Page 20 of Bone Collector’s Mate

“We are. I’ve decided.”

“Then, that’s a fact.” We got the corn dogs, and Benji couldn’t even finish one despite the warning from his dad.

Whisper Grove was amazing this time of year. Everyone in costumes. Even the vampire was in a vampire costume making him look like a movie character. There were people selling homemade items. Food. Rides. A petting zoo with non-shifter animals.

I looked around while my mate and our son finished off their funnel cake, another beg and receive situation, and felt…a part of something.

Yes, my little family, but also this community. They had never treated me badly. I was sure some had an inkling of what I was, but no one batted an eye. I was accepted. Given the same rights and respect as everyone else.

That step over the river and into Whisper Grove was the best one I’d ever taken, and I’d roamed the world all my life.

“What if you made wind chimes and sold them here?” Rook asked, tipping his chin at the other vendors. “I mean, not the ones you used to make but new ones.”

I still roved the forests at night. I didn’t find a lot of bones around Whisper Grove. I had a place deep in a tree where I’d begun to collect them but didn’t have enough for a chime. I hoped I never did around here.

I loved this place and these people and everything it had brought me.

“I could,” I responded. “The other day, on your phone, I saw one made of spoons and knives and one of tiny trinkets. It’s really the only thing I’m good at.”

Rook rested his head on my shoulder. “That’s not true at all. You’re the best mate. Attentive and affectionate. You help me and support me every day. I couldn’t imagine a better alpha.”

“You’re good at chili,” Benji added, popping his suspenders. “And mopping.”

This kid. He constantly cracked us up.

“Thank you, Benji.”

“You’re welcome, Dad.”

We froze. Rook stilled. I became a statue. “Don’t make a big deal. Don’t make a big deal. Don’t make a big deal,” I murmured to myself.

“You’re saying that out loud, you know?” Rook looked up at me.

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s…” Tears rolled down my skull, and I reached up to touch them. This skull had only shed tears of sadness before. These were of joy. “I don’t understand.”

Rook kissed my jaw. “That’s okay. Lots of first things tonight. I love you.”

Another first. Goddess, All Hallow’s Eve was truly magical. “I love you, omega. More than life itself.”