why you’re staying. I would never forgive myself if someone got hurt because you left.
The fact Quinn didn’t say to Deke what he’d heard for years warmed him. You think I’m capable?
You are, without a doubt, the most capable man I know. There is nothing that you can’t do if you put your mind to it. It’s part of why I love you.
I’m going to make it home to you, Quinn. I just… I can’t leave them like this. There’s a little girl, and—
Don’t do that to yourself. You do what you need to. I’ll talk to Gareth and let him know what’s going on. I’m going to try to be in your head a lot from now on.
Deke could almost “hear” the smirk. You’re my mate. There’s no one I’d rather have in my mind.
I’m your mate. I love you. Deke? Quinn sounded tired, his thoughts strained. I’m not sure how much longer I can…. Can you hear—
And with that, Quinn was gone. Still, that brief conversation meant the world to Deke and gave him hope that he would be together with Quinn again soon.
“What are you sighing about?” Zach grumbled.
“Just thinking about someone important.”
“Oh?” Zach struggled to sit up. Deke put a hand on his back and helped him. “Do tell. It’s not like we’re getting back to sleep.”
Though he knew he shouldn’t, Deke wanted to talk about Quinn in the worst way. The conversation he’d just had wasn’t enough, not by a long shot. Hell, Deke couldn’t see their lifetime being long enough.
“He’s my everything. I didn’t know what love was until I met him. He smiles and my heart melts. When he’s sad or hurting, my throat and stomach burn. I want to stand between him and the world, to tell it to fuck off. I’ve never felt like this before.”
Zach sighed. “Sounds great. My last relationship lasted sixteen days and ended when I found out my boyfriend wasn’t as monogamous as he’d made out to be. In fact, he was seeing three other guys at the same time.” He lifted his good shoulder. “If he had told me he wanted an open relationship, maybe we could have worked something out.”
“You sound doubtful.”
Another deep sigh, this one sadder and more wistful. “I am, I guess. I mean, I want one person who loves me for who I am. Who can see past the cop to the guy beneath. I’d like to think I’m not a bad catch. I mean, I’m the one who brings gifts just because I saw something I thought would make him smile. I enjoy bringing flowers and chocolates, because I know that’ll make his day. The guy who loves sitting on the beach and watching the sun rise or going out to a fancy restaurant for dinner. I’m all about the romance, and I thought he was too. I want to be a one-man kinda guy. Maybe I want too much.”
There was such longing in Zach’s voice. Deke reached out and took his hand, gave it a squeeze. “No, never settle. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there is someone out there for everyone. You just need to find that person who completes you.”
“You sound like me.”
Deke chuckled. “I wasn’t always. I figured that if I found someone who could see past my legs, I’d be happy. I was surprised by how many people took one look at the chair and pigeonholed me as being too weak or too infirm to be in a relationship. I fought for respect at every turn. When I met my… guy, he saw me. He treated me with respect. He wasn’t always so open, though. He had a lot of bad shit happen in his life, and it seems he’s finally coming to terms with it. Oh, I know there’ll be days when he needs me to reassure him, but you know what? I’m more than willing to be that guy for him, because I’m sure if I ever have one of my moods, he’ll be there for me.”
A quiet chuckle. “Is it wrong I’m jealous?”
“You shouldn’t be.” Deke hadn’t known wolves had mates. Maybe humans were the same. Even though they hadn’t spent much time together, Deke thought Zach seemed like a decent enough guy. “Sometimes you have to kiss more than your share of frogs before you find a prince.”
That set Zach to harsh, barking laughter. “Oh my… goodness, now you sound like a Hallmark card.”
Before Deke could reply, the door swung