"What are you going to do to her?" Fury asked.
Ash folded his arms over his chest as he turned around to face them. "What's the one thing your father has always publicly said he'd give anything for?"
Vane's jaw went slack. "To have his mate back. But that was only a lie he told so that the pack would feel sorry for him."
"Well," Ash drawled. "You should be careful what you wish for. You just might get it."
Vane whistled low. "Remind me to never piss you off."
"You're not really going to put the two of them together, are you?" Bride asked.
Ash shrugged. "They were fated to be together and it's time that they dealt with each other. Whatever happens between them though is their business."
"What do I owe you for this favor?" Vane asked.
"It's gratis. When you helped Talon out, you paid a higher price than anyone should ever have to. Consider this a wedding present from me and Simi.
Neither your mother nor your father will ever again threaten you or your children."
"Are you predicting the future, Acheron?" Nicolette asked.
"Not exactly. I'm not telling them what will happen. Only what won't."
"Thanks, Ash," Vane said.
"Since you're in a giving mood," Fury said from the doorway, "want to tell me who my mate is?"
Ash gave him a roguish half-smile. "It's up to you to find her."
"Yeah, but"
"Hang it up, wolf," Colt said, clapping him on the back. "The great Acheron isn't going to answer that."
"Ah man, this is going to drive me crazy. You know I've met thousands of women in my lifetime, right?"
"Yes," Ash said, "but you haven't slept with them all."
Fury looked like he was in pain.
Vane came forward and pulled Bride into his arms. "Thank you," he said, hugging her close. "When Kyle told me my mother was up here with you"
She wrapped her arms around his neck and let the love she felt for him wash over her. "I wasn't about to let her hurt you."
Ash shooed everyone out of the room so that they could kiss in private.
After a few minutes, Vane flashed them from Carson's office, back to Sanctuary.
Stefan was sitting up in a chair, looking a bit dazed and still bleeding.
The poor wolf. But he would live.
Someone started playing "Sweet Home Alabama."
"You're too late," Colt shouted. "We already know Ash is here."
"So," Ash said, strolling over to Vane and Bride. "Who are you going to support to take over your pack?"
"Not my concern. I was exiled."