Tak lifted his chin. “I’ve never disrespected a woman, and you know that. And you can’t judge me because I’ve known other women intimately. I’m a man over fifty; that’s a given. I respect Hope. She’s a woman no man truly deserves, but I’m willing to prove myself a worthy suitor. I’ve always seen you as my brother, and no matter what happens, that won’t change.” Tak clasped his hands behind his back and inclined his head. “I’m asking permission to court your sister.”
A thunderstruck silence fell around us. Melody and the twins drew closer, listening with rapt attention.
I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. “I don’t want him to court me.”
Lakota’s brows knitted. Tak turned his head so slowly that I felt his alpha energy skating across my skin when he finally looked at me.
“What are you thinking, Tak?” I asked. “Courtship?”
Lakota grinned and pushed off the pool table. “Well, that takes care of that.”
I closed the distance between us and looked into Tak’s bewildered eyes. “I want to be mated with you, and I won’t accept anything less. There’s no need for you to court me.” Then I turned my attention to Lakota. “He risked his life to save mine. He loves me unquestionably—without conditions. He’s protected me. He’s loved me consistently and completely. He treats me as an equal and is kind to my family. What more could you want for your sister? Is there any other man in this room you’d choose in his stead?” I swung my gaze up to Tak. “And if you’re not ready to make this official because you suddenly have doubts—”
Tak pulled me into his arms and kissed me hard. My feet were off the ground, my arms around his neck. Kissing him was like coming home, and the idea of spending the rest of my life with this man filled me with more joy than I’d ever known. He softened the touch of our lips and kissed the corners of my mouth.
“And he makes me laugh,” I said quietly, staring into his dark and wondrous eyes.
Tak hugged me hard, and bystanders whistled at us. When he set me down, Lakota approached and clapped him on the shoulder.
“You have my permission.” Lakota leaned in tight and said privately, “But good luck with my father. Are you ready to be the son of Lorenzo Church?”
Tak smirked. “I think I’ll call him Dad.”
I laughed. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. He’s not fond of that word. It doesn’t hold enough respect in his eyes.”
Tak stepped on a chair and climbed on top of a table, pulling me up next to him. He put his arms around my waist as if no one else was there. “Maybe I’ll call him Pops.”
I held on to his neck. “Don’t ever lose your sense of humor. It’s the one thing I love most about you.”
“Love?” he asked.
I felt proud to be in his arms, despite a few skeptical glances thrown our way. It occurred to me in that moment that I’d never given him true words of love. At least not when he was conscious. But words didn’t matter. I’d once heard that there are a thousand ways to tell someone you love them without uttering a single word. I never used to believe it.
Until now.
Chapter 32
Tak closed the door behind him in the private room. “Nice digs,” he said, admiring the TV on the opposite wall and the leather furniture in front of it.
Lakota took a seat in one of the chairs on the right and put his feet on the coffee table. “It’s small compared to what the bigger clubs offer. It used to be a storage room back in the day, but Howlers is a popular bar, so the owner decided to give it a little paint job and make some money on the side.”
Tak knocked on the wall. “Soundproof?”
Lakota arched an eyebrow. “I don’t see many Vampires who come back here since we’re mostly a Shifter bar. I suppose it’s insulated, but I never gave it much thought. What’s this about? Something you’re trying to keep secret?”
Tak strode over to the sofa across from Lakota and took a seat, his elbows resting on his thighs. “What are your plans for the future?”
Lakota drummed his fingers on the armrests. “Why? Are you gonna ask for my hand in marriage?”
“Kind of.”
The startled look on Lakota’s face made Tak want to laugh, but he was feeling serious about the moment and didn’t want to ruin it with jokes.
“I’m the son of a powerful alpha,” Tak began. “A leader among leaders. I’ve learned many great lessons, sat in on leadership meetings, and had very wise mentors. Even after the accident, my father hoped that time would shape me into a leader. But young alphas in the tribe didn’t see it that way. When you don’t hold rank, you lose respect. That’s why I’ll never be what you call a Packmaster among my people.”
Lakota put his hands in his lap. “You would have made a good one.”
Tak took in a breath. “That’s what I’m going to find out. I’ve come to a decision. I’m breaking away from my tribe and forming a pack. I can’t do this alone. I need a beta, and you’re the only man I’d want at my side.”
