Chapter 78

Shirley

Keith holds my hand, keeping me close as we walk through the Lock Heart airport. Looking at our intertwined fingers keeps a smile on my face, which can’t be smoothed even as people stare our way.

“Who is that?”

“Do you see the Alpha?”

They’re whispering, staring wide-eyed. Some people smile, others - mainly women - scowl at me. Apparently Keith notices too because he only squeezes my hand and brings me closer.

However, it’s not in a domineering or protective manner. Instead, he holds his head high, seemingly proud and happy to have me at his side.

I have to admit I like it - I like this. Finally being able to touch him and look at him however and whenever I want is like a personal gift from the Goddess.

It certainly felt like a gift yesterday when we’d made the most of my final moments in my room - we’d locked ourselves in there all day. But eventually, I had to go meet with my counselor, let her know that I wasn’t going to finish the semester and that I’m withdrawing.

Since then, Keith has spent plenty of time sending emails and making phone calls - already trying to find the perfect place for me to pursue my MBA instead. I thanked his efforts last night when I’d practically torn off his clothes.

Finally, Keith and I exit the airport, turning more heads as he holds the door for me with an evident smile. However, my own attention is then pulled by the faces I see waiting for us outside.

“Oh my Goddess,” Jean chimes, bouncing as she sees us. But then she’s running toward me. “Shirley.”

I laugh as she reaches me, stumbling back as I catch her in my arms. Keith puts a hand on my back to keep me from falling.

“I can’t believe it,” Jean whispers in my ear before we pull away. We smile at each other as Keith begins to chat with Ron. “You’re mated!”

“I am,” I reply, flashing a smile. My amusement only adds to Jean’s excitement.

“Oh, Shirley,” she begins then, tears starting to coat her eyes. “I’m so..I’m so happy for you. Are you happy?”

As if my smile isn’t enough proof, I give her a nod. “Exceedingly.”

Because I am. After everything that has happened, everything Keith and I have talked through - “happy” doesn’t even cut it.

Jean is pleased with my response as she gives my hand a squeeze. “It makes so much sense. When I think about it - you and Keith. It’s perfect.”

“Yeah,” I say, glancing over to look at my mate. “I think so too.”

From there, we all go to the car, heading back to Keith’s home…our home as Jean voices promises to help however she can with the mating ceremony. It’s as if she’s forgotten about her own ceremony planned in only a few days.

When we arrive back, Jean gives me another hug before her and Ron are pulling away. That leaves Keith and I standing in front of the house, sharing a smile.

“Good to know your best friend approves,” Keith teases as he begins to bring my luggage inside.

“That was all pretend,” I joke, smiling as we walk. “She actually told me she hates your guts. We’re already planning my next escape.”

“Oh, really?” Keith asks as we stop on the doorstep, allowing me to give him a smug nod. “Well, then I guess I’ll just have to tie you up so you can’t get away.”

I’m just about to gasp, swat him as his delicious tone and words make my stomach roll. However, he’s already chuckling, leaning down to give me a quick kiss.

“Come on,” he says as I try to recover from my dizziness. “Time to face the parents.”

We go inside, already met with Ruth and Arthur’s cheerful voices as if they’ve been awaiting our return. Sure enough, we barely make it through the door before they’re rushing to embrace us.

Finally, once the initial greetings are over, Ruth wraps her arm around my shoulders, hugging me as we go down the hallway. The smile she gives me tells me everything - she knew there was something special between Keith and me.

Waiting for us, is a glorious spread of food that Ruth presents happily.

“I figured you’d be hungry,” she states. “And we wanted to be the first to host your congratulatory meal.”

“Thank you, Ruth,” I reply, my stomach already rumbling as I eye the food. Quickly, we all get settled before we dig in.

“I already called the planner, Keithy,” Ruth tells her son, and I giggle at the nickname. “She’ll be here tomorrow to begin the prep for the ceremony.”

“The sooner the better,” Keith replies, turning to give me a smile. His response causes me to teasingly wrinkle my nose at him.

“We’re glad you’re home,” Arhur says then. “It has been awfully quiet since you left.”

“If you need any help arranging Shirley’s things to be sent here then I can always make some calls,” Ruth says with a nod. “We could probably even make them agree to cancel your lease early - considering the mating bond.”

I hadn’t even thought about that - having to move all my stuff. I probably won’t even have the chance to say goodbye to my apartment, which is a little sad. I’ve lived there for five years and have grown very fond of it.

As if sensing my thoughts, I feel Keith's hand land on my leg under the table.

“That’s up to Shirley,” Keith voices, causing his parents to nod in understanding. However, I’m a little more taken aback as I blink at him, watching as he soon meets my gaze.

“If you want to keep your place then that’s fine,” Keith says, his voice sincere. “It might be nice to have a place to stay if you ever want to visit. Or if you’d prefer to split time between here and there.”

My skin prickles as I take in everything he’s saying. True to his word - Keith is giving me a choice. He’s allowing me to decide if I want to leave my old place behind or keep it. But truthfully…I don’t need it.

I’ve quit the agency and there’s nothing tying me down to my old home. However, he knows it will give me a place to go if I need to get away. But that means being away from him.

“No,” I’m already saying softly. “I want to be here.”

I want to be with him - always.

Keith seems to know what I’m saying, causing his lips to twitch into another smile as he squeezes my leg. I find myself grinning back, swimming in those golden eyes.

My mate.

“Perfect,” Ruth cuts in. “Then we’ll contact the movers and apartment staff. Keith’s rooms should be big enough to hold your things. That is, if you’re planning on sharing the same bedroom.”

Once more, Keith looks at me for my response, causing me to laugh as I’m left to make the decision. So I nod.

“I’d like that,” I reply. Sharing a room with my gorgeous mate - how could I resist?

“Then we’ll turn your old room into a private study for you,” Keith replies. “Whatever you want.”

I thank him by placing my hand over his, giving my own squeeze as we share another smile.

“Alright,” Arthur announces then, already lifting his glass. “A toast - to the new mating bond.”

In turn, we all hum and raise our own glasses.

“May your bond be filled with nothing but happiness, and may the Goddess continue to look down on you,” Arthur says, as though he’s giving us his blessing.

“And may you always find comfort and love within one another,” Ruth chimes in.

Her words make me freeze, though my cheeks grow warm.

Love. It’s a word that Keith and I have not exchanged. We’ve said want, but not love.

The thought makes me turn to him now, though this time he does not mirror me as he just continues to raise his glass.

Love, I think again, considering the meaning of the word. I’m still thinking it over as my skin remains hot, but I put a contentment on my features as we all move to take a sip of drinks.

Only, they never meet our lips.

Instead, we’re all stopped when loud pounding can be heard from the front door. Pounding that sounds firm, urgent.

Frantic.

I watch as Arhur rises from his seat, Keith following. But they don’t manage more than one step before the door is suddenly being thrown open.

“What the fuck?” Keith growls, but feet are already storming down the fall, men soon filling the room.

And then they’re grabbing Keith.

“What are you doing!?” I call, jumping to my feet as they restrain my mate. I want to run and pry their hands away, but a man stops me. It’s then that I notice his uniform - all of them are officers.

“Keith is under arrest and will be coming with us,” the man informs me.

“What!?” Ruth asks, panic meeting her voice. My expression mirrors her fear.

“No,” I say. “You’re mistaken. He didn’t do anything! Let’s just slow down and -“

“We have good evidence against his crimes and have been ordered to take him immediately,” the man replies with a sneer, turning away from me.

“My mate is right,” Keith states harshly. “I haven’t done anything.”

“Yeah, yeah,” the man replies rudely. “Save your story for the interrogation.”

I watch in horror as the men begin to pull Keith from the room, still trying to yell at them to release him. However, Keith saying my name over the group stops me.

“It’s okay,” he says once our eyes meet. “It’s okay.”

I stop then, feeling tears threaten as they take my mate - separating us.

“I promise,” I say, my voice quieter now, but I know he hears me.

“I’ll set this right.”