“You already have. You’re the one who figured out there’s a hidden painting.”
“I don’t care about the Monet. I want my father’s painting.”
I want to make him proud,I read between the lines.
I swallowed hard, knowing that sentiment all too well. The difference was, my father was a selfish ass who’d never shown any interest in his kids. Still, I’d tried to make him proud, because maybe then he would love me.
But Gen’s family was tight-knit, with loving parents who adored their kids. She had to know how proud her father would be.
“What would your father say?” I tried. “Would he want you to go with us?”
Gen’s lower lip wobbled, and she whispered, “No.”
Come on, already,Marius rumbled in my mind.
I sucked in a long breath, then hugged her. Never mind Mina and Marius looking on from outside. I needed that, and Gen did too.
But no matter how tightly I held her, how gently I kissed her, it wasn’t enough.
She put her hands on my ribs and pushed me away.
“Go, already.”
She turned and slid back into her seat at the table, turning her back to me.
There was so much I could have —shouldhave — said. But the clock was ticking, and Mina was right. The risk was too great.
Never mind that leaving Gen behind might alienate her forever.
I swallowed hard. “I believe in you, Gen. I really do. But Mina is right.”
Even to me, the words sounded lame.
* * *
I drove, dropping Marius and Mina at their starting point just outside of town, before continuing up to the trailhead,where I parked. The mountains around us took on a blueish hue, while the forest grew dark as night.
“Beautiful sunset,” Bene murmured as we bundled our clothes into the car, then shifted.
But if my gonads freeze, it’s on you, man, he added, shivering beside me in lion form.
Survival of the fittest,I retorted, giving my thick tiger coat a smug shake.
When I headed off, Bene followed one step behind, complaining the whole way.
Now my whiskers are frozen,he grumbled, walking stiffly to shake snow off his legs after every step.Probably permanently damaged.
Whiskers were number three on the list of things male lions took pride in, after manes and gonads.
Truly tragic,I chuffed.
We made our way through the forest, slowly approaching Grepper’s villa.
I have a bad feeling about this,my tiger muttered.
Not exactly a news flash. The moment I’d left Gen, everything felt off.
I swear, if an icicle falls off one of these trees and impales me,Bene muttered,you’re going to be the one to break the news to my mother.
