But Michael and Monique had hatched an almost-impossible plan, and somehow executed it to perfection. Notwithstanding Michael’s brush with death, they were amazing team mates to have on our side.
I only had one more question. “Then why’d you do it, if you didn’t think it would succeed?”
“Who are you asking—me or Michael?” Monique said.
“Both.”
Michael cleared his throat. “I’ll go first, but it’s a multi-pronged answer.”
“Go for it.”
“You two didn’t deserve what my father planned to do to you. I couldn’t stand by and let good people suffer because of him. I couldn’t. He’s my dad, so I felt kind of responsible, in a way.”
I could at least respect that answer.
“And...?” I prompted.
“And... Monique would never be happy without you two. And because I love her, I want her to be happy. Even if it means she needs you guys in her life, safe and well.”
The words washed over me. I shivered, almost like he’d spoken a spell over us all, binding us together. Logically, I knew he hadn’t, and yet the words had the same effect as if he had.
I looked at Monique. “And you?”
She stared at me, her violet-blue eyes shimmering. “Because I love you. Both of you. Actually, I love all of you—Xander, Kyle, and Michael.” She looked at each of us as she said our names. “I couldn't go on without you. It was either rescue you... or die trying.”
Kyle spoke up then. “I love you, beautiful. You’re my fated mate.Ourfated mate.”
I couldn't stop the words as they tumbled out of my mouth. “I love you too, Monique.”
I meant the words with all my heart.
Her smile was wide as she stood up, sauntered over, and climbed into my lap. I put my arms around her as she lifted her head to be kissed.
I tasted her lips, because I couldn’t stop myself, but I wanted more than just a kiss.
I stared down at my mate. “Monique, would you mate with us? Tonight?”
Her eyes lit up. She wrapped her arms around my neck. “You mean...?”
I nodded. “Mate with us. All of us. Tonight.”
Monique ran her fingers through my hair and held on to the base of my neck. “Yes. Please.”
I glanced over at Michael, the only one who might not be into all of us going to bed together. “What do you say, warlock? Are you in?”
Michael stood up, his strength having returned thanks to Monique’s spell. “I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I want to, but... I’m sorry. I can’t.”
Monique slid out of my lap and went to stand in front of him. “I don’t care about tomorrow, Michael. Please, stay with us, tonight.”
I glanced at Kyle who was watching the interaction just as intently as me.
When I looked back, Michael was holding Monique’s hand and staring into her eyes like he never wanted to leave her. “I’ll stay.”
I felt exactly the same way.
I stood, my heart thumping and my wolf stirring within my chest. It was finally time to make our mateours, and we wouldn’t be interrupted this time.