Federal Paranormal Agency 6 - Leannan (19 page)

He wasn’t naive enough to think that all of his troubles would magically disappear. Even if
Niall
was dead, Duncan was still a wanted man.

Graham scoffed. “You don’t do anything illegal. Do you think you can manage to stay out of trouble?”

Toby jerked upright. “Don’t talk like that to my mate.”

“It’s okay, love. I wasn’t exactly a saint, as you know.” Duncan pulled Toby back against his chest. He kissed his forehead, soothing the young man.

“We’re a family,” Graham told him. “And since you’re mated to Toby, you’re part of that family.”

“I didn’t kill anyone.”

Duncan didn’t know why he felt compelled to clear the air, but he did, mostly for Toby’s benefit. He’d done bad things in his life, but he wasn’t a murderer.

“I didn’t know Toby was alive until recently. I was told he was killed in a car accident. When I got a call saying he was alive and in New York, I got on a plane and came here. I wanted to protect him from Niall.
Niall
is the killer. Unfortunately, you can’t question him now. I love Toby. I want to be with him. Trust me, I wouldn’t do anything to ruin our future together.”

“I believe you.”

* * * *

Toby leaned into his mate. Having Duncan’s arms wrapped around him made him feel safe. As the men talked around him, Toby closed his eyes. He would never tell Duncan, but being forced to shift had nearly killed him. The pain had been so intense. He hadn’t shifted since going to Ireland. As the days turned to weeks and then months, Toby knew he was in danger of becoming one of the rogues that the FPA hunted. Even though he wanted to lie down and die without Duncan, Toby couldn’t let go of the hope that one day they would be reunited.

“We need you to come to FPA headquarters with us.” Reed’s voice broke through the haze in Toby’s head. “It will be safer for you and Duncan. At least until he can be cleared of all charges.”

Slowly moving off of Duncan’s lap, Toby rose to his feet. “Okay, just let me get dressed.”

“Of course,” Reed agreed.

Duncan wrapped an arm around Toby’s waist and led him back toward their bedroom. When the door closed, Duncan grabbed him and brought their lips together. He kissed him, slowly and passionately, taking Toby’s breath away. It was exactly what he needed. This moment, it proved that they were both alive. After several minutes, Toby reluctantly pulled back, ending the kiss.

“What a morning.” Toby sighed, shaking his head. “At least we don’t have to worry about Niall attacking us now.”

“Whatever happens, we’re together. That’s all that matters.”

“We’ll be safe at FPA headquarters. And now that you’re my mate, nobody can separate us again.”

“Sweetheart”—Duncan pulled him back into his arms—“nobody’s trying to separate us. And once the authorities realize that Niall was the killer, I’ll be free.”

“And then what?” Toby asked.

“And then we’ll get married and live happily ever after.” Duncan grinned.

Toby smiled. It sounded like the perfect plan. He couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with Duncan, his beautiful mate.

Lifting himself up on his tiptoes, Toby placed a kiss on Duncan’s lips before quickly retreating. He knew if he lingered for even a moment, they would never leave the bedroom. Toby walked into the closet and pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Do you want to pack a bag?”

“That’s probably a good idea.” Duncan chuckled lightly.

Duncan grabbed a suitcase and dropped it to the floor. Crouching down, he flipped open the bag and dumped in a few piles of clothes. When he was done, Duncan zipped up the suitcase and stood, lifting the bag in one smooth motion.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Toby nodded. “Yeah.”

Duncan held out his free hand and Toby took it. Their fingers intertwined and he gave a little squeeze.

The trip back to FPA headquarters was uneventful. Lucky sat on his lap, his sweet little pup, resting his head against Toby’s shoulder. Toby stroked his fur, relieved to have his friend back after such a long separation.

Graham stopped outside the gate leading to the underground parking garage. He pressed a button on the center console and the locks disengaged. The metal gate rose and Graham pulled into the garage below the condo building on Leonard Street. As soon as Graham shut the engine off, Duncan opened the passenger side door and climbed out. He opened Toby’s door and took Lucky’s leash. The pup jumped down and Toby followed suit.

They all walked toward the elevator together. Toby
pushed the call button. There was a
ding
before the doors swished open. When the doors closed behind them, Toby typed his six-digit password, and the elevator moved, gliding up at a rapid pace.

“Thank you for everything, Graham,” Toby said, breaking the silence.

Graham grinned. He pulled Toby in for a hug and whispered, “I’d do anything for you, kid.”

When the elevator doors opened to his condo on the eighteenth floor, Toby, Duncan, and Lucky stepped out. He stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on Axel. The lion shifter pushed himself off the wall and smiled. Reaching into his pocket, Axel pulled out Toby’s badge and held it out.

“I think you accidentally left this on the counter.”

Toby took the badge from Axel and held it in his palm, running his thumb over the raised words. “Yeah.” He nodded. “Thank you for keeping it safe.”

“It’s good to have you back.” Axel patted Toby’s shoulder, giving him a pointed look.

“It’s good to be back.”

THE END

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Olivia Black writes contemporary and paranormal gay romance with Siren Publishing. She lives in San Diego, California and spends most of her time writing and drinking coffee. Olivia is a hopeful romantic and believes everyone deserves to find their happily ever after. You can contact Olivia Black at [email protected]

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