Lucian shook his head. “Catcher triggered one of the alarms on the outside perimeter.”
“What the hell’s he doing that far out?”
Archer reached around and put on his coat. “We should head back and make sure nothing’s up.” He reached over with his right arm and patted Atticus on the shoulder. “Well, this was fun! Wasn’t it, Krys? We’ll have to do it again sometime.”
“You can come over to my place tonight after work,” Atticus quipped.
Archer got up from his seat. “That’s a hard no.” When he leaned down, the smile evaporated. “I know you two are having fun in there, but if you hurt herorthe baby, I’ll put a stake in you.”
“And I’ll dig the hole,” Krys tacked on.
Atticus grinned and stood up to escort them out.
Krys kicked in his chair. “Something funny, Vamp?”
“Your threats are reassuring. Joy’s still worried you won’t accept her, but every time you threaten my life, I see how much you care for her.”
Lucian’s brow furrowed. “You’re a weird dude.”
Once outside, Krys and Archer walked ahead, and Lucian fell into step beside Atticus.
“I’d be careful on that trip,” Lucian said quietly. “Krys is a wild card, and he doesn’t like you. Well, from his scent, I don’t think it’s you specifically. It’s Vampires.”
“And what about you?”
When goose bumps spread across his arms from a cold wind, Lucian put his hands in his pants pockets. “I can scent emotions before people think to hide them. I know when someone is masking, just in case you get any ideas. So far you’re all good, except for your arrogance around Salem. You should cut that out. Just because you have money doesn’t mean you’re superior.”
“You speak your mind.”
“I say what needs to be said. People think I don’t have a filter, but I’m truthful.”
“So am I.”
“That remains to be seen.”
“I’m over three thousand years old. People used to hunt my kind out of fear, and they had no qualms about killing us indiscriminately. They would stake us and throw our bodies onto the fire while feasting and dancing. I’m used to people hating me for what I am. It doesn’t change anything to know your packmate has issues with Vampires.”
Lucian abruptly stopped and faced Atticus. “Like I said, I’d watch my back on that trip. I like Krys all right, but he’s got strong feelings about you joining the pack.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Hey, if anything happens and I don’t return, or if we fail the mission, take care of Joy. She needs protection. I’ve already made financial arrangements that will benefit her.”
Lucian’s golden eyes darted briefly at the men ahead. “You better not tell anyone else.”
“Why?”
He jerked his head toward the truck. “Don’t give Krys more incentive than he has. On that note, see ya.”
If Atticus had any hope of the pack accepting him, he would have to first win the trust of the one person who despised him the most.
Ifhe survived the trip.
Chapter 25
“Stay with me.” I wrapped my arm over Atticus and snuggled close. When I kissed his bare chest and peered up at him, he smiled handsomely. Being in his strong embrace was a place of safety, and I never wanted him to leave.
He stroked my hair. “The past five days have been the best of my life.”
“That’s a bold statement given how old you are.”
