Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,24

visiting him over winter break anyway. Now I get to see the ocean sooner.”

“Sheila, you’re more than welcome to come visit. To see for yourself I’m taking good care of our girl.”

Stella held back a groan. She didn’t want her mother intruding. Even though Zeke’s brother would also be there, she had a feeling he wouldn’t have a problem giving them their space, unlike her mom who would try to take over.

“You say beach house like it’s not your only home. Do you have more than one house? And what do you do for a living?”

“Mom!” Stella was curious as well, but she had more tact.

“It’s okay,” Zeke said as he sat down in the chair and ran his fingertip across the back of Stella’s hand. It was comforting as well as arousing. Stella was a young woman who had enjoyed sex whenever she was in a relationship, but there had always been something missing. The sex hadn’t been bad with her past partners, but it was nothing like what she read in romance novels. The softest touch from Zeke had her ready to kick her mom out of the room.

“I do have two houses, the other being in Tennessee, but I prefer the one here in California. As for my job, I am a consultant, meaning I work for myself. I am good at investing, and I have enough money saved that if I didn’t want to work anymore, I wouldn’t have to. If Stella wanted to stop teaching and travel the world, I can offer that to her. But more than money, I can offer Stella a life filled with love.”

“But you just met.”

“This is true, and I will take things as slow as Stella needs, but I will do that by her side.”

If Stella had any doubts Zeke was the one for her, he just obliterated them. She felt the sincerity in his words. His honesty, his strength, everything about the gorgeous blond washed over her, and she closed her eyes, knowing he would be there when she woke.

Zeke was thankful when Dr. Crabtree interrupted to check on Stella. Sheila’s whole demeanor changed in the presence of the man. Zeke understood the woman’s disbelief that Zeke and Stella were a done deal. She had no idea of the bond between the two, and it wasn’t something Zeke ever planned on sharing with her. Maybe if he hadn’t dated the woman, if he hadn’t transitioned when Stella was a toddler… No, not even if that weren’t the case. The only ones who needed to know the truth were the Gargoyle and their mate.

“Sheila, could I interest you in a cup of coffee?” Dr. Crabtree had barely stepped foot in the room before he turned his attention to Stella’s mom.

“You could, thank you.” Sheila stood, but before she left with the doctor, she pulled the sheet up higher over Stella’s chest and brushed her hair back. Zeke had no doubt the woman loved her daughter, but it was now Zeke’s responsibility to care for her. Maybe Sheila and the doctor would hit it off, and she would turn her focus on someone other than Stella.

Zeke breathed a sigh of relief as soon as they were out of the room and spent the quiet time studying his mate. The bruises hurt his heart as well as pissed him off. If the police didn’t find the man responsible, Zeke would call on his new friends from the Stone Society. His new Clan. For so many years, Zeke had longed for the closeness he found when spending time with both his family and their mates in Egypt. The males had accepted him, no questions asked. Both Sophia and Tessa were in good hands with their mates.

Cyrus texted when he arrived at the hospital, and Zeke stood to meet him at the door. Cyrus handed him the item, and Zeke admired the purchase, then thanked his brother for retrieving it.

“I’m sorry,” Cyrus whispered, getting a look at Stella’s bruises.

“Hey, none of that.” Zeke squeezed Cyrus’s shoulder. “She’s going to be fine. Here.” Zeke handed his brother the key to the house as well as a piece of paper with the address and alarm code. “Is there anything special you want from the grocery store? I’m going to place an order for delivery to arrive later so you have time to get settled before it arrives.”

“I’m not picky, as long as there’s coffee and sandwich stuff. I am a pretty good cook, and I’ll