Phoenix Reborn (Alpha Pack, #7.5)(27)

“He was scared. I get that, and I don’t hold it against you anymore.”

She nodded. “Thank you. For the record, he told me the day before you were kidnapped that he was done with the drug trial.”

Noah’s throat closed with a wave of emotion. “Really?”

“Yes. He wanted to quit, for you.”

“But at the barbeque . . . why did he throw it in my face if he’d already decided to quit?”

“I think he was lashing out. His fear got the best of him, and I know he regretted it immediately.”

Thinking back, Noah could see that. He nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” Stepping forward, he gave her a quick hug. “Anyway, no hard feelings now. Remember that.”

Giving her a wan smile, he started around her. She grabbed his arm.

“Noah. Are you going to be all right? Really?”

“Yeah. I really am.”

Something in his eyes must’ve convinced her, because she let him go. If only she knew.

In minutes he was strolling down his favorite trail, remembering when he and Nix came this way together. He’d loved watching his wolf run and play. Wrestling with him.

He’d loved making love with his mate by the creek.

I loved that, too. Wait for me, please!

“Going nuts,” he muttered, and kept walking.

Finally, he reached the secluded spot by the creek. It was as beautiful as he remembered, but there was no beauty to be found anywhere without his mate to be his rock. His light. The gun was heavy in his hand as he pulled it from his waistband.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there before he had the courage to put the muzzle against his temple. Closed his eyes. One squeeze, and he’d stop seeing the love of his life being consumed by the flames.

Baby, wait for me.

*

Nix’s wolf ran, heartbeat a frantic drum in his chest.

He couldn’t lose his mate. Not now. Not after he’d been in agony all these months, lying in the ashes that had consumed him. Healing slowly and painfully.

Their bond was reawakening, but Noah, in his grief, couldn’t sense the rebirth. Through that bond Nix read his emotions, his horrible intentions, as clear as day.

His beloved angel was planning to end his life.

Noah, stop! he shouted through their bond. Wait for me!

But they’d never taken the final step, and Nix hadn’t claimed him, so Noah couldn’t hear him as clearly as he should. His poor mate thought he was hearing things.

Put the gun down! I’m coming!

Just a little farther. He had to make it in time.

Finally he burst into the clearing, where the sight of his mate kneeling beside the creek nearly stopped his heart.

Halting, he shifted back to human form and eased forward slowly. “Noah.”

No response. “Noah, baby. Put the gun down, please.”

One slip of his mate’s finger, and it was over. They’d be lost to each other forever.

No. He was not going to lose Noah.

*

“Noah.”

At first, he thought he was dreaming.

“Noah, baby,” a soft voice whispered. “Put the gun down, please.”

Blinking, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Nix?”

“Didn’t I tell you to believe in me? In us? You promised.” His mate’s sexy smile was his undoing.

“You’re here? Oh, God.” The gun fell from his grasp to the soft earth.

Noah’s face crumpled, and the tears he’d believed to be gone returned full force. But this time he was wrapped in his mate’s arms as they cried together. “How?”

“I needed time to heal, honey. I was literally buried in the ashes of the old house, and the process was painfully slow. It really was like the old witch said, a phoenix rising from the ashes to be reborn. I’m sorry it took so long.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.” He pulled back, staring at his mate in wonder. “I’m so sorry for doubting—”

“No, I’m sorry for treating you like shit that day at the barbeque. I was scared, but that’s no excuse. Can you ever forgive me?”

Noah’s laugh escaped as a sob. “Of course I do. Just don’t leave me again, ever.”

“Never.”

Nix pushed the gun a good distance away, and gently stripped his mate. There was no need for words this time, no question that he would make Noah his now, for keeps.

As Nix pressed him into the ground, covering him with his body, Noah clung to him and breathed in his scent. Felt his warmth. His mate was really alive, really here. All his.

He groaned in pleasure as Nix’s length entered him with care. He worked his way deep, making love to Noah, slow and easy. Then increasing in tempo until their passion carried them over the edge.

Just as they climaxed, Noah tilted his head to the side. This time, his mate wasted no time taking him up on the invitation. He cried out as Nix’s fangs clamped down on the tender spot, marking him. His. At last. I belong to Nix.

Yes, you do.

The golden thread that had always been there came back to life, hummed in vitality. Strengthened and snapped into place with a burst of brilliant light. A second orgasm rocked them, and Noah cried out again, his joy complete.

“Thank God you came home when you did.”