“It’s not your nana’s fault,” Dominic explained. “Shifters came up with these laws a long time ago to keep it hidden from humans. The more that knew, the higher the risk of exposure, and they had some bad experiences with shifters being killed over it.”
“Wow,” I said, taken aback. “Was it really that bad?”
“Inquisition level bad,” Dominic replied flatly.
“Whoa, okay. Guess I can’t be too mad at Nana then,” Lucas said, then refocused on Dominic. “But I still think we need a list of things you should tell us.”
Dominic nodded. “I’ll tell you everything. To be honest, I thought you both knew.”
Lucas barked a laugh. “If I’d known, you’d both be wearing condoms.”
I chuckled. “Same. We would have double bagged, that’s for sure.” I pointed to Dom’s hand. “So, how often do you have to take this stuff? Should we all be taking it?”
“Just a tablespoon in the morning. We can all take it, but it’s not needed. It does lose its effect at twenty-four hours; that’s why it’s daily,” Dominic said.
“Can we come back to your realm with you?” Lucas asked. “You did say you have to go back, right?”
Dominic grinned. “Absolutely. I’d love to show you both more of my true home. Besides, I’m sure my minions would want to get to know you more.”
“I’ll need to inform the king, but I’m sure he’ll be okay with it,” I said.
Dominic was about to speak but stopped as Jorin walked into the office.
“Master Dominic, apologies for the interruption, but there are matters that require your immediate attention,” Jorin said, his tone as calm and neutral as ever.
Dominic sighed, a slight frown marring his features. “That’s fine, Jorin. I’ll be there in a moment.” Dominic turned back to us. “I have to go deal with some employees. We can make plans to leave when I get back.”
“I’ll head over to the pride house and talk to King Edward,” I said, rising from the couch.
“And I think I’m just going to stay here and nap. It’s been a crazy morning, and I’m drained,” Lucas declared, already curling up on the plush couch in the corner of the office.
I chuckled at his ability to find comfort anywhere, leaned down, and kissed his forehead gently. “Sleep well.”
I stood and gave Dominic a quick peck. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Be safe,” Dominic said, and it looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself.
“I will be,” I said and walked out of the office.
Stepping out of the Dungeon and into the hot afternoon sun, I hurried to my car and started my trek to the pride house. It wasn’t that far from the lion’s den, and traffic was light for downtown Tampa. My mind still reeled from all the information; it was almost an overload.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. Glancing at the screen, I saw Tessa’s name. Without hesitation, I hit ignore. She called again. I pressed the button a second time, more annoyed now.
Almost immediately after, my phone rang with an unknown number. Reluctantly, I answered, knowing all too well who it might be. “Hello?”
“Talon, why are you ignoring my calls?” Tessa’s voice came through, as sharp as ever.
I sighed, pressing the phone tighter against my ear. “What do you want, Tessa?”
“You need to stop being so selfish and think about mom. She’s depressed, Talon. You need to suck it up for the family,” she snapped.
Her words stoked a fire within me. “I’m not being selfish, Tessa. You have no idea what—”
“Just come home, Talon. For mom,” she cut in, her voice softening just enough to sow a seed of guilt.
I clenched my jaw, frustrated and angry, yet a part of me twisted with concern for my mother. “I can’t talk about this right now,” I said finally, and hung up before she could respond.
Turning onto the long drive, I thought of everything that had happened with my family. I knew Lucas and Dominic were worried about me, but I wasn’t ready to confide in them. The truth was, I was relieved. Walking out of that house and cutting ties was like a boulder had been lifted.
