you, baby. I mean I know jack shit about dance but I’m sure I can help somehow.”

Her gaze flickered between us and tears welled in her eyes, a beautiful smile breaking out on her pink lips. A surge of affection and love rolled through me as I tugged her into my arms. Done being patient. It felt impossible to feel so strongly about her, but I did. I felt like my heart was being hit by lightning, a high coursing through my veins.

“Thank you so, so much.” She nuzzled into my neck as Hunter kissed the top of her head.

Luca tugged her away gently and kissed her cheeks where happy tears streaked her skin.

Hunter began explaining more about the building as she relaxed between the three of us, but I was distracted by everything Colette, so I didn’t hear a fucking word. Her smile was gorgeous and the excitement in her gaze was exhilarating. I could feel the bond between the four of us fueling a contentment I’d never felt before and that was saying