Page 49 of Claimed

“Not remotely. Why would I want to sever the bond?”

“And therein lies the potential for being blindsided.”

“Care to explain?”

He huffs out a sigh.

“Dad?”

“Just want to say it’s best you keep your eyes open. Don’t let your knot guide you, son. It doesn’t take much for a new mate to cloud your judgement. Told Riley the same not long ago.”

“He hasn’t mated yet?”

“Not yet,” he confirms.

I ask, “His mate still here?”

“Parked at the store. It’ll come to a head. Soon, I suspect.”

“Why’d you sever your bond with Soleil? I already can’t imagine doing it and it’s been just over twenty-four hours. You didn’t sever the bond until I was… what?”

“A few months old.”

“Why?”

He holds the phone. And I can envision him – an older version of myself – clenching his teeth, jaw muscles bulging.

“Know it’s your business, but given the circumstances, think it’s also mine,” I press.

“I don’t like looking back.” His voice is hard.

“Just asking you to do it once, Dad. To help me understand why I’ve grown up disconnected from half of my genetics.”

He sighs. “Is she resistant? Your mate?”

“No,” I say. “Timid. But not resistant. She’s remorseful. Fearful. She was forced to do her alpha brother’s bidding. We haven’t gotten deep yet, but she’s been through some shit. That much is clear.”

“Even still, be watchful. Your mom needs me. Gotta run. Give me a little time. Don’t like to go back, but I will. Just… give me a little time to get into the right headspace.”

My father is a good man. A strong man. Rather stubborn, though. I’m torn between wanting him to just spit it out and respecting his wishes to wait and talk it out.

Thinking about my mate and wanting to get back to her, I decide to let it go for tonight.

“Yeah, Dad. I’ll be watchful. Don’t make me wait too long. Been almost thirty-three years already.”

“Enjoy your time, son. Nothing like those first few weeks. We’ll talk when you come up for air. Let me know if you need any help dealing with the Silver Hills situation. I’ll check with the rest of my council and see if any of them have anything to add. Far as I know, we don’t really have other history with them, but I’ll ask.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I’m irritated when I hang up, but when I find her lying in my bed, my emotions smooth out. This is a sight I’d find soothing if not for the tumultuous emotions I feel from her.

I sit on the edge and move a lock of hair off her forehead. She jumps out of her daze, looking terrified for a heartbeat but then grabs for me.

I press my lips to hers and kiss her deeply while I stroke her mate mark with my thumb.

She sighs with relief and as I pull back, our eyes connect, hers bright, soothing, a beacon in the darkness.

This is what I get to come home to from now on. Softness and warmth in my bed.

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