Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,25

gladly take over that duty while I’m visiting so you can focus on your mate.”

“And I’ll gladly take you up on that, but don’t feel obligated. I want you to enjoy your stay.”

“Oh, I plan on it. Like I said, I’ve never even seen the ocean, so this is going to be like a vacation. Now, I’m going to hit the road. I can’t wait to stick my toes in the sand.”

“Don’t expect to get a tan. The weather is chilly this time of year. Then again, you’re used to Montana.”

“True. Still, I’m excited. Thank you, Zeke. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Cyrus pulled Zeke in for a hug, and Zeke welcomed it. He was excited too, but it was for his future. He had not only found his mate, but Zeke felt as though he and Cyrus would become close. He looked forward to getting to know his brother, and when the time came, helping him through his transition.

Sheila returned from her coffee break with the doctor, and her mood was different. She didn’t argue with Zeke. In fact, she offered to go to Stella’s house and pack a bag for the upcoming week. While she was gone, Zeke made some calls. After finding Stella’s car, he made arrangements to have it towed to a body shop. He planned on buying her a new vehicle, but in the meantime, he would have her old one fixed.

When she woke from her nap, Stella felt well enough to eat. She had missed lunch, and Zeke was glad to see his mate polish off her supper. Other than the bruises, her color was returning, and her eyes held more life than earlier. Her smile… gods, her smile was everything. Zeke never wanted it to diminish, so he hoped the gift he had would help keep it there.

“I have a gift for you.” He picked up her left hand and slid the ring on her finger. After telling Connie he had a ring, Zeke got online and found the perfect one, then had Cyrus pick it up. He wasn’t sure of the size, but it was close if maybe a little loose. “This isn’t a proper proposal. Yet. It is a promise. A vow to get to know one another. A vow to take care of you until you are sure I’m the male for you. I will give you as long as you need, but until then, I’ll be by your side, doing everything in my power to make you happy.”

“Zeke,” Stella whispered. “It’s perfect.” Her eyes filled with tears, and Zeke brushed them off her cheeks before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Being this close to her had his beast itching to claim her, but Zeke pushed back, shutting that shit down. They had waited thirty years for their mate, and another few days wouldn’t hurt. He promised to give her all the time she needed, but having been around others who found their mates, Zeke knew she was feeling the bond, and after he told her the truth, it wouldn’t take long until she agreed to the bite.

Stella was released the next morning, and Zeke was ready to get her home. Sheila surprised them both when she said she was going to work instead of seeing Stella off. The woman was upset even if she pretended she wasn’t. She had gushed over the stunning ring on her daughter’s finger, but the words had been nothing more than lip service. If Stella recognized her mother’s lies, she didn’t let on. Zeke would prove by his actions he was the male for her daughter. Not that her opinion made that much of a difference. He had his own parent – Jonas – who he no longer felt the need to appease. Caroline was a different story. Zeke loved his mother beyond measure.

Zeke had a rental car delivered to the hospital. Once he got Stella home and settled, he would see about retrieving his own car from the airport. Zeke called Officer Dowd to inform her he was taking Stella to New Oceanside, and she promised to keep them apprised of the case. Bradley hadn’t returned, but Zeke didn’t see the male forgetting about Stella just because Zeke was in the picture.

It was after noon when they arrived at the beach house, and Cyrus greeted them with a smile. He held the door open as Zeke carried Stella inside. “Stella, this is my brother Cyrus. Cyrus, this is