“I completely agree. For the record, I’m glad you didn’t listen to me and leave Rainey to fend for herself.”
He grins. “I rather appreciate my inability to follow the rules as well.”
Another moment passes as we sip our coffee and I recall that conversation. It hadn’t been because I wanted Rainey to be killed but rather because I was so afraid for my only friend that I’d been willing to risk her. After all, what was one less hunter in Billings?
But knowing now who she was to him, I completely understand his need to save her. After all, she’s his mate. The other half of his soul. And he’d let the world burn for her, just as I would for Bronywyn.
“I hope you know how happy I am that the two of you have each other.” He glances over at me. “You and Bronywyn. You both deserve nothing but happiness.”
There’s a darkness in his gaze, and the air thickens with his guilt. “I’m grateful to you for introducing us.”
Elijah snorts. “We both know I did nothing but cause problems for her.”
“Had it not been for you, I never would have met her.”
“If it weren’t for me, you would have likely lived a normal, happy, human life.”
I snort. “Please, Elijah, I stopped thinking about that centuries ago.” I raise the mug to my lips and take a drink.
“Still. I hope you know that I will always feel guilt over bringing you into this life. Even if I am a selfish bastard and I don’t regret it.”
“I’m grateful that you don’t regret it.” I raise my mug and tap it to his. The door opens, and two shifters walk in. I offer them a wave and push off the stool. “You planning to hang around for a while?”
“Since I have nothing else to do, absolutely. Rainey’s meeting me here for lunch.”
“She going to eat something other than Skittles for a change?”
“If I have anything to say about it, she will.”
Laughing, I make my way over to the shifters, letting myself enjoy the complete and total normalcy of the day.
After all, there’s no telling how long it will last.