Well, Ryan hoped to hell he never had to endure that kind of soul-crushing agony.
It wasn’t like a bad break up or separation.What Joseph had had to endure?Even the strongest man on Earth would have buckled under such pressure.
The sheer misery of being alone when that one person who was made to complete you was only God knew where…?
Ryan knew he was lucky the man hadn’t turned into a complete monster instead of just a stupid SOB.
His voice was heavy as he murmured, “We’ll keep you informed.”
“Thank you.”
Joseph’s earnestness eased Ryan’s conscience.El’s father’s interest was genuine.
“We’d better go,” he told El.“I need to get the ball rolling.”
She gulped.“Sure.What do I do about Annabel?”she asked as she got to her feet.
“Nothing.Leave her to me,” Joseph murmured.His eyes sought El’s and for a second, father and daughter truly looked at one another, all secrets bared, all truths revealed.“I’m sorry, El.”
She jerked her chin up in acceptance of his apology, then spun on her heel and headed for the door.
At that moment, she was more regal than he’d ever seen her.And no matter what his mother said about her not being suitable for the role of Pride Luna, she was wrong.
She was perfect.
For him, for his Triad brothers, for his people.
They’d see that shortly.He’d make sure of it.
Chapter 6
Trip groaned as the car started up again.
Stirred from sleep, he peeked open his eyes when he felt someone snuggling into his side.
The scent was an immediate giveaway, but he murmured, “Who’s disturbing my sleep?”
A little snort was his answer.“You shouldn’t be here if you need to sleep in the car.”
“I’m a big, bad Lion, baby.I have to protect my mate.”
“Because Ryan, Marc, and Shawn can’t protect me alone, huh?”
“Exactly,” he told her with no small amount of satisfaction.“I’m glad you understand the status quo.”
Her laugh was amused but he could scent her distress.Up in front, he heard Ryan discussing something with Marc, and Shawn was making comments too as he drove them back to the Pride’s compound, but he ignored them.He focused on his mate.
“What’s going on, baby doll?”
His eyes were hurting, but then, they’d been hurting since the blast.Staring into the explosion as he’d done had obviously fucked with his retinas and though he was healed, he still had to deal with the aftermath for a little while longer.
He really wished it was exactly like they painted it in all the books.No injuries, no pain.Fabulous.
Instead, he knew he wasn’t dying, was safe, but had to deal with the injuries of a dying man.
Fun.
“Nothing… well, nothing save for the fact I know my real mom’s name now.”
