Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(73)

Thank you, love.

He winked and disappeared around the corner. Heart aching with love, she went to Nick. Touched his arm. There were only two things she needed to say, and her father needed to hear them.

“I forgive you, Daddy,” she said quietly. “And I love you.”

For a few seconds, he hung his head. And then he pulled her into his arms with a choked sob and held on as though he’d never let go. She relished being in her dad’s strong embrace, let his love surround and fill her. Until this moment, there had been a piece of her soul missing.

Now it had been returned.

“I love you too, baby girl. So damned much.” They clung together for a few more moments, until he kissed her on top of the head and set her back from him, giving her a watery smile.

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

“I will.” He touched her hair. “I’ve got you and the Pack in the meantime to get me through. I’ll be okay.”

“And Damien, too. You’ve got him.”

“We’ll see.”

It was as much as he’d admit for the time being, and that was fine with her. He’d opened the door and that would have to be enough.

“Come on.” She took his arm. “Let’s go find the party.”

“Sounds good.”

Zan led Damien and the glowering Tag to the area where the burgers and hot dogs were being served and introduced them around. The intros were met with open curiosity, but he was glad the Pack and their mates were welcoming. He got a plate for himself and assembled a towering burger, trying not to smirk as Tag spoke.

“Selene has been my friend since we were pups. If you hurt her, I’ll become your worst nightmare.”

Unconcerned, Zan took a huge bite of his burger, chewed and swallowed. Then he said, “I think you wanted to be more than friends. Am I right?”

“That doesn’t matter now.”

“You’re right. It doesn’t.” He let some steel creep into his tone. “I’ll take good care of my mate—don’t you worry. You want to remain friends with Selene, and that’s fine. But if you cross the line, I’ll teach you what the word ‘nightmare’ really means.”

“Fair enough.” The big man smiled, and Zan had the feeling he’d somehow won the guy over.

Born shifters were weird.

It was a relief to see his mate rounding the corner with Nick. The pair was arm in arm, and the stress around Nick’s mouth seemed less. He looked more at peace than he had in days.

Nick kissed his daughter, then made for the burger station. Spotting Zan, she made a beeline for him, lips curved in a soft smile.

“How’s Nick?” he asked when she walked up.

“Better, I hope. I’m so worried about him, though.”

“I know you are, baby. Why don’t you get some food and let’s go back to our blanket.”

He waited as she made a plate for herself, and then they walked together back to their spot. He held her plate as she sat, then placed them on the blanket before taking a seat beside her. He tucked her into his side. That felt good. He and his wolf approved.

For a time they simply enjoyed each other’s company and finished their food, watching the party in progress. Across the way, Damien approached Nick and made an attempt at conversation, though Zan could tell from here it was tense at best.

“They’ll make it,” he said to his mate. “Wait and see.”

“I hope so. I love them both.” She turned to him, vivid blue eyes sparkling. “Almost as much as I love you.”

“Oh, my mate wants something,” he teased. “What could it be?”

“Hmm, I don’t know.” She pretended to think. “You, sprawled out naked on our bed?”

His c**k stirred to life, suddenly taking an interest in the conversation. “That, my beautiful mate, can be arranged.”

“Now?”

“Oh, yes. Right now.”

Wasting no time, Zan pulled her to her feet and led her back inside to their quarters. Then he undressed her slowly, kissing and licking, savoring every gorgeous inch of her creamy skin as each part was exposed. Shoulders, br**sts, tummy. And lower.

When he had her panting for more, he shed his clothes and made her scenario a reality, spreading himself on the bed, c**k resting hard against his thigh. Crawling over his body, she returned the favor, nibbling, laving, and stroking his c**k and balls until he thought he’d explode.

Then she straddled his lap and took him inside her slick heat, and he did just that. As she moved on top of him, he couldn’t stop the orgasm from erupting, and he emptied his seed deep inside his mate with a cry of completion that rocked his soul.

“I love you,” he said as they floated down together.

“And I love you too. So much.”

Rolling them, he tucked her back into his front, spoons in a drawer. Just breathed her sweet scent and counted himself a very, very lucky wolf.

He was immortal and mated to the woman of his dreams. Yes, there were challenging times ahead for him, for his mate, and for their Pack. For her father and Damien.

But they would make it, he was certain. They had love.

And he was living proof that sometimes love truly could conquer all.

I forgive you, Daddy. And I love you.

The words Nick had been desperate to hear for so long. Selene was the light of his life, his only source of happiness. She wanted them to be a family—all of them, including Damien. At one time, he would have sold his soul to make that happen. And now?