It stings, but I remind myself I don’t know him.
“Um, I don’t know,” I mutter, when he doesn’t say anything else.
“I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry. I just … I worry about her, but she’s not your problem. Forget I mentioned it.”
He’s so desperate that I want to tell him I’ll help.
But I know I can’t do that.
“I don’t think I’m in a place where I could help anyone,” I admit. “But I hope you find a way to help her.”
“I’ll call to visit you in a few days. I’ll come alone. You don’t have to meet her until you want to.”
We say goodbye and I hang up the receiver, feeling hollowed out from the call.
Jay gets up and comes to where I’m standing leaning against the wall behind the nightstand.
“Hey, are you good? That sounded kind of heavy.”
He puts an arm around me.
“I’ll be okay,” I tell him, knowing it’s true.
I’ve got him, and his pack now.
If my father turns out to be an asshole, it doesn’t matter.
He thinks I don’t have family, but I have four men I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Chapter One Hundred-Eleven
Falcon
It’s close to midnight when we return to Robin’s suite, muddy, bone-weary and ready to pass out on the nearest soft surface. The trench has been prepared for the new installation. As soon as the panels arrive in the morning, we’ll be back out there to finish the job.
It’s work that could have easily taken a week.
Now, it’s going to be finished in two days.
And it’ll keep Robin and Harper safe while we’re living here.
I can’t think of a better way to use my time at the academy, besides with my mates directly.
I stop at the door, and I look at Shayne, who’s stifling a yawn.
“I think we’re going to like it here.”
He laughs lightly. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”
“What? Covered in dirt and sweat?”
“Hah. No. I’m not talking about that. You’re … hopeful. About everything. It’s kind of nice.”
“Have I been that miserable?” I ask.
“You’ve been moody,” he corrects me. “Pessimistic.”
“Sorry. That sounds insufferable.”
