Carter's POV
'Carter, what am I supposed to do?' Ezra signed to me as we walked into the shop, UK right behind us.
I don't know why Ezra was signing like UK couldn't understand. But seeing as he was behind us, he had no idea what we were discussing. Which is good because if he did...
'I don't know what you want me to say. You have a crush on a forty-something-year-old.' I signed back and sighed.
Ezra rolled his eyes and groaned in annoyance. We were talking about Finnick, a family friend. Well, our parents' friend. We don't call him uncles like Uncle Byn and James because he's never stepped into that role. He was just a guy that was around. Ezra had a crush on him when he was younger, but they never spoke. Finnick rarely spoke to any of us other than our parents, which made the crush even more ridiculous.
None of us has seen Finnick in years, maybe five or six. And I thought Ezra was over the stupid crush seeing as he hasn't talked about him. Plus he's seemingly moved on trying to find his mate. But I guess I was wrong. Because now he is freaking out that Finnick (codename Lion) is going to at the family vacation. But nope, the obsession just came right back, harder than before.
These damn Micakayas. Once they want something...they won't stop until they get it.
'I bet he looks so good, got all those grays.' Ezra signed and got a dreamy look on his face.
'The grays? That's what does it for you?' Uncle Ray watched as we fully stepped in, and a giant smile covered his face. He was currently doing a cut so he couldn't come to hug me but I knew he was going to smother me once he was done.
'Yes! The grays! And he is just so...big.' Again, Ezra got that weird dreamy look in his eyes.
'You're big too you know.' Which was true. All the Mickayas are humungous. Even Eliezar might be an omega, but he was still bigger than the average wolf. It made no sense.
'It must be in the genes. The Mickayas are the certified piners.'
UK walked behind us and clapped our shoulders which immediately made us stop. He might not know who we are talking about, but that doesn't mean he needs to know about Ezra's big crush.
"Carter!" Uncle Ray yelled grabbing my attention, putting a smile on my face. "Go ahead, take the durag off, and let me see what you're working with." I rolled my eyes knowing exactly what was about to happen. All the other barbers' eyes were on me as I took it off.
A collective 'whoa' flew from their mouths as they looked at the mess on my head. I knew it was all in good fun.
'Alright, everyone! I know, I know. I haven't found a barber yet but I'll be looking.' I signed but then I stilled. I know Uncle Tino said they learned to sign but that doesn't mean the whole pack has.
"Look all you want to, but I promise you, no one is going to be as good as Ray." One of the barbers said back and they all laughed.
I felt all anxiety leave my body and an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation washed over me. Never in a million years did I think I would ever be important enough to so many people. I thought the moment I closed my mouth and words no longer came easy, no one would care. I keep getting proved wrong and there is no better feeling than that.
"Ezra, you're up first." Jamie, one of the barbers said and Ezra ran right over. Leaving me and UK alone.
We were sitting at the front, a decent ways away from everyone. The shop returned to their usual conversations which meant I'd finally be able to talk to UK about all that I've been feeling.
"Hey, this might not be the best time, but I don't know when we will get another moment alone like this." UK started to talk and I turned to look at him. It was now I realized just how much his age was starting to show. Granted werewolves and lycans live way longer than humans but that doesn't mean we don't get the occasional wrinkle.
"I didn't know--I didn't know how bad it was for you." I was shocked to see that UK was bringing this conversation up on his own, which made me wonder if Sloan had said something.
'No one did. I wasn't screaming it from the hills either.' I signed, trying to make light of it. However, I knew I shouldn't. In fact, if Sloan were here he'd give me the 'look'.
"Yeah, yeah I know. But I should have paid more attention." He sighed and continued, "I knew about the curse, way back when they asked me to be your godfather. It didn't make any sense to me, and I tried my best not to judge them. I say the back side of things. I watched them cry, I saw their pain. Not excusing but it was a hard choice for them. For Dieter."
My hands shook as the question popped into my head, I didn't want to ask afraid of the answer I might get but I needed to. I need to know.
'Does Dieter regret making that choice?' I braced myself for the inevitable no.
"Yeah. He does. You wouldn't know this of course, but Crispin and Dieter have been unhappy for some time. They've thought about...going their separate ways."
That stilled me...I could feel my heart start to race and everything in me filled with anxiety. Never did I think my parents would ever separate. That's not something wolves do. Ever. And even though I'm angry there are still things that need to be worked out. Doesn't mean I want them to leave each other.
'No, they can't do that.' I signed frantically. 'They will work it out. They are mates.'
"Listen, kid, it's complicated. I didn't tell you to make you feel bad. I say all that to say if I had known that it could end up this way I would have tried to do something sooner."
'It's not your fault. If anything it's my great grandparents who made the stupid deal with goddess.'
Since finding out about the curse I always wondered if there was a way to break it. To keep the rest of our family safe from the burden of it. And if there was, I'd do everything in my power to break it.
"Which makes me wonder, maybe we need to find out how to break it. There has to be a way to break it. We'd probably have to find a witch--"
'A witch? Witches are real?' I signed, completely caught off guard.
"Oh yeah, they are. We aren't the only supernaturals roaming the Earth. Witches, vampires, others...But that's a conversation for another time."
Did he just say vampires? What the fuck...
"I just need you to know Carter, that I love you. That you've always been a part of our family and will be no matter what." UK slightly leaned over and nudged me with his shoulder. Nothing but love and honesty was present in his eyes and it eased any anxiety that I had.
Though the conversation might not have gone as planned, it was still had. Which is all that matters. I want to move on, I want to enjoy the rest of my life. Especially with these next few days...I don't want them to be tainted by memories.
'I love you too, UK.' He gave me an award-winning smile and pulled me into a hug deep into his side.
Family.
This is what family felt like.
'There's one more thing I want to ask you, it's kind of unorthodox but I want to get Sloan a ring. And propose, sort of.'
UK's eyes were huge with shock, and I anxiously began to bounce my leg up and down waiting for him to answer. I didn't think UK would say no, but still, he could say it was too soon or I don't know, laugh at me.
"You want to propose? Like how the humans do?"
'Well, yes. But not like how they do. We're marked so-- but this would just be me saying how much I care for him in front of everybody. I want him to feel special, let him know how much he means to me.'
I should be embarrassed, saying this to Sloan's dad. But UK is my UK. I talk to him about anything and everything. He's always been my safe space, and honestly a best friend. I'll never be shamed or feel weird for it. Especially when it comes to him.
"That's...I think that's great, Carter. I know Sloan loves Chessy shit...just like his dad so he will love it. Whatever you decide to do." UK moved his hand to my back and gave it a firm pat on the back. "You know I'm not one to meddle, however, I am happy that you and Sloan finally got together. I don't think I could watch that poor kid pine any longer."
We both laughed, and soon my name was called and it was my turn in the chair. I tried my best to keep up conversation but my mind kept drifting off to my boyfriend, to my love, my mate. I had only been away from him for a few hours and I was already wanting to run back into his arms.
'Tiger?' I reached out in my mind, still not fully understanding how mindlinks work with mates.
'Hey, lightening you alright?' His voice flooded my body, it was strange how this worked.
'Yeah, I just missed you is all.' I could feel his laugh vibrate through my body almost as if I was lying on his chest.
'I miss you. Tonight, I'll show you just how much too.' I felt my face heat up but thankfully Uncle Ray was in a conversation with someone else and didn't notice.
'I'm around people you can't say that!'
'I can say whatever I want. Not my fault you reacted that way.' I could almost see Sloan's smirk and he winked at me. 'Are you sore?'
'Not too sore to where I can't have you again.' I teased, and this time I was feeling Sloan's blush.
'I want you to sit on my face tonight.' Once the words flooded my ears it was almost as if everything was moving in slow motion. Before I knew it, I was doubled over with a coughing fit and all eyes were on me. Sloan however was belly laughing wherever the hell he was.
"Whoa, you good, kid? Need some water?" Uncle Ray asked patting my back, trying to get me to calm down.
'Yeah, yeah, I'm okay.' I signed, calming down and leaning back in the chair.
'Sloan...a warning next time.'
'Then it's no fun. But seriously, sit on my face tonight.'
'Who said I wanted to bottom again tonight?' I meant the question teasingly. I didn't mind that between the two of us, Sloan took the position of the giver...but I am a little curious to see what it would feel like to be in Sloan and to see him as much of a mess as he makes me.
'Oh, I see. Trying to switch it up?'
'I'm just teasing Sloan, I know you wouldn't.' Even though the thoughts were enticing, Sloan seemed like he'd be strictly top, which again is fine either way. As long as we are taken care of is all that matters.
'Carter, if you asked me to bend over for you, I would.'
Heat spread through my entire body and I knew now was not the time and the place. But Sloan just made me so...horny all the time.
'Say it to my face and I might believe it.'
I knew I was playing with fire. If there's one thing I know about Sloan is that he never backs down from a challenge. Somehow I also knew that if I were to top him, Sloan would still find a way to boss me around.
'I'll see you tonight.'
Fuck...what did I do?
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Hold on to your horses folks, I will say these last few chapters...won't be much talking going on if you know what I mean.
I promised at the beginning smut and fluff and I'm giving it to you now. AFTER ALL THIS TIME! AHAHAH.
Anyway, guys, let me know what you think!
I also added some little tidbits of maybe a future series I might start up...after I finish this one. Which won't be for a while. After this book, I have SIX books planned. Why'd I make them have so many kids? Who knows. LOL.