Free Haven 4: Back Roads by Gabrielle Evans

one person made just for them that would bring peace and joy to their heart and soul. The one person who would always be there for them, understand them like no one else, and share things that no other could. It was a goal shifters strived toward.
    Galen might have some shifter blood, but he was mostly human and had lived that way for his entire life. How was Bannon supposed to explain a concept that was not only foreign, but must seem almost barbaric to the man?
    “It’s worth it to me. I can’t answer for ya, though, Galen. That’s somethin’ ya have to decide on your own. If somethin’ was to happen to ya, I wouldn’t want to go on livin’. That’s how deep the bond runs.
    So, knowin’ I’d never have to try is a bloody relief to be honest.”
    “I respect that’s how you feel, but I’m not there yet. I have some strong feelings for you. I thought it was love, but now I’m not so sure.
    If it was really love, wouldn’t I be willing to die for you?” Galen looked so lost, his eyes desperately pleading for Bannon to understand. “I’ve fought hard my entire life to survive. I don’t want to die.”
    “It’s okay. I understand.” He did, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear. “I need to be packin’, and then I’ll have to call Torren.
    Are ya still wantin’ to come along?”
    Galen nodded, even as tears spilled over and streaked down his cheeks. “Are you mad?”
    “No, Galen. I’m not angry.” He leaned over and kissed his mate’s forehead gently. “I’ll see ya later.” Pushing up from the sofa, Bannon hurried out of the room before his emotions could get the better of him and he did something foolish—like beg.
    He’d promised not to pressure Galen, and he’d meant it. Still, he’d never been the type to sit around and wait. If he wanted something, he went out and got it. Placing his fate into someone else’s hands was a hard pill to swallow.

    * * * *
    The night had started off so perfect, and now it was just one big clusterfuck. He hadn’t meant to hurt Bannon with his words, but he knew he had. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be with the man. He could handle all the other weirdness that came with being mated to a shifter, but all of this dying in the name of love was a little too Romeo and Juliet for him. Only, Romeo had a choice in the matter.
    “Galen?”
    Snapping out of his depressing thoughts, Galen lifted his head to find Willow standing on the other side of the room, looking at him with concern. “What are you doing here?” Willow smiled and shrugged as he hurried over to flop down on the couch beside him. “Cole is in Georgia to visit his brother. Blaise had some business with Stavion, and he doesn’t like to leave me alone.” He rolled his eyes and gave an exaggerated sigh at this. “At least I have friends here. I have to tag along with him when he goes to The Council tomorrow. That is guaranteed to be wicked boring.” Willow wrinkled his nose and shuddered.
    Galen laughed in spite of himself. Willow was always such a nut.
    “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
    “Oh, I’m sure I will, too, but I want to talk about you. Galen, why are you crying? What happened?”
    “Bannon says I’m his mate.”
    “Oh! That’s awesome. He’s cute.” Willow beamed and wiggled his eyebrows. “He shifts into a horse, right? So, is he hung like one?” Galen’s mouth dropped open. “You are a naughty elf.”
    “That’s what Cole says. So, spill. Is he?”
    “Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you,” Galen answered haughtily.
    He was already feeling better. Willow had a way of just making people happy by doing nothing more than being himself.
    “Don’t be a spoilsport. I’d tell you.” Willow pushed his long, dark hair back from his face and pouted.
    “Okay, then tell me.”
    “Blaise’s cock is—”
    “Ahh!” Galen clamped his hands over his ears and shook his head rapidly. “I was joking. I don’t want to hear about Blaise’s dick.”
    “Well,