Jarrett, AJ - Miles's Awakening [Warriors of the Light 1] (Siren Publishing Allure ManLove) (20 page)

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A few hours later, he and Miles decided they’d stayed in their room long enough, and ventured out to see the others. Ben knew the other warriors, Astrid and Trevor, would want to see Miles. He didn’t mind sharing his mate with them because in the end, it was only Ben’s kiss and touch Miles wanted.

A smile plastered on his face, Ben descended the stairs with Miles by his side. Everyone gathered at the foot of the steps to greet Miles.

“So, you ladies decided to grace us with your presence I see,” Trevor said as he stepped forward. “I thought you two would never come out of there. And by the way, the walls are super thin. I heard everything,” Trevor whispered then winked at Miles.

“Well maybe if you weren’t listening at the door, you wouldn’t have heard shit.” Quinn pushed Trevor out of the way as he gave Miles then Ben a hug. “Your cousin is a complete ass, you know that?”

Miles started to laugh. “More than you know. But he’s my cousin, and I love him in spite of it.”

“I know what you mean,” Quinn mumbled under his breath and walked away.

Ben watched his friend leave the room and wondered if anyone else had heard his little confession. He still didn’t understand Quinn’s fear of being mated, but he wouldn’t push his friend right now on the subject. Maybe in time Quinn would come around and see what a blessing having a mate was, even if his mate was Trevor. Ben chuckled softly as he thanked the heavens Trevor wasn’t his.

“What so funny, mister?” Miles asked as he gently elbowed Ben in the side.

“Nothing, my love. Just thinking about everything we’ve been through.” Ben pulled Miles close and kissed the top of his head. “And I must say, I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant not getting you in the end.”

Miles rubbed his hand over Ben’s chest. “That’s sweet in a weird way, I guess.” He looked around. “Where’s Astrid?”

“Oh, he went to bed. We put Abner at his door in case he needs anything.” Trevor chuckled. “Who’s a better protector than a bear shifter?” Miles’s eyes bulged. “I know, right? I knew the guy was a mountain of a man, but I had no clue that he was a bear.”

“Damn.” Miles looked at the men standing around the room. “I got to say, I’m curious to find out what the rest of you are.”

“Ben.” He looked up as Quinn came rushing back into the room. “The council just called. They have a senior advisor coming out this way. He should be here sometime tomorrow. He has the authority to mark Trevor as a Warrior of the Light.” Quinn turned to look at Miles. “He also has your father’s permission to debrief Astrid.”

“Why?” Miles’s face flushed with panic.

“Ben’s father isn’t one hundred percent sure Astrid is telling us the truth. This advisor coming is a man named Klaus. He’s an extremely powerful witch.” Quinn shoved his fists into his pockets. “I personally don’t want Astrid left alone with that prick. He uses magic when he has to, and that makes him dangerous.”

“I agree.” Ben grabbed his mate’s shaking hands. He turned to look down at Miles. “Miles, I promise you the same thing I promised Astrid. He isn’t going anywhere without us. We are his family, and no one is breaking us apart.”

“That’s right. No one is taking our witch,” Trevor said as he punched his fist in the air. All eyes turned to his exuberant response. “What? It’s true. That little guy just worms his way right under your skin.” Trevor shrugged. “He’s the kid brother I never had.”

“That’s extremely funny since that witch is older than you,” Quinn said as he leaned against the railing.

“I know what you mean, Trevor,” Ben said as he looked upon the men standing around the room. “I think we’re all in agreement that Astrid stays with us, and no harm is to come his way.”

The warriors all nodded their agreement. Some even said so aloud. Pride in his men warmed Ben’s heart. Together they would keep each other safe and wouldn’t let some senior advisor from the council tear apart their growing family.

As the warriors and Trevor headed to the kitchen for a late dinner, Miles held Ben back.

“What is it, my love?” Ben asked.

“I just wanted to thank you for everything. For rescuing me and taking in Trevor and Astrid. You truly are a wonderful man.”

Ben wrapped his arms around Miles’s waist and lifted him up to rest against his chest. “Remember that when more bad guys break into our home or we have to fight another battle.” Ben laughed at Miles’s shocked expression.

“I know being my mate will have its ups and downs, but know I will never leave you.” Ben dipped down to kiss Miles’s lips. “And that I will love you for all eternity.”

Miles smiled up at Ben. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you, Ben, through good times and the bad. You’re mine, and I’m not going anywhere, so get used to it.”

“I already am.”

Ben walked to the kitchen where the others were gathering. He could hear the conversation and laughter as he neared the door. Ben knew times like these were few and far between. With Lucian on the loose, the council getting involved in his team’s business, and the endless search for evil paranormals, Ben wanted to just enjoy this happy moment with his mate and his men.

They walked through the archway to the peals of laughter. Miles smiled up at him and mouthed “I love you” Ben grinned down at his mate. With Miles by his side, together they could tackle any obstacle.

THE END

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