Ace

I followed Wren home, parked my bike, and sat there. Wren climbed off her bike, walked toward me, and stopped.

"I understand if you don't forgive me. Shadow and I will keep our distance while protecting you," I said.

"I don't know what I want right now. I wish I could answer you, but my feelings are a jumbled mess."

"Understandable."

"A betrayal cuts deep. It's like the person who should love us unconditionally tossed us aside for a cheap thrill. It makes us think we're not good enough."

I climbed off my bike and stood close to Wren. "Then let me prove you're more than enough. Let me show you I'm not the same asshole you met that day."

Wren tried not to smile but laughter erupted from her.

I couldn't help but smile. "I promise to work to win your trust and forgiveness. You need to decide if I'm worth the effort."

Wren's lips pursed as she rested her hands on her hips. I waited for her answer. I wanted to show Wren she didn't make a mistake by accepting me. Shadow sat on his hind legs and waited for Wren's answer.

"I want to talk to Shadow," Wren said.

I stepped aside and let Shadow push forward.

"Do you want me to give Ace a chance to prove he deserves me?"

My voice deepened. "I disagreed with what Ace did that day. I wanted him to fix what he did to you. But Ace needs to tell you why he did it."

"What do you mean?"

"It's Ace's story to tell."

I averted my gaze while Wren talked to Shadow. I haven't spoken to anyone about the downward spiral that happened after my parents died. Cress suspected, but I never confirmed it.

"Okay. Ace can tell me when he's ready," Wren said.

Shadow nodded before giving me control.

"One day at a time, Ace. That's all I can give you."

"I'll take it," I said.

Wren nodded before walking away and heading inside.

It was a start.

*******
Wren

I closed the door, leaned against it, and blew air past my lips. Was I insane to give Ace a chance and denounce my allegiance to Vicious Angels? I wasn't expecting Ace to get between Hawk and me. It's not the first time Hawk and I have fought. It happens when you have alpha blood.

I dropped my bag on the table beside the door as my phone rang. I dug it out and answered it. "Hello?"

"Tell me our brother didn't start shit in Cress Heart's territory," Raven said.

I pushed away from the front door and headed to the kitchen to brew coffee. "Hawk and I got into an argument. I denounced my allegiance to Vicious Angels."

"Oh, my gawd. You did not!"

I put two scoops of coffee grounds in the filter basket before filling the coffee pot with water and flipping on the switch. "I did. And I accepted Ace."

"What?"

I had to pull the phone from my ear to keep from hearing Raven screech. She forgets we have super hearing.

"I can't believe you forgave that douche."

"I didn't forgive Ace. I accept him because of Shadow."

"You softy."

I rolled my eyes at Raven's teasing. "I told Ace I would give him a chance to prove he changed, but one day at a time. I don't want to regret my decision."

"Fair. Nothing is worse than giving someone a chance who didn't deserve it."

"Raven."

"I learned my lesson the hard way, Wren. Bob is a safe choice even if he's boring."

"Bob is a human."

"Exactly. He's stable."

"I disagree with your choice. If you married this guy, you have to hide your wolf."

"I'll figure it out. If everything works out, I want you to call me first to announce the pup."

"Bye, Raven." I ended the call. I'm thirty-six and haven't decided anything yet about Ace. Unlike my sister, I want to make the right decision and not settle. Bob, really?

******
Ace

I scanned the area before sweeping the outside for any issues. I needed Wren safe. Once I cleared the area, I returned to my bike. Shadow was sitting up and watching through my eyes for any threat. Shadow wasn't at full strength but was getting stronger by the minute.

A few minutes later, the front door opened, and Wren exited with two cups. I moved from my bike, jogged up the steps, and helped her so she didn't burn herself. I took the cups and stepped back. Wren stepped onto the porch and let the screen door close behind her. She gestured to the steps to sit. I didn't hesitate to sit with her.

Wren took a cup from me and sipped it. "You didn't get to finish your coffee the other night."

I nodded and sipped my coffee. Shadow purred in my head, with Wren sitting beside us.

"Before we move forward, I need an explanation from you."

I blew air past my lips and set my cup down beside me. "I didn't expect ever to meet my mate. So I gave up looking for her. After my parents died, I went on a downward spiral into booze and women. It was easier to numb myself than deal with not having my parents or a mate. A mate calms you. I didn't have that. Cress threw himself into the club since he hadn't found his mate."

"I don't understand what Cress has to do with this." Wren shook her head.

"Cress is my older brother." I looked at Wren with my head tilted to the side.

She stared at me with her mouth cracked. "What?"

I nodded. "I didn't want the second command, so Cress made me an enforcer. He figured it would allow me to work out my frustration."

"Wait. If you're Cress's brother, that makes you alpha blood."

I nodded again. "I know the rules of alphas rejecting their mates. We can find another mate or turn feral. Shadow didn't want another mate."

Wren knitted her brows. "You were willing to let Shadow have what he wanted."

"I owed him for my colossal fuckup. Because of my actions, he didn't get to meet his mate. I was willing to take the brunt of the pain for him since he did nothing wrong but get stuck with a shitty human."

"I don't know what to say." She shook her head in disbelief.

"Wren, I spent eighteen years waiting for you to reject me. I know you didn't accept me, but Shadow, when we were in the restaurant. I'm okay with that. If you and Shadow are happy, I'm good with watching from the sidelines." I finished my coffee and handed the empty cup to Wren before standing up, descending the steps, and returning to my post of guarding Wren.

********
Wren

I glanced at Ace's empty cup when he descended the stairs. He returned to his bike and leaned on it while watching for threats. He was willing to forgo his happiness for his wolf and me.

I stood up, walked into the house, and called my mom.

She answered after the second ring. "Hey, Wren."

"Hey, momma. I need your advice." I walked over to the couch and sat down.

"Lay it on me, sweet girl."

I told my mom about everything that had happened recently. She listened until I finished.

"What do you think?"

"From everything you've told me, Ace has been working for your forgiveness. However, it does surprise me that he would turn feral instead of finding another mate."

"Shadow doesn't want another mate."

"Are you sure it's not Ace who doesn't want another mate?"

"That thought has crossed my mind."

"Wren, it's been eighteen years since that fateful day. Are you still angry at Ace?"

"I thought I was until recently when I felt the mate bond for the first time."

"Have you considered it's been easier to stay mad at Ace because you haven't felt the mate bond for years?"

"It's possible. What do you think I should do?"

"I can't make that decision for you, sweet girl. You need to decide if you want to give Ace a chance. That starts with forgiveness. Did you forgive Ace?"

I nibbled on my bottom lip. I couldn't lie to my mom. "Yes."

"Then, you have your answer. I know you're scared about taking a chance with Ace, but you won't know until you do. Be the fearless Wren who I raised."

My lips curved slightly. "Thanks, Momma."

"Anytime, sweet girl."

I ended the call and pursed my lips before making my choice.

******
Ace

I watched the house for threats when the front door opened, and Wren stepped outside. She descended the steps and walked toward me before stopping. I straightened my posture, ready to defend her with my life.

"I had time to think and made a decision," she said.

I waited with furrowed brows. Did she change her mind about a second chance? Shadow sat up straight and waited for the hammer to drop. My heart thudded in my chest. I had my affairs in order for this moment. "I'm ready when you are. Shadow and I accept your decision."

Wren pursed her lips and chewed on the inside of her cheek while Shadow and I waited. Our hope diminished with each passing minute.

"Can I make one request before you say anything?"

Wren nodded.

"Can you let me text Creas first?"

Wren pulled her brows inward. "Sure."

I pulled out my phone and shot off a quick text. I need you at Wren's place to put me down.

What the fuck? - Cress

Wren made her decision. I don't want her to get hurt. Shadow and I have accepted the outcome. - me

On my way. - Cress

I closed out my messages and slipped my phone into my pocket. "I'm ready." I gave a chin lift.

Wren looked at me before speaking. "I decided...."

Yeah, I'll leave this right here.