Page 19 of Bone Collector’s Mate

Chapter Fifteen

Noir

All Hallow’s Eve had always been my favorite and my worst nightmare. No one knew the number of humans and other beings who were killed or died that night.

Tonight, it was a chance to celebrate with my family.

My omega and his son who clung to me like I was his own blood father.

Over the last few weeks, Rook had told me more and more about Adam, his ex-partner. After Benji was born, he began to distance himself from Rook. Needing alone time. Not being there after the birth. Missing big milestones. Not calling to check in or message at all during the day. Working later hours.

Sketchy business trips.

Until, one night, Adam’s phone lit up when he was in the shower, and Rook discovered the treachery. Not only was his partner cheating, but it was with his best friend.

Rook didn’t hesitate to get his son and make another life for himself. He had some money, thanks to a secret savings account, enough until he could find a job, he thought. But, now that he had me, we had enough money for a lifetime.

He could trust me and rely on me, but it would take time for him to truly know that. His past crept into our present.

Who could blame him? Not me.

Benji cupped his hand over his mouth and leaned in to speak to me. All Hallow’s Eve festivals like tonight, I could wear my skull and horns and fit right in. People looked and stared, but for different reasons.

Maybe they were staring at my beautiful omega. Wondering how I got such a lovely mate. I still wondered that myself sometimes.

“What?” I whispered as Benji figured out where exactly my ears might be.

“Tonight, you don’t have to put on your human head,” he said, giggling.

I jostled him in my arms. “You’re right. I might scare people like this, though.”

“It’s okay. Look over there. There’s a sasquatch guy and a grim riper. Those are scarier.”

“Grim Reaper, Benji. Not Riper.”

Benji considered that with raised eyebrows. “Oh. Silly Benji.”

That was what he said when he made a mistake. He forgave himself and others quickly. What an adorable pup inside and out.

“How about a corn dog?” I asked, smelling the cornbread dough, the piping-hot sausages, and hearing the sizzling of the oil.

Rook shot me a look. “Deep-fried food? I don’t know…” He was a protective papa, and sometimes I suggested things that were wrong. Like walking in the forest at night. Making wind chimes out of nails and screws.

I was learning how to be a person right alongside the pup.

“Please, Papa? It’s only one night.”

A nosy man turned around. “No, they have corn dogs at every festival. They are delicious here. I come to Whisper Grove for the corn dogs alone.”

Benji deflated in my arms. “Oh. Well, maybe next time, huh, Papa?”

Rook and I locked in a stare. Given the opportunity, I’d spoil the little one rotten, but I also knew about limits and keeping our son, his son, healthy. “Okay. But just one, and only on festival nights.”

Two fists pumped in the air, and Benji let out a shout of victory. I chuckled and leaned down to kiss my mate. “That was too easy. You’re getting soft.”

“I am not. But it’s All Hallow’s Eve. We used to have corn dogs on All Hallow’s Eve when I was a kid. We’re together, as a family, and I’m celebrating a little bit.”

I took his hand in mine and brought it to my lips. “We’re a family?’ I asked. I pushed nothing on these two. I was blessed for every second in their company, and so I didn’t ask to be called anything other than Noir by the pup. Didn’t pressure on the word family. We kept our separate households until they were ready. Every part of this mating was on my mate’s terms.