Fated for Forever(47)

to Ashby.

“Nice to meet you.” Ashby offered his hand. Talon took his hand and grinned down at the size

difference, his hand nearly twice the size of Ashby’s.

“What are your plans for the day?” Rebecca asked, scooping up Sebastian from the floor. He

immediately started purring before curling up in her lap resting his head on his front paws and going to

sleep.

“I’m heading home to get a shower and change into some of my own clothes. I’ve been living out of the

twins’ closet and they are a bit wilder than I am. Their names are David and Daniel. Daniel is the zanier one

and David is the slightly more serious one. This is one of Daniel’s T-shirts,” Ashby said, pointing down to

the T-shirt that proudly declared “One size fits all.” Rian burst out laughing.

“I’m stealing that T-shirt. You have to introduce me to these twins, they sound like a blast,” Rian said,

eyeing the shirt.

“You guys would love them. They really took care of me at the club, I wish I could show them my

shop. They hadn’t tried any human food since they were turned and absolutely fell in love with ice cream

when I started having them try different things,” Ashby said, looking at Rebecca. She shook her head at his

silent question.

“We’re still deliberating on that matter, Ash. We could arrange for Arkadian Night at Purgatory so we

can meet your coven,” Rebecca said, playing with her straw wrapper. Ashby nodded.

“You’re mated to a vampire?” Talon asked, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, I’m mated to Prince Gabriel,” Ashby said. Talon’s eyes grew wide and Kent sat up in his chair.

“Excuse our lack of formality, Your Highness, we weren’t aware of your station,” Kent said softly. Rex

gulped.

“Your Highness? Who? Ashby?” Rian asked, looking from Ashby to Kent.

“Oh Ashers we didn’t greet you properly either,” Rebecca said. Kate smacked her forehead at the use of

his nickname.

“I’m still getting used to the formalities, but you all are my family, I don’t really expect it from you.”

Ashby felt flustered. It was second nature to hear it from the coven, but this was Rebecca for crying out

loud.

“Wow, Prince Ashers!” Rebecca bounced in her seat excitedly.

In Rebecca’s lap Sebastian stood and arched his back. He stretched before he looked around the table.

Out of nowhere he began to purr. He jumped from Rebecca’s lap into Kent’s who held very still and

allowed the tiny tabby to circle twice before starting to knead his thighs. Kent winced and adjusted

Sebastian who finally got comfortable. The small cat happily curled into a ball and began to purr loudly.

Rebecca stared down at Sebastian with a frown on her face.

“Well that brings up the total number of people he’s affectionate to, to three. Myself included.” Rebecca

shrugged.

“Who is the other lucky soul?” Kent asked.

“Liam, though he likes to act like he is too cool. He totally spoils Sebastian rotten when he kitty sits,”

Rebecca said.

“Kitty sits?” Rex asked.

“Yeah, kitty sits. Sometimes Aleks needs a break from the surprise attacks. He says Sebastian is trying to

give him a heart attack.” Rebecca grinned evilly and Kate laughed.

“Well on that note, I’m off. I have some inventory I need to unpack.” Nic leaned forward and hugged

Ashby.

“Try to stay out of trouble. My heart can’t take much more,” he said, standing and ruffling Ashby’s hair.

“I should be going too, I’m dying for a shower and my own clothes.” Ashby stood and bumped

shoulders with Nic.

“I’ll walk with you.”

“Can you two come over for dinner? I’ll make your favorite, Ashby. King Ranch Mac and Cheese, extra

cheesy!” Rebecca pouted at Ashby who smiled and nodded.

“It’s a date. I don’t think I have anything edible in my fridge anyway.” He blew kisses to Rebecca before

he and Nic walked out of the diner. Quietly they made their way down the block to where both shops were

located.

“I’m serious Ashby. No more trouble. That night, when we didn’t know if you would pull through…”

Nic trailed off. Ashby stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

“I’m so sorry, Nic. You don’t have to worry anymore. See, safe here in shifter-only Arkadia.” Ashby

pointed down the empty street and Nic snorted.

“OK, goofball. See you in a few.” He waved and went into his shop.

Ashby, suddenly feeling like the goofball Nic had named him, turned smartly on his heel and began to

march like a toy soldier to his shop. Giggling at his own antics, he reached to turn the doorknob and saw