Page 75 of Destined Paranormals: Volume One

“Yes, this and these coats. We should take them as well. They’re too small for you, unfortunately, but I’d like to go ahead and take them. All of the house things were already here. The pans, dishes, most of the furniture. The house is fully furnished for a reason, and I don’t want to ask you to send my brother’s or sister’s things yet because I’m not sure where they are or if they have anything with them.”

“Fair enough. Then on that matter, why don’t we take your vehicle to the parking lot, and after we park it there, we can find our way back to the house and figure out what to do until we go to the solstice festival this evening.”

I nodded in agreement. I wasn’t so sure about the festival, but if he wanted to go, I’d go. He had most likely never experienced something like that in his realm, and I wanted him to experience and enjoy everything that we could offer here. I already felt as if he was getting the shorter end of things by having me for a mate. Especially since he was completely inexperienced in all things, and I was…well, me. I’d been through some things, and they weren’t pretty at all.

“You’re doing it again.”

I looked up at Monroe. “What?”

He shrugged. “I’m not sure, but you’re thinking about something not pleasant.”

I sighed. It was going to take a whole lot of getting used to. Having someone with magical powers in your life certainly had perks. But there were drawbacks as well.

“I don’t really mean to. My mind just goes to not-so-wonderful places sometimes still. I was doing better, but with everything going on with my sister, it’s been a lot of stress, and my mind has started wandering back there again.”

Monroe reached out slowly, running his fingers through the side of my hair. He leaned down, and I thought for sure he was finally going to kiss me, but instead, his lips touched my forehead. He then leaned his against mine and closed his eyes with a big sigh. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it always. We’re a team now. I’ll help with your siblings, and hopefully, you’ll help with mine. I’m not going to ask you to take over their care, but maybe help me out in a bind.”

I moved my head, breaking the contact. “We can talk about it once we’re back at the other house, but you have to remember what you’re saying. If we’re a team, and I’m going to essentially be their other parent, then I get to help out with them. It’s not going to be without some hiccups at first because I have pretty much zero experience with kids as young as Maelie. But I’m wanting to try. If that’s not something you can accept though, then maybe we should hold off on us.”

Monroe flinched, but his face said nothing.

“I just don’t want you to feel pressured.”

I grinned at him. “I don’t. I mean, even they seemed excited about getting another daddy. So we’re going to be one of those rare paranormal couples that starts life with a ready-made family. We’ll work it out, as a team.”

“As a team,” Monroe echoed.

“Good. Now that that’s settled, let’s get back to the house. I’m not sure how long we’ll have until our siblings are joining us, but we really need to get busy working on figuring out our mating and how we’re going to do that.”

I started toward the door, and Monroe stopped me with a hand on my arm. I looked at my mate and found him staring at me with a sad look on his face.

“I don’t want it to be a chore, Oscar. Nor do I wish for you to feel that it’s some sort of business transaction. I understand our circumstances aren’t ideal, but I hope you can grow to care for me someday. I will wait until such a time, and when it happens, it does. All right?”

I was at a loss for words. Did he not want to claim me? Did he not wish to be mated soon? I was struggling to get the guy to kiss me, so I knew there was no way I could get him to claim me unless it was his idea.

“All right. I apologize if I made you feel that way. Things are different for shifters. We have an animal half that tells us who our mate is. They’re ready to join our lives almost immediately. From the time we start shifting, it’s ingrained into us that we should always trust in our animal. They know what’s best for us. Mine is saying you are what’s best for me. I’m ready whenever you are. So we’ll go at your pace, Monroe. Not mine. The ball is in your court.” I didn’t know how else to say it. We would be waiting on my mate, the sire of my future children. When he was ready, he could claim me. Then we would truly be a team. Monroe seemed a little lost for words. I moved again, this time getting around him and to the door. “Let’s go back to the mountain. I’m sure we can find something to do with our time until this evening.”

I opened the door and waited for Monroe. After a moment, he nodded and walked out. I gave the house one last look, wondering if I’d return or not. Sure, my siblings were still here, but Alpha Forest had said they would be looked after. They weren’t moving to the mountain yet, and I had no way of knowing when they would be joining us. I only hoped that when they did, things were much happier.

Chapter 7

Monroe

One could say that a positive about living on Treasure Ridge was that I would be close to work. Another positive was that it was where the winter solstice festival had been moved. It was within walking distance of all of the houses here on Treasure Ridge, including ours. It was being held in an open meadow behind the council building, and by the time Oscar and I made our way there, the celebration seemed to be in full swing.

“Do you know any of these people?” I asked as we joined the others. The ground was cleared from the snow, something that I was certain was magical since not only could I still feel the magic, but there were several inches of snow everywhere else.

“Possibly. I know a few people in the council, but I haven’t really had a lot of time to hang out with them.”

I brought Oscar’s hand to my mouth and kissed it through the glove he was wearing before I gave it a gentle squeeze. “Then let’s go see if we can find them. If not, then maybe we can make some new friends.” I pulled Oscar along with me, wondering who everyone was and if I’d ever get to know them.

“Are you cold?” Oscar asked. “Would you like some hot eggnog or maybe a hot tea?” Oscar pointed to a brightly lit tent that appeared to be a concession tent of sorts.

“If you would like something to drink, then we most certainly will go and join in the festivities.”

“I was asking you. You’re the one I’m worried about being cold.”

I leaned down and kissed Oscar on the forehead again. His lips were so very tempting, but I knew I certainly wanted our first-ever real kiss to be a bit more private because I was certain I wasn’t going to be all that great at it.