Page 43 of Mating Chaos

“Thank you for telling me.” He tilted his face up, finding his mate’s mouth for a kiss that tasted like gratitude and promise. “For not just deciding for me.”

“Always your choice,” Colton murmured against his lips.

Whatever he needed. After years of Craig taking every choice away, of living in fear of the next attack, having someone who actually meant those words felt like learning to breathe all over again.

Maybe he’d call Flynn tomorrow. Maybe next week. Maybe never. But for now, wrapped in Colton’s arms with morning light painting everything gold, Zack let himself rest in the knowledge that whatever he decided, he wouldn’t be facing it alone.

Flynn Dunkin could wait. Right now, Zack had everything that mattered right here. Safety, love, and the promise of tomorrows that belonged to him instead of his demons.

His fingers traced the bite on his shoulder, feeling the slight raise of healing skin. Not magic, but something deeper. A promise written in flesh that said you’re mine and I’m yours.

Tomorrow would bring decisions about Flynn, about family he’d never known existed. Tomorrow would bring questions and maybe answers he wasn’t ready to hear. But tomorrow could wait.

Today, he had Colton’s heartbeat against his ear and strong arms that had already proven they’d protect him from anything, even ghosts wearing his father’s last name.

THE END