His eyes mist up as he glances over at me then back at Nate."She's all I have."
He shakes his head and points to his mom."You've got Mom.I'm sure you'll be able to find some way to occupy your time that doesn't include stalking your grown daughter."
Though there's a hint of humor in his tone, there's a slight bite underneath.It's a challenge, one I can hear almost instantly.Can Dad?
He bristles as he narrows his eyes with suspicion and concern.Dear God.He knows.Fuck.He knows.
My fingers tremble as I do my best to scramble my brain into action.Nate, however, slides in front of me and holds out his hand for me to grip.Dad, of course, notices the interaction.
"No."
"Yes," Nate snaps back.
"This is—this is an outrage.I won't allow it."
As he steps forward, Nate pushes me back further."She's fine, Robert.I promise you.She's a whole hell of a lot safer with me than anyone else.You know this."
"But she's your sister," he cries out.
"Step."I cut in, my voice so soft and low I'm sure he doesn't hear it.
Oh, but he does.
"And you.You're okay with this?You want this?"
"With all my heart."
"But he's?—"
"A good boy, Bobby," Linda chimes in as she threads her arm around his.
They both look at each other for several moments, neither saying a word.It’s as if an entire conversation happens that we’re not privy to.Eventually, Linda gives me a smile.
"He can be pigheaded, but his heart is in the right place."
"You can't seriously be allowing this," Dad bellows."She's my little girl.She's?—"
"She's a woman," Linda hisses."She's old enough to make her own decisions.And Nate?He's strong, responsible, and reliable.Weren't you just frustrated at the idea of Alphas sniffing around?Trust me, Nate won't let that happen.He won't let her get hurt."
"I won't," Nate snarls out."Ever.Even if it means protecting her from you."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Again, Nate shelters me, holding me behind his colossal frame as he faces down my father."I think you know.Deep down, you have to know.I've never met your late wife.I know you loved her.I know you had a bond.When that shattered, you did too."
"I never?—"
"I see it in your eyes.Every single time.You're still cracked.The sooner you realize it, the sooner you lean on Mom and really heal, the better you'll be.I've got Lila now.You focus on your future."
Dad peers around Nate's massive bulk."If he hurts you…"
With a soft smile, I step around my stepbrother."Don't worry.I'm exactly where I want to be."
"This is a bit unorthodox."
"Oh, Bobby," Linda chides."It's not like they grew up together.It's only as awkward as you make it."
"Yes, but… but… they'll…"
