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But that was before I smelled muffins, he said pouting.
I am going to have to get a second job just to afford groceries. Where do you put it all?
Claybourne asked.
My cock, Felix quipped and reached into the muffin basket. He looked over and Claybourne s
mouth had dropped. Kate and Sebastian were laughing. Bran clapped a sympathetic hand on
Claybourne s shoulder.
We have men s night on Saturdays when they get together to watch some medical show about a
doctor. You should come hang out with us. We understand what it s like to be mated, Caleb offered.
Saturday can t get here quick enough, Aleks said from the counter.
How is Rebecca doing? She was unusually quiet last night, Felix said, digging into his muffin.
You caught that, huh? Her crazy genius brain is working through something. She called Gabriel
earlier this morning when I was in the shower so I didn t catch everything that was said. But I get
nervous when she goes to him, because that man can t seem to tell her no. He spoils her like an
indulgent older brother, Aleks said, rubbing both hands down his face.
Speak of the devil, Liam said as Gabriel and Ashby walked in. Ashby was pale and hurried
over to Kate.
Gabriel looked at Aleks and took a deep breath.
In my defense, I didn t know she wanted to drive it herself, Gabriel began. Aleks went white.
Where is she? he demanded.
Oh Kate, I think she is really mad this time. Ashby rubbed his chest.
Sebastian and Kate nodded also, rubbing their chests.
What? What do you guys feel! Aleks demanded.
Where is my mate? he said, walking over to Gabriel.
She was right behind us, Gabriel explained patiently. Aleks looked to Ashby who shook his
head and buried his face in Kate s shoulder. Liam, Caleb, and Bran stood and went to Aleks, who
began to shake in anger.
If she is in any danger& he began and the diner door slammed open. Nic stood in the
doorway breathing hard and clutching his chest.
Why in the hell is Rebecca driving a bulldozer down Market Street? he asked breathlessly.
Gabriel sighed and closed his eyes.
What! What! You got her a fucking bulldozer? Aleks demanded of Gabriel, who shrugged.
She sounded so sad when she asked for it, I couldn t say no. He spread his hands wide. Aleks
looked up to see a determined Rebecca maneuvering the bulldozer past the diner and down the street.
Everyone ran for the door and chased behind the slow-moving bulldozer.
It came to a slow, grinding halt in the cemetery next to a fresh grave. Felix s heart stopped when
he read the name on the headstone.
Frances Gilberton
Weeping, Rebecca fiddled with the controls.
How do I use this thing? she asked, crying. Aleks leapt up to the cab and pulled Rebecca into
his arms before jumping down.
Baby, sweetheart, don t cry like that. You know it breaks my heart. What are you doing? Aleks
asked, his large hands seeming bigger than normal as he wiped her tears gently.
I don t want him here. I couldn t get it out of my mind during Ms. Brayburn s funeral that he
was so close. I couldn t sleep last night. I want him gone. He doesn t deserve to rest peacefully. We
owe Ms. Brayburn. She shouldn t have to be buried so close to her killer. Rebecca sobbed into
Aleks s chest. Felix clenched his jaw and his eyes burned. He looked around and saw that everyone
from town was fighting back tears. This tiny human was willing to do whatever it took to protect her
people, even after their death.
Don t worry, Becca, I ll take care of it, Duncan said, hopping into the bulldozer. Easily, he
and Emmett maneuvered the large machine to scoop up the glitter-covered earth, and it wasn t long
before the casket was revealed. The townsmen worked together to pull the casket from the grave.
Now what? Felix asked. Everyone stood staring down at the casket.
My people will take it from here, Gabriel said and motioned with his hand. A group of
vampires from his coven stepped forward and easily lifted the casket. They pushed it into a waiting
truck. Gabriel walked over to Rebecca and wiped her tears.
All of these years I thought I knew what it meant to be a leader, a prince. But every day you
show me that there is more to leading people. I stand in awe of your capacity to love. Gabriel leaned
in and kissed her forehead.
Don t be afraid to drop him, you know, a couple times. Maybe lose an arm? she said, looking
up at Gabriel and sniffling. You heard the Alpha Mother. Find a place outside the perimeter where
this fiend will know no rest, he ordered. They bowed to Gabriel and then to Felix s surprise they
bowed to Rebecca.
Okay, Rebecca, we have new rules. No lab chemicals. No lab work. No operating heavy
machinery. No going to Gabriel for favors, Aleks started. Rebecca stomped her foot.
No way! I am not agreeing to those rules. Okay, maybe the one about the machinery, but not the
others. I have already worked out equations and designs for some perimeter weapons. I will
definitely be in a lab again. I had forgotten the rush you get when you play with the building blocks of
the universe, bending them to your will. And leave Gabriel out of this. He is my family, like Duncan
is your family. It s not favors if you love someone, right? she asked, turning her wide violet eyes to
Gabriel and Ashby. Ashby sniffed and wrapped his arms around Rebecca.
Of course it isn t! They snuggled together before looking at their mates. Gabriel looked at
Aleks pointedly.
Could you say no to that? he asked. Aleks just started to shake his head.
One Xanax and a shot of whiskey for the Arkadion, Felix said. Aleks looked up, his
expression slightly panicked.
That might not be a bad idea, he said and turned to Rebecca.
When you say building blocks of the universe and bending them to your will. That was just an
expression, right? he asked. Rebecca took one look at her mate and stepped away from Ashby.
I love you, my mate. I would never do anything to hurt you or endanger our baby. We re safe.
She jumped into his arms. Felix could see the man practically sag in relief.
Good. Okay, let s get you home to rest. You ve had a hard morning. Aleks cuddled her close.
She waved at them as they walked away.
Bran, Caleb, Liam, Kent, Sebastian, and Kate stepped up to stand next to Claybourne, Felix,
Gabriel, Ashby, and Nic.
She didn t answer him, Kate said wryly.
Nope, Bran said, wincing.
She totally has a lab, doesn t she? Felix asked. Gabriel shook his head.
Of course not. Everyone sighed in relief.
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