Surrogate for My Brother-in-law - Chapter 76: Chapter 76

I could tell my mother was exhausted. She held her head up high, but her hand shook. I shifted so that one of her arms rested over my shoulder.
“Let's get you back in the house,” Ethan said, “I think you both need some peace and quiet after all that.”
My mother nodded. She let Ethan take some of her weight as well, and we moved to the door of the barn.
There was a faint commotion behind us. I turned to see Leo was glaring at one of the other alphas.
“She is my fated mate, and you will not speak of her so disrespectfully ever again,” he growled.
Who was he talking about? He had to realize Eva wasn't his mate. And I didn't think he'd be defending her honor after everything that had just happened.
My wolf muttered in the back of my mind, but I was too unsettled to focus on what she said.
Leo ran up to us.
“Tessa, Tessa wait!” Leo called out.
I paused. I really did need to talk to him. We had to come to some agreement about Sable, for one thing.
“Tessa, can we talk, please?” Leo asked. He looked at my mother, Dr. Lee, and Ethan. “Alone?”
I hesitated. I was pretty sure he wasn’t angry with me. At least I didn’t think he was angry enough to attack me. And some things between us were private.
“I’ll get your mom into the house,” Ethan said. “There’s a nice little gazebo next to the creek, over that way. It should be private enough.”
“Thank you, Ethan,” I said.
“I know things are complicated between you two,” Ethan said with a shrug. “Shout if you need me. I’ll hear you.”
I nodded, and shifted so he could take my mother’s whole weight. Then I turned to Leo and nodded.
“Let’s talk,” I said.
I led Leo through the garden to the small gazebo Ethan mentioned. Being Ethan’s best friend, Leo probably already knew about the spot, but he followed quietly.
When we were out of sight of everyone else, I sat on one side of the gazebo. Leo took the seat across from me.
I looked around. The creek would make enough noise to keep anyone from eavesdropping. The house was close enough that a shout would be heard. It was a good place for a meeting.
“I’m sorry,” Leo said.
“What?” I asked. That was about the last thing I thought he’d say.
“I am sorry,” Leo repeated. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I know that. But I have to say it, because you deserve to hear it.”
“You’re apologizing?” I said. “But I’m the one who tricked you.”
Leo nodded. “Yeah, and that stings. Mostly that I didn’t figure it out sooner.” He shrugged. “That’s part of what I’m apologizing for.”
“I don’t understand,” I said.
“I was oblivious,” Leo replied. “You were struggling so much. You were under so much pressure, and instead of noticing and fixing it, I made it worse.”
I looked away. I could not deny that Leo’s actions had made my life harder. Navigating the conflicting demands between Eva and Leo had put so much stress on me.
“So I am apologizing,” Leo said. “For being a fool, and not realizing the truth.”
“The truth,” I repeated. “That I wasn’t Eva.”
“That you, not Eva are my fated mate.”
I blinked. “You think we’re fated?” I asked.
“Of course we are. You must feel it. Surely your wolf has said something?”
I think she had, but I hadn’t really believed her. How could Leo be my fated mate? I was nobody. I was just a half blood with some talent for healing.
“I figured it was wishful thinking,” I said. “She was confused because you were kind.”
Leo frowned. “Our wolves don’t get confused about that, Tessa.”
I shrugged. What made the wolf infallalble? Nothing. She could be wrong.
“What do you want, Leo?” I asked.
“I want you to come back,” Leo said.
“What?” My voice came out as a squeak.
“To the manor. I want you to come home,” Leo said.
I shook my head. I couldn't go back there. I still woke up shaking, thinking I was back in the cell, or worse, in that hidden room.
“I can’t,” I whispered.
“Why not?” Leo asked.
“Too many memories,” I said.
“Oh. Of course. It doesn’t make it better that Eva is gone?”
I shook my head mutely.
“So you’ll stay here,” Leo said. He sighed. “With Ethan.”
“Ethan’s been kind to me,” I said. “He and his siblings have made me feel welcome here, and safe.” I looked back towards the house. “I just want to enjoy that for a little while. I’ve never felt that before.”
Leo nodded once and squared his shoulders. “So Ethan is my rival, then. Even though he’s not your fated one.”
“Why are you so sure we’re fated?” I asked.
“Ask your wolf. Right now, please. Just ask her,” Leon pleaded.
I couldn’t refuse when he looked so desperate.
Mine. Yes, mine! My wolf howled with glee to have Leo so close, and no rival for his affections anywhere nearby.
I thought about Ethan, and pressed those warm, safe memories to her.
My wolf scoffed, and turned our attention to Leo.
“She’s saying it’s me, isn’t she?” Leo asked.
I nodded.
“So we're fated. So what? It doesn't mean anything,” I said.
“How can you say that?” Leo demanded.
“My parents were fated! My father's wolf cried for my mother, and it didn't matter. He still married someone else. He still let that rogue hurt her. He still let them take her away from me! Fate didn't mean a damn thing to him, why should it mean anything to a half-blood like me?”
Leo blinked. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
I shrugged. “You’re a fine man, and a good alpha,” I said. “But I’m not ready to forgive you yet, and you shouldn’t be so quick to forgive me, either.”
“I’d forgive you anything, Tessa,” Leo swore. “What do I have to do to earn your forgiveness? Just name it and I’ll do it.”
I stared at him. I couldn’t refuse him entirely. I wanted to, but my wolf wouldn’t have it. And I didn’t want to hurt him. I cared too much to do that.
“Time,” I said. “I need time. So much has changed. My mother is back. I have Sable. Eva and her parents are banished. I’m a healer, and I have a wolf.”
“Those are all good things, though,” Leo said.
I nodded.
“But it’s a lot,” he said. “So much change, so fast, and you’ve been so alone.”
“Yes,” I said.
He sighed. “I can give you time. I can be patient.” He paused. “What about Sable?”
“I won’t give her up,” I declared.
No one was ever taking her away form me again.
“Of course not! I would never, could never, ask that of you. I just… I love her. She’s mine, my first born. I just need to hold her. Sometimes. Just. Can I come see her?”
“You’re right, she is yours, too,” I said. “It’s only right that you have time with her. You can see her anytime.”
“I’ll have to arrange something with Ethan,” Leo muttered. “I have a territory now, I can’t just wander into his anytime I have a mind to anymore.”
“Oh, right, there are formalities,” I said. “That must feel weird.”
“It does,” Leo said. “I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.” He paused. “Would you do me a favor? As a member of Ethan’s pack, would you kindly escort me to his office, so that I can arrange visitation and courting rights?”
“I can do that,” I said. Then. “Courting rights? Really?”
“Yes. I intend to formally ask your alpha for the right to court you,” he said. “If I have your permission?”
“I thought you were giving me time,” I protested.
“I am. Courting can take as long as you want. It can take forever. I am not giving up on you, Tessa, now that I know you are the one my wolf howls for.”