Page 12 of Bound to the Hellhound
He could hear Theo coming down the stairs, and he had a confidence in his step that was pleasing to hear. When he entered the kitchen, he instantly walked over and, on tiptoes, placed a proprietary kiss on Valerian's cheek. "Sit, sweetheart, and have something to eat." He said and went to the refrigerator to get some orange juice, which he poured and served. He enjoyed taking care of his mate.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, enjoying the sandwiches and fruit, before Theo asked if he could borrow a phone. "I'd like to call Larry and find out if everything is okay back home. I don't want to have anything to do with them, but I would like to know how things stand and let them know that I won’t be returning.”
Valerian pulled out his phone and handed it to Theo. It seemed to shock him that there were no questions attached. He trusted his mate, and making the call was an expected outcome.
“Thank you.” He began punching in the numbers.
"You can go to the other room if you like; it would not offend me," Valerian told him.
"I don't mind speaking in front of you. I have no more secrets where you are concerned." He laughed, and it was beautiful. Valerian stared at him and smiled. Larry answered almost immediately.
“This is Theo." He said, identifying himself first.
"Hello, Theo, we were so worried about you." His words fell flat as the lie was so blatant, but Theo did not call him out on it.
“I just wanted to let you know I’ll be staying in Mt. Pleasant. I won't be returning home." Silence fell for a moment, and then Larry spoke.
“Father is dead, Theo, one of the DuCane people killed him in a rage. We made it look like an accident for the police, but you and I both know what a shifter murder looks like. Besides, there were witnesses." Larry blurted it out, and Theo was stunned for a few seconds, unable to form words.
“We need you to come home for a few days to settle his estate and attend the funeral. You don't have to stay. I understand that your life here was hard, and I don't blame you for looking for something better, but we need you now." Larry was slipping into the older brother mode, and Theo was having a difficult time keeping his emotions in order.
"Okay, I'll be home later today." With that, he closed the call and looked over at Valerian, who was surprisingly nonjudgmental. “Did you hear that?” Valerian nodded and set down the remainder of his ham sandwich.
"Father is dead, they said it was one of DuCane's men."
“It wasn’t," Valerian stated very clearly. "There were only three of us there: me, Silas, and the Master. Silas said that Larry and your father ran from the room as soon as the fight started.I was focused on you, and I'll admit I killed a few shifters on my way to you, but I never laid a hand on your father.”
“They blamed it on you guys because their private investigator reported that I was staying on the Louis DuCane estate. He's lying for effect like always, but I do believe I should be there for the funeral at least.” He pushed back his chair and stood.
“I doubt they need me for anything else unless they want me to sign off on business and property transfers, but I would guess that all that was handled before the tragedy. My father never left things to chance. He wasn’t good or kind, but he was organized." Valerian could hear the subtle sound of defeat in his tone.
“I’m going with you, and I will not leave your side for a second. I don't trust them, and I will not allow you to put yourself at risk.” Valerian stood, and together they quickly cleared the table.
“I'd like to say that I can do it myself, but honestly, I would appreciate the company. I have a hard time standing up to them, and I can't back down now.” Theo stepped toward Valerian, who pulled him in for a full-body hug.
"We go, get this over with, and be home as soon as possible." He said, and Theo nodded vigorously. "If they start to present as a problem, I will do whatever is necessary to secure your safety.” He threw in the warning.
"If they start to be a problem, let's just leave," Theo suggested.
“Good plan.”
“He’s on his way.” Larry closed the call and tossed his phone on the desk. “Theo never seems to know what's good for him." Larry laughed, and Justin joined. “The pathetic lout was always trying to see us as a family when we are mere opportunists all of us.”
“What if DuCane sends someone with him like that hellhound?” Justin asked.
“We have jackals, and they are well able to handle anything, including a hellhound. Besides, how big and bad could he be if he works for a coven? We got this handled, Justin, so just make sure he gets here and we have a proper reception waiting for him.”
Justin left the room, not feeling quite as sure as Larry, so he decided to add a little more hired muscle. This had to work, or Ackerleys would come looking for them. He put in a call to Parson and ordered another ten guards to join the jackals already on site.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Valerian contacted the Master and gave him the update. He, too, recognized the risk in such a trip but understood that Valerian could not deny his mate. "We did not kill the elder Tuffin, so someone else did, and most likely one of his own men, for reasons unknown to us.” Master DuCane pointed out. “This could be very dangerous for your mate.”
"Yes, sir, I agree, and I will be at his side. No one will get close enough to bother him.”
“Take as many with you as you wish. Do not underestimate the Ackerley group, and I do believe they have a hand in whatever is taking place here." Master DuCane was being cautious because Theo was at the center of whatever threat was present, but Valerian trusted his own abilities when protecting his mate.
“Ian and Brice are already there keeping watch. They reported that Parson and a few of his men have already arrived. I can handle a few wolves, and Ian and Brice can pick up the slack if things go south." Valerian explained his position, and the Master nodded, but his eyes were filled with something other than acceptance.
