Skye’s Limits (11 page)

Once Alden got home and cleaned up, he went to Branson’s to meet Skye, so they could talk to his brother. While Alden wasn’t looking forward to the conversation, he knew it was one that had to be faced if he was to have Skye as his mate and living with him.

Alden had dressed his best. While Branson might be blind, that didn’t mean he didn’t deserve to have all his due respect. Alden didn’t realize how nervous he was until he noticed his hands were shaking when he knocked on the door.

Skye answered it. He was smiling, so that was a good sign. Or at least Alden hoped so. With Skye’s family, things could take a bad turn quickly. If there was anything that Alden had learned about them, it was that.

“Are you ready for this?” Skye asked.

“Yeah, is Branson in a good mood?” Alden asked.

“He’s still feeling really bad about how he treated me the other night, so I think we’re hitting him at a good time.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Come in.”

Alden walked into an apartment that was much like his but with a much homier feel to it. There were various artifacts lying about, and the couches looked worn and used. A large screen TV sat in the living room. It was on, but the volume was set to low.

Branson and Gage were in the kitchen, but Branson turned his head as soon as Alden and Skye walked in. “Alden, what are you doing here?”

The question was one of curiosity, not out of hostility, so they were off to a good start. Alden let out a small sigh and rubbed his hands on his jeans. He knew the next few minutes were going to be the most important ones in his life. While Skye was going to be leaving with him either way, Alden didn’t want it to be on bad terms. He knew how much Skye looked up to his older brother, and he wanted them to be able to continue to have a good relationship.

“Skye and I need to talk to you about something,” Alden said.

Branson let out a deep sigh. “I kind of figured this would be coming.”

Alden cocked his head to the side. “You did?”

“Yeah, ever since he came home reeking of your scent. Right now, you smell like him. It’s obvious you two have mated. I just have one question for you.”

“What’s that?” Alden asked.

He and Skye exchanged looks. This was too easy. There had to be a catch somewhere.

“Do you love him?” Branson asked.

Alden didn’t hesitate a beat. “With all my heart.”

“That’s all I needed to hear. So when is Skye leaving?”

“I was hoping that he could move in as soon as possible if that’s okay with you,” Alden ventured.

“Damn it, I hate to see Skye go. I’m going to miss him, but you were right the other day. He is a grown man, and I need to let him go.” Branson turned to Skye and put a hand on his shoulder. “Is this what you want?”

Skye looked up at his brother. “Yes, I do. I’m going to miss you and Gage, but it’s not like we’re going to be that far away. Alden means everything to me. I love him and want to be with him.”

“Then go be with him. But don’t forget about me, okay?”

Skye let out a soft laugh. “Like I could ever forget about you. You’re my big brother. Plus, I’m still going to see Gage every day at training. I’m sure he’ll make sure to drag my ass back here from time to time.”

“You better believe it,” Gage piped in.

“Well, we can’t have you guys packing on an empty stomach. Alden, join us for dinner. You’re family now, so it’s only fitting that you eat with us,” Branson said.

As they sat down together to eat, Alden realized that he did have a family now. He was no longer alone, and it was all thanks to his mate. Turning to Skye, Alden mouthed,
I love you.
Skye gave that adorable smile of his before he mouthed,
I loved you, too.

It then dawned on Alden that, while he had taught Skye so much, Skye had also taught him something: that there was still happiness and love in the world. And for that, Alden would forever be grateful.

Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book.

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