They both turned to the Arkansas leader.
“While you were talking to the police, I was talking with Kate.” Barrett propped his hands on his hips. “She filled me in on everything. Including how Bigsby tried to blackmail her.” Barrett gave Braxton a rare grin. “I told the cops and they are going to be heading over to Bigsby’s house and the bank president’s house today. They might even have some info on Tom Hudson and that money he stole from you, Kate.”
“Thank you.” Kate felt the weight of worry lift off her shoulders. But it was bittersweet. She might have her home, but she wouldn’t have Braxton.
“That’s great. Thank you, Barrett.” Braxton reached for her hand and squeezed.
Barrett narrowed his gaze on Braxton. “You still need to come back with me to Little Rock to fill out some paperwork, absolving you from any involvement in the murder. And, as you were wrongfully accused, you are also free to make a claim against the Commander of Louisiana for sending those assholes after you.”
Braxton chuckled. “I’m just glad it’s over.” He shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll be filing a claim. Although I would like for them to compensate me for my Harley.”
“I’ve already talked to Louisiana about doing that. It should be here within a week. Hope you like the Harley Breakout.” Barrett’s smirk slid off his face as he looked at Kate and froze.
“What?” Braxton looked between them.
Barrett leveled his intense blue eyes on her. “Where did you get that?”
Kate gulped and followed his gaze to her pendant. She picked up the gold crescent moon and shrugged.
“My mom gave this to me when I was a little girl.”
Barrett narrowed his gaze. “Tell me, do you have a mark like that moon? Something that you didn’t have at birth?”
“What’s going on, Barrett?” Braxton pulled Kate close.
Kate gasped. Slowly, she nodded. “Yes.”
“And, it was after you were bitten.” Barrett cocked his head.
“How did you know that? It happened years ago when I was a child.”
Barrett rubbed his hand across his mouth and averted his eyes.
Braxton stiffened. “I want to know what’s going on.”
“Tell me something, Braxton. How do you feel about Kate?”
“I don’t think it’s any of your business,” Braxton snarled.
“As Commander of Arkansas, I think it is my business. I make it a point to know what’s going on with all my Weres.” Barrett arched his brow.
“I’m not part of your Arkansas Weres.”
“Ah. So you plan on going back to Louisiana.” Barrett nodded. “I see.”
Kate’s heart ached. She knew this was coming. He didn’t have a reason to stay anymore. She was being stupid for even entertaining the thought that maybe he would. Kate pulled away.
“I didn’t say that.” Braxton reached for her hand.
“It is against the Were law for a werewolf and human to mate,” Barrett stated.
“I know that.” Braxton glared.
“Good.” Barrett nodded cheerfully. “Wouldn’t want you to go breaking any laws since you just got off the hook for murder.”
Kate started for the house, but Braxton grabbed her arm. “Kate, wait.”
Kate froze. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold back the tears.
“So, how do you feel about Kate?” Barrett crossed his arms over his massive chest.
“I love her.”
Kate couldn’t breathe. She had literally forgotten how to breathe.
She turned and faced Braxton. He was declaring his love for her.
Kate sucked in a breath. “But, I guess in your world that’s not enough.”
“Actually, it just might be,” Barrett offered.
They both turned. “What do you mean?”
“Kate, the mark you carry is a result of you being bitten by a wolf.”
“I know.”
“No, not an ordinary wolf. A werewolf.”
“What? I’ve never heard of a werewolf biting a human.” Braxton frowned.
“It’s because it is against the law. The werewolf that bit her probably was killed as a result.”
Kate stared at Barrett. “So, what does this mean?”
“It means that your mother knew a werewolf had bitten you. The pendant you wear is a sign of the wolf blood that runs through you.”
“Are you saying I’m a werewolf?” Kate’s eyes grew big.
Barrett laughed. “Not exactly. I doubt you will ever shift into full wolf form. But it does mean you have enough wolf blood in you for it to be legal for a Were to mate with you.”
Kate’s knees buckled. Braxton grabbed her in time, pulling her into his arms.
“You okay?”
“I think so.” A laugh escaped her. “It’s just a little shocking is all.”
Braxton cupped her cheek. “Kate, do you still want me?”
Kate blinked. “Of course I still want you. I love you.”
He brought his mouth down on hers before she could say another word. He kissed her thoroughly before pulling back.
“Will you be my mate? Forever?”
“Absolutely.” She frowned. “Does this mean I don’t get a wedding?”