Page 118 of Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck

Drest rose to his feet slowly, still holding Demi’s hand as she remained seated. His gaze locked on his mate.

As much as Drest hated to agree with anything Nile would ever say, he had to admit that Nile was right. Rachael had managed to get even more beautiful with age. Everything about her made his body respond the same way it did when he’d first met her.

Demi tugged on his hand.

He glanced down at her.

“Go spend time with Mom,” she said. “I’m pretty tired and would love to rest for a bit.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” said Drest, torn between going to his mate and staying with his daughter.

Demi patted his hand. “Dad, I’m going to bed to get some sleep. Not another country. And you are not allowed to stand over me and watch me sleep.”

“I’ll do that,” said Goodfellow before shaking his head. “I mean, I’ll watch over her, Drest. Rachael can leave my pendant here in Demi’s care. It won’t harm her any or tax her system. Arch is showering but will be here too.”

Astria beamed. “I don’t want to speak for Stratton, but I think we’d be happy to stay too, and help be sure she’s safe.”

Stratton nodded. “Of course. Cousin, your daughter is right. You need to go spend time with your mate.”

Rachael entered the room more. “I’m fine. I don’t need special treatment. This is important time for you and Demi. Take all the time you need.”

“I really am tired,” said Demi. “And I think the threat is gone for now. Everyone can relax. Robin will be close to me all night.”

Drest tensed, his gaze sliding to Goodfellow. “Just how close are we talking?”

“Dad, stop,” said Demi, still clutching his hand. “It’s not like that between us.”

Astria pursed her lips but didn’t comment.

Drest watched Goodfellow closely. “I want to hear you say it.”

Goodfellow took a deep breath. “There is nothing romantic between your daughter and me. Or me and your mate.”

Nodding, Drest focused on Demi. “Are you sure you don’t need me here?”

“Dad, go make out with Mom,” said Demi. “That woman needs a good roll in the sack.”

Drest dropped his daughter’s hand fast and turned red. “Uh, no. I’d never do that. Sex is bad.”

Stratton groaned. “Cousin, quit while you’re ahead and go spend time with Rachael. You’re welcome to go to my place. There is an apartment above the garage.”

“Take him up on it,” said Demi. “A strong wind could topple Mom’s house.”

Rachael laughed. “It’s not that bad.”

Goodfellow swung around and gave her a stern look. “Pigeons were nesting in the fireplace the last time we were there.”

Rachael eyed him. “You’re coming off as a pampered prince, Robin.”

Goodfellow laughed. “Go spend time with your husband. I’ll handle things here.”

Rachael removed the pendant from around her neck and brought it over to Demi. She then eased it over Demi’s head gently and then kissed her forehead. “I love you. Get some rest.”

“I love you too, Mom,” said Demi. She caught Rachael’s hand. “I know you’ve spent all my life thinking he didn’t want you—or us—but, Mom, I was right. He was looking for us. Please don’t shut him out. I’m not asking for me. I’m a grown woman who can handle having a relationship with him regardless, but for you. The number of times Astria and I would hear you cry yourself to sleep… Mom, you love him. Please try to remember that.”

Drest’s chest burned with pride, love, and regret.

Rachael cupped Demi’s face and kissed her forehead again. “I never forgot how much I love him. And I promise that I won’t push him away. I want a life with him. And I really need his help lifting heavy things at the house when I’m remodeling.”

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