Dad sighed and a look of resolve washed across his expression.
Dodger stepped forward and offered his hand for a shake. He was as tall and as wide as her father.
“I thought it was too early to introduce your wolf,” Dad rumbled, and shook his hand.
Dodger blew out a breath as they clasped hands. “It is way too early. My wolf is obsessed with her.”
Dad released him and crossed his arms over his barrel chest. “Why did you ignore my daughter?”
“To try and convince my wolf not to drag her in.”
Dad arched his eyebrow. “Didn’t work, did it?”
Dodger gave a chuckle and shook his head. “Not even close. My Pack was about done with me by day three.”
“Will they kick you out when they figure out you bonded to her?”
“No. My Alpha was the one who pushed me to come see her this morning.” He gestured in the direction of the mountains. “The girls are probably planning a damn manicure party for her by now. No one can keep a secret in that place.”
A small smile cracked Dad’s lips, and then he ducked his gaze to the road to hide it.
“I remember some of that. Well, I’m not worried about you exposing her to the wolf anymore.”
“You’re not?” Destiny asked, confused. Her dad had switched his attitude and aggression so fast, her head was spinning a bit.
“You have a thick bond, Destiny. I can damn-near see it. His wolf will kill for you. He won’t ever hurt you though.” Dad shrugged. “He can’t.”
“Uh, I have something planned for her,” Dodger said. “It was kind of a surprise.” He glanced at Destiny. “I called a Pack dinner so you can meet everyone before I show you the wolf.” He swung his attention to her parents. “Would you like to meet my people?”
“Oh, my dad doesn’t like being around other werewo—”
“Sure,” Dad rumbled. “We’ll follow you up in my truck.”
“Oh,” Destiny said, shocked.
Mom looked just as baffled as she felt. “You can’t fight them, Behren.”
“Probably no one is fighting tonight,” he said, and offered his arm to her mother. “We should go meet her people though.”
“Her people,” Destiny repeated, confused. “Dad,youare my people. You and Mom. That won’t ever change.”
Dad inhaled deeply and tipped his head toward Dodger. “His Pack will be your people, honey. I want to know where to find them if you ever get hurt.”
Dodger pursed his lips and dropped his head. “Fair enough. I’ll have Destiny give you the address in case we get separated.”
“No need,” Behren grumbled as he led her mother toward their truck. “Just don’t drive like an asshole and we’ll be fine.”
Dodger stared after him and his chest rose with a deep inhalation. “Well, shit.”
“Should you let your Alpha know who is coming?”
“Yep. Yep, I should do that,” he murmured. “I’ll just tell Liam that I’m bringing the Behren Young into his territory. I’m sure it’ll go over great.”
“Youinvited him,” she said, headed for her house to lock up.
“I didn’t think he would accept,” Dodger said low as he followed her. He gave a thin-lipped smile and waved at her dad in his truck. “I think he hates me.”
“Hate is a strong word,” she said. “You’ll grow on him.”
