Page 58 of Death Warden
“Let me know as soon as they’re back,” Spectre said.
I looked up at Spectre. “What are hounds?”
“A patrol unit specifically skilled in tracking,” he said. “They get a scent and they don’t lose it.”
Toni smiled at me. “I had a feeling about you two. I’m glad you’ll be staying with us. I’m sure you won’t even have to go through the prospect stage. After all, you’re Dax’s blood.”
Stay? Join the club? Fuck, how had I not considered this? Panic gripped me. I had a job, a life, a responsibility.
“It’s okay.” Spectre kissed the top of my head. “We don’t need to worry about that yet.”
Yetbeing the operative word.
Toni frowned. “But shewillbe joining. I mean you’re mated and—”
“Enough!” Spectre snapped.
Bobby’s chest vibrated in warning.
Spectre sighed. “I apologize for snapping, but this is between me and my mate.”
Conflict swirled inside me. Yesterday I’d wanted nothing more than to go back to my life. But this bond with Spectre changed everything. It made me doubt what I wanted because it made meneedSpectre. The conviction of an hour ago felt like a dream.
I hardly knew this man.
What had I done?
A gust of cold air wafted into the room, and my gaze flew to the door to find Dax standing there, staring at us.
His mouth turned down and he shook his head. “What did you do?”
* * *
Dax closedthe office door and then turned his furious gaze on us. “You should have waited for me,” he said to Spectre. “You should have told me.”
Spectre’s jaw tensed. “I wasn’t planning on acting on it. Trust me, I didn’t want to claim her. I tried…” He exhaled raggedly. “I know it’s not what you would have wanted for your daughter, I know I’m not worthy, but I swear to you, I’ll treat her well and protect her with my life. I’ll be a good mate.”
Dax’s shoulders sagged and he stared at Spectre in confused realization. “You think you’re not worthy?” He shook his head. “Why would you think that? Was it something I did? Did I make you feel lesser?”
“No!” Spectre said quickly. “You gave me a home. You called me your son. I know you loved me but…you never gave me your name.”
Dax exhaled and closed his eyes. “I see. Maybe it was foolish, but I wanted you to be proud of who you are. To show you that your name, your bloodline was worthy. Changing it would have said otherwise. It would have sent the wrong message, but in hindsight I should have explained that to you.” He tucked in his chin. “I should have seen the potential connection between you two, warned you…” He placed his hand on Spectre’s shoulder. “You are my son in every way that matters, Spectre, and you should have waited for me soIcould protect you.”
“Protect me from what?” Spectre asked.
Dax looked at me. “From my daughter.”
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Dax wanted to protect Spectre from me? “What the hell?”
Dax’s expression was unapologetic. “I think it’s time you knew about me and your mother. Sit.”
I didn’t want to sit. I was too pissed that he’d suggest that I had the capacity to hurt Spectre. The thought made my stomach hurt even though the logical part of my brain, the part not overwhelmed by our bond, was telling me that of course I had the capacity to hurt him. Leaving Frostgate would hurt him.
I sat. Spectre claimed the spot beside me and took my hand in his, lacing his fingers through mine best he could considering how large his hands were compared to mine. Dax pulled out the chair from behind the desk, turned it so that its back faced us, and straddled it.
I marveled again at how young he looked. Too young to be my father, or to consider retiring. He fixed his attention on me.
