me,” he whispered in her ear.
Vivian’s face flared red and Russ grinned. Red was a good colour for her. He’d have to keep her that way.
“Ah—well then.” Vivian laughed and entwined their fingers.
“The phones look to be over there. Should be a disposable one. We’ll call your family and then head out. I don’t want to stick around here too long. I want you safe before I confront Ryerson.”
“If that’s the case, why didn’t you have me go with the others and head out on your own?” Vivian questioned.
“I wanted a little more time with you. And a good leader knows you can’t fight alone. Once we get to the safe house we’ll regroup and get a fight plan together. Hopefully by the time we get there my men will already have it worked out.”
They reached the phones and Russ grabbed one and went to pay with Vivian close by his side. Once they got to the parking lot he handed the phone over for Vivian to activate it. In mere minutes she had the phone to her ear saying hello to someone on the other end.
“Hello, Mom. Yes. It’s me.” A pause. “I’m fine. Yes, so is Ive . Greycen showed up as well. Is Dad there?” Vivian waited for a response.
Russ hated not hearing both sides of the conversation. Hated not knowing what they could be saying to Vivian.
“Speaker is fine, just get him—oh hi, Dad. Listen, I don’t have a lot of time.” She was interrupted. “No. I’m good. No I’m not under duress.” Vivian rolled her eyes at him and smiled. “I need you to call Ryerson back home. No. I’m not coming with him. I found—” Vivian looked at him again. “I found my mate and I’m going to stay here.”
Russ’ heart warmed at hearing her say the words. His mate. Staying here. Music to his ears. She was talking again.
“I know you picked him and he’ll be disappointed, but you know as well as I do that a mate is a big deal. I’m staying. I will never be with Ryerson. Dad, you could always make him your heir. I’m—I’m happy here. Ive and Greycen are staying too.”
Vivian wrapped up the call and handed him the phone.
“Well?” he asked.
“They aren’t completely happy, but they promised to call Ryerson home. But I really don’t think he’ll listen. I’ll call again when we get to your safe house to see what Ryerson’s response is. My parents are good people, mostly, but Ryerson has some sway over them. It wasn’t always so bad at home.”
Russ hugged Vivian to him, offering her a little bit of comfort.
“All right, let’s get going. The boys should be close to the house by now as long as they didn’t run into any complications. I don’t want to be too far behind them. The roads have been clear so I don’t think we have a tail. And there was no time to plant tracking devices. We should be good to go.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Russ kissed Vivian’s forehead.
“Just—being you. That’s all. You could have thrown us out, but you listened to Ive and let us help. I know you were disappointed with the way things turned out with Djimon being an escaped soul possessing Djimon. But you’re strong and true and I think I’m falling in love with you.” Vivian whispered the last words.
Russ pulled her closer and kissed her lips, truly happy for the first time in years. He’d watched David and Max find their true soulmate and didn’t really think he would have that luxury. Running the pack would have been enough. Now he knew how hollow that was.
“I love you,” he stated. No thinking about it. This woman had his heart in her hands.
It was a good feeling. Not all mates could love each other. Most did, but he’d heard horror stories and he was more than happy that he would have a love match.
Now to keep her safe. Russ got on the bike and held out a hand to help her on. Vivian wrapped herself around him and they raced off. Destination? Pack safe house. They should be there in a couple of hours.
Chapter Six
Vivian rested her cheek on