Sean’s heart and he gave Declan a tiny nod to which Declan smiled. “See? That’s my beautiful mate.”
Sean could feel his face heat up and he knew he had to be blushing at Declan’s words. “I’m not,” he murmured.
“Not what?” Declan asked. “Beautiful?”
Sean nodded.
Declan scowled without heat at him. “Don’t ever think that, Sean. You are the most beautiful, sexy, amazingly strong person I have ever met.”
The sincerity in Declan’s voice spoke to Sean’s heart and he caught his breath. He’d felt a hard tug in the depths of his heart. Warmth settled into his chest, a strangeness he’d never experienced before.
“Everything all right, baby?” Declan’s voice rumbled beneath Sean’s ear.
Sniffling, Sean replied, “Yeah.”
Declan tightened his hold for a split second and then said, “Let’s go take a walk. Get some fresh air and I’m sure you could use the chance to stretch your legs.”
“Okay.”
They both stood from the sofa and Sean allowed Declan to lead him out of the office, down the hallway, and through the front door. A light breeze drifted along Sean’s skin and ruffled his hair as they walked. Sean noticed several other people watching them as they walked, curiosity on their faces. “They’re curious about you. They now know you’re my mate.”
“Oh,” Sean whispered. He didn’t know if he should feel uncomfortable about the scrutiny or just enjoy the time outside in the sunlight.
Declan wrapped his arm around Sean’s shoulders and pulled him close to his side. “They’re going to love you, Sean. You don’t have to be worried.”
Doubt shrouded Sean, but he figured he’d trust Declan to know what is best so he brushed away his uncertainty and leaned into Declan. Sean could see the place was laid out like a little town. “You said there were a little over two hundred who live here?”
“Yes. Just over.”
“That’s a lot, isn’t it?”
“It’s actually a low number for most clans,” Declan replied. “We’ve built our numbers quite significantly over the last thirty years, but many packs outnumber us two-to-one.”
“Do you think my pa-parents are in a nearby pack?” Sean asked.
“It’s possible. There are several spread out over a three-hundred-mile radius from here.”
Sean bit his lip at the possibility of having a family. What would they look like? Would they even recognize him or want him after all these years?
Declan stopped walking and tugged Sean close. “Your family is going to love you, Sean. I’m sure they have missed you all these years.”
“You think so?” Sean whispered.
“I know so.”
“Alpha Declan!”
Sean started and peered around Declan’s shoulder. Cameron rushed toward them. Declan turned to greet the doctor. “Cam, everything okay?”
“Yes. I was able to secure a spot at the hospital to run the tests we spoke of.”
“Great news, Cam. When?”
“This afternoon at three.”
Declan frowned. “Sooner than I expected.”
“It’s either at three today or there isn’t space for another month.” Cameron glanced at Sean. “I also wanted to ask if there’s been any information regarding what we talked about.”
“Not yet, Cam.” Declan growled at Cameron, surprising Sean. “Too much has gone on for me to ask those questions yet.”
Cameron stepped back and tilted his neck toward Declan. “Of course, Alpha. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just anxious to get the answers for so many others.”
Declan sighed. “I understand, Cam. I just need you to bear with me. I cannot help my protective instincts.”
“Completely understood. I’ll be at the hospital waiting for you at 3 p.m. It will take about thirty minutes to get into the city.”
“We’ll see you then,” Declan replied.
Sean looked at Declan as Cameron walked away. “What was it he wanted to know the answer to?”
Declan grimaced. “I’d rather we head back to the house before we talk about that.”
Wariness hit Sean hard. “Okay.”
The peacefulness of the sun and fresh air evaporated and they were both quiet on the return trip to Declan’s study. They stopped just inside the door as Declan beckoned Victor to follow them. Victor seemed to sense something serious happening and trailed behind them in silence. Sean couldn’t help but get nervous about whatever seemed to be going on. Victor sat at the desk while Sean sat on the sofa.
Declan seemed hesitant to start and Sean watched the large shifter prowl the office for several moments before Declan came and sat beside him. He took Sean’s hand in his and caught Sean’s gaze. “I need you to know I wouldn’t ask this of you if it weren’t important.”
“O-okay,” Sean murmured, uneasy.
“I need to know about the graves, baby.”
14
Declan
Declan watched Sean’s face closely