My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 211

Chapter 211

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“We’re not starting broken. squeezed her hand. “We’re starting honest. I made bad choices for nineteen hours. But then I chose you. Chose you before Courtney attacked, before the dramatic knife moment. I chose you during our conversation. When you talked about art and showed me who you really are. The knife just–confirmed what I’d already decided.”

“Really?”

“Really. Grace, I was going to choose you. The deadline had thirty minutes left and I’d already decided. I just–I hadn’t said it out loud yet.”

She smiled. Small but genuine. “Okay. Okay, that’s–that’s good.”

Lord Castellan stood. “I’m going to give you two some privacy. But Connor?” He looked at me seriously. “What you said to Thomas–about Grace being worth defending. Remember that. In three days, in three months, in three years when some other wolf makes comments about integration. Remember that your mate is worth defending. Always.”

“I will, sir.”

After he left, Grace finished bandaging my that had happened.

properly. We sat in comfortable quiet for a while, processing everything

In Alpha Jeremy’s office, we could hear raised voices–Thomas still arguing, Alpha Jeremy’s responses calm but firm. Luna Emma had joined them at some point, her voice adding to the discussion.

“Your father is terrifying when he wants to be,” I observed.

“He’s protective. Of all of us. But especially of me and Nate.” She smiled slightly. “Uncle Cas says Daddy’s protective instincts were already strong, but having children made them–intense.”

“I believe it. That growl literally shook the house.”

“Family trait. I can do it too when I’m mad enough.”

“I’ll try not to make you that mad.”

“Good plan.” She leaned against me carefully, mindful of my injury. “Connor, thank you. For choosing me. For being brave. For

-for making me feel like maybe this mate bond thing might actually work.”

“It’s going to work.” I put my arm around her. “Grace, we’re going to make it work. Together. One day at a time. One Thomas Vex at a time. One complicated choice at a time.”

“Together,” she agreed. “I like the sound of that.”

We sat together until Alpha Jeremy emerged from his office, Thomas Vex following with a stiff expression.

“Connor.” Alpha Jeremy’s voice was formal. “Your family will be contacted about Courtney’s actions. She’s banned from Trent territory pending a formal Council review of the attempted murder. Thomas has reluctantly–agreed not to interfere with your mate bond.”

Thomas’s jaw was tight. “This isn’t over. The Council will hear about how your family manipulates mate bonds-

“The Council will hear about how your daughter attempted murder with a silver weapon.” Alpha Jeremy’s voice was steel. “I’d be very careful about the story you tell, Thomas. Because I have witnesses. Evidence. And a very protective vampire lord who’s extremely interested in making sure Grace’s attacker faces appropriate consequences.”

Thomas left without another word.

After the door closed, Alpha Jeremy looked at me and Grace on the couch. “You two okay?”

“We’re okay, Daddy,” Grace said.

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“Gaud.” He moved to the couch, sitting on Grace’s other side. “Connor, I meant what I said earlier. You hurt my daughter, you answer to me. But” He paused. “But I also saw you take that knife. Saw your choose her when it mattered. That counts for something.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You’re dating my daughter now. That comes with complications. Like overprotective fathers and vampire uncles and a family that doesn’t do anything normally.”

Grace laughed. “Daddy, I think he’s figured that out.”

“Just making sure.” He stood. “Get some rest. Both of you. Tomorrow we’ll deal with the formal reports and Council notifications. Tonight–just be okay.”

After he left, Grace and I sat in the quiet living room.

“Your family is intense,” I said.

“You have no idea.” She smiled.

nor are you sure about this? About us? Because it only gets more complicated from here.”

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