“I mean…” She sniffled. “I cannot imagine loving anyone else.”
“Maisie loved you with all her heart. She would not want you to spend your life alone. I know it’s soon, and I’m not saying I’m trying to press you into searching for a new mate. But I want it clearly stated that you should not make any decisions because of worrying about us or our reactions. Elizabeth and I have a mate bond. We would never expect you to walk away from one should you ever feel that again. We will absolutely be happy for you, and welcome them as another member of the family.”
More sniffles from her. “Thank you, Dad.”
“We love you and little Maisie. And we also want you to know that you are not obligated to move back here should you meet someone in the States. We have the resources that we can move anywhere.”
“But the pack!”
“I’m not saying tomorrow.” He chuckled. “What I’m saying is please make your decisions based on what is best for you. We want you to be happy. We have lived long lives already, and yours is just beginning. I’ve been trying to get Mummy to travel to the States to be with you, but she is terrified to do so until Faegan is caught.”
“I know,” she sadly said. “She told me again today when I asked her about coming to visit.”
“Perhaps Peyton can help me persuade her. I would feel better if she were with you and safe.”
“That doesn’t mean you can take risks if she’s gone.”
He chuckled. “You are too sharp sometimes. No, I wouldn’t take undue risks. Well, I shall let you get some sleep.”
“Promise to update me if you learn more about what happened?”
“I will. Hugs and kisses. Love you.”
“Love you, Dad.”
He stared at his phone for several long, bittersweet moments. His current lockscreen photo was one of the three of them, all smiling and happy. Rupert was looking forward to becoming a father as much as Maisie was looking forward to becoming a mother. He and Elizabeth had felt nothing but joy over becoming grandparents. The only thing that could have improved on their perfection would have been Rupert meeting a lovely man to be his mate, and all of them living together and happily raising pups.
If there is a Hell, I hope Faegan is mercilessly tortured every day for eternity once we send him there.
And that day could not come soon enough for him.
He just prayed he could be the one to send him on his journey there.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Ken
After two weeks in the UK, Ken was never so glad to get on an airplane to fly home.
Well, to Idaho, which was home away from home.
He had a three-hour layover in Seattle before his commuter flight to Spokane. And when he emerged into the main terminal in Spokane a little after 9:00 that evening, he nearly burst into relieved tears to see Duncan standing there waiting for him.
He smiled and walked over. Ken dropped his bags and hugged him, closing his eyes and simply existing for a moment.
“You did good, son,” Duncan softly said.
“I’m so tired.”
“I know.”
Ken didn’t release him. “Did Peyton and Jake make it to Mexico safely?”
“Yes. Alvarez met them. They’ll do it the day after tomorrow.”
“Okay.” He stood there, still not wanting to end their hug. “Tell me if this is getting weird.”
Duncan chuckled. “You’re fine. I’ll hug you as long as you need.”
