Fated for Forever(21)

about staying with you always and buying me clothes, in my mind, felt like you were trying to control me.”

Ashby stared down at his hands, which he had removed from around Gabriel’s neck. Gabriel rubbed his

hands up and down Ashby’s back in a soothing manner.

“You never mentioned any of this when we spoke on the phone all these months,” Gabriel said, running

his hand over Ashby’s hair.

“You were a fantasy over the phone. Even standing in line outside I didn’t think you really wanted me.

When you’re talking to your ultimate fantasy over the phone you don’t exactly tell them you have anxiety

issues stemming from the way your dead psychopathic ex-boyfriend used to abuse you,” Ashby looked up

at Gabriel.

“I was your ultimate fantasy?” Gabriel smiled. Ashby looked up coyly.

“Even before I knew we were mates, in my heart I referred to you as my prince. I’m sorry I got so mad

over your kind offer,” Ashby said, playing with Gabriel’s shirt buttons.

“I’m sorry I assumed that you would want new things instead of your familiar items from home. I

wasn’t trying to take your choices away, I was trying to keep you next to me as much as possible. I didn’t

even want you leaving for a little bit to get your things.” Gabriel kissed Ashby’s forehead.

“Rebecca was right, snuggling really does fix everything.” Ashby smiled up at his mate.

“I like the way she thinks. We may have to invest in more snuggly blankets.” Gabriel tucked the penguin

blanket around Ashby and settled back in his chair.

“Don’t you have meetings?” Ashby cuddled close.

“Nothing that can’t wait.” Gabriel said, laying his cheek on top of Ashby’s head and closing his eyes.

“I’ll borrow clothes from the twins for tonight and we can go shopping this weekend. You have a

godson to shop for.” Ashby smiled as he heard Gabriel’s heart pick up.

“Godson?” Gabriel asked looking down, eyes wide.

“Yes, godson. Rebecca has chosen me to be her son’s godfather. As my mate, you will be his godfather

as well. I can’t wait until he’s born! When we go shopping Nick told us to look out for a small rocking

chair, she doesn’t have one that fits her,” Ashby yawned.

“We’re going to be godparents.” Gabriel smiled wide.

“I think we’re up to the task,” Ashby said, snuggling down for a nap.

“I know we are.” Gabriel closed his eyes, once again enjoying the peaceful moment with his mate.

Chapter 8



“OK everyone, I call this meeting to order.” Rebecca stood next to the table where Aleks, Ma, Kate,

Bran, Caleb, and Liam sat looking at her with curiosity.

“If this is an attempt to get a town swimming pool so you can ogle pack and pride members, the answer

is no.” Aleks growled. Rebecca’s eyes widened in surprise. She brought her smartphone up and made a

note.

“Um of course not…” P.o.o.l. “OK, the real reason why we’re here,” she said, beaming at everyone

while Aleks tried to peek at what she typed on her smartphone.

“We’re also not doing a male calendar to raise money for the library,” Bran said, frowning. Rebecca

furiously tapped away on her phone.

“Nope, not that either. It’s—”

“And we’re not doing shirtless car wash either,” Caleb muttered. Rebecca paused and tapped on her

phone again.

“No, y’all are being silly, it’s nothing like that…for now.” Rebecca smiled wide. The men relaxed.

“OK, baby, what idea do you have brewing in that head of yours?” Aleks asked.

“I want to modify the protective perimeter to allow for Gabriel’s coven to move to Arkadia, that’s all.”

She looked around the table as everyone stared at her in shock. Ma sighed.

“I saw this one coming, ever since Ashby was claimed by the prince.” Ma looked at Rebecca, who was

oblivious to the chaos she had created.

“Absolutely not!” Aleks roared.

“Aleks hush, you’re being loud.” Rebecca whacked him on the shoulder.

“No I won’t hush. That perimeter is there for a reason, to keep us safe. Specifically to keep us safe

against vampires, and you want to invite them in! Woman, this is too far even for you.” Aleks vented.

“I’m not saying I’m one hundred percent against it, but we have the boys to consider Rebecca, you have

a baby on the way. Do we really want vampires in town?” Kate asked gently. Rebecca nodded quickly.

“I know that I come off as, well…a bit of a flake, but I’m not. It’s just I have a lot swirling around up