“Get. Out. Of. My. Way.” Coop’s nostrils flared like a bull’s, ready to charge.
Olin took a stand beside Syn. The pain had lessened, but his back still tingled slightly. “Coop, you know Dane would never touch my birthing ring on purpose.”
It was Salvador who intervened, pulling Coop to the side. “Why don’t you take your bonded mate upstairs until you calm down?”
Dane peeked around Syn’s body, and there were tears streaking down his cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Coop. Please tell me how to make this up to you.”
Coop shook his head as if trying to dislodge the anger. “Just…just give me a minute.”
The back door opened, and everyone turned their heads. Coop’s mother and father stepped inside, Camille following behind them. Olin had met the father, Arthur, when he and Coop had gone to their house for dinner.
“What’s going on?” Jasmine Dalton demanded.
“It’s a misunderstanding, Jasmine,” Talyn said. “Someone accidently touched Olin’s birthing ring.”
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced around. “Who?”
Dane stepped forward, and Jasmine blinked at him, as if unsure yelling at such a short and slim guy was the right thing to do. “You?”
Dane nodded his head quickly. “I swear it was an accident.”
Her eyes slid to Coop. “Do you accept his sincere apology?”
Coop sighed as he rubbed his temples. “Yes. Just don’t let it happen again.”
Olin was glad Coop had calmed down. By rights, his bonded mate could have taken Dane out back and made mincemeat out of him. For an alpha, touching the birthing ring was like challenging him for his position. But no matter what a person’s position was, touching the ring was the worst kind of insult.
Coop made his way back to Olin and pulled him up into his arms. “I think I need some air.” He took Olin to the backyard where there was plenty of space and fresh air.
“You okay?” Coop asked as he rubbed his fingers over the ring. The pain instantly disappeared.
“Much better.” Olin shoved at Coop’s chest until the man set him on his feet. “Promise me you won’t punish Dane.”
Coop growled but nodded. “You know I can’t help it. Hearing you cry out like that made my leopard take over.”
Olin chuckled and leaned up to kiss Coop. “It turns me on when you get all he-man.”
“My breathing turns you on,” Coop replied.
“Hello, boys.” Mrs. Coldfish appeared behind them with a fruit basket in her hands. “Dane told me that Gabriel has given birth.”
Was there anyone Dane hadn’t told?
“Everyone’s inside,” Coop said.
Mrs. Coldfish moved past them, her great nephew lagging behind. He glanced at the two and then hurried to catch up. Just as the nephew walked in, Syn came out with a bottle of cognac and a bottle of orange juice. He handed the juice to Olin and the alcohol to Coop.
“It’s a celebration. Let’s let things go for today and allow Talyn to bask in his glow.” Syn winked at Coop. “It’ll be your turn soon enough.”
Olin held his juice up as Coop held up the bottle. Syn had a full glass in his hand. Olin wasn’t sure where it had come from, but Talyn’s brother raised it. “Too hot nights, great fights, the men we have loved and still love, and to our crazy, dysfunctional, amazing family.”
“And to guarantees that span a lifetime,” Olin added before they clinked and drank.
Olin took a sip of his juice and smiled up at the man who had not only stuck by his side but had also wormed his way into his heart.
When Ollie came outside and joined them, Olin spent the rest of the evening with the people who made his life complete.
* * * *
Coop walked down the darkened street of Riverside. He’d just gotten off work at the steel mill and had driven out here to see the ruins of Olin’s house. Fester was still in the hospital, and his recovery would be a long road ahead. Mya and Ollie had moved in with him. Coop had the space and loved the fact that Olin was happier with his family there with him.
Coop would do anything to keep a smile on Olin’s face.
He pulled to the curb and grabbed his gun from the glove box before got out when he spotted the two men who had not only kidnapped him and Karidon but had also broken something vital inside Coop’s best friend. Karidon still joked and laughed, but that bright spark that he carried around was no longer lit.
Keeping to the shadows, Coop slid around a few houses until was nearly on top of Fisher and Craig. The two were hanging outside, leaning against the car Fisher had used to transport Coop and Karidon.
Coop reached around back and pulled the gun he had shoved in his waistband. He held it loosely in his hand as he walked up behind Fisher and pressed the muzzle of the gun into the man’s skull. “Hello, boys. Remember me?”