“It is more than just adequate.” He padded toward the windows and gazed out into the seemingly endless blue horizon. “It is much more than I need, much better than I deserved.”
“What do you mean?”
“I do not deserve your hospitality.” Hektor massaged his temple with his claws.
“Now, Hektor?—”
“Drekhar, I have made a mess of things. I don’t even know why you allowed me to stay here.”
“There’s no need for that.”
Despite the shame in his heart, Hektor forced himself to meet Roberto’s gaze. “Are you not angry that I broke your daughter’s heart? Do you not want to challenge me or chase me away?”
Roberto silently strode over to him, not saying anything at first, and just gazed out of the window.
However, there was a thoughtful quality to Roberto’s silence, and sure enough, the weight of the words he was about to utter would forever be etched in Hektor’s mind.
“You would think that, but I don’t believe in coddling my children.” He turned to face Hektor. “Sure, the urge to protectthem from everything that could hurt them is there, but that’s not realistic; it’s also not good for their growth as people.”
True,Hektor agreed silently.
Roberto continued, lips pursing. “And I don’t know, I have this feeling about you. That you’re sincere and genuine.”
“Perhaps you also have some magical talent.”
“Me?”
“The geryon bloodline comes from your side. And you can see through Aphrodite’s glamor.”
Roberto chuckled. “I suppose it’s not impossible. Some people have told me I have good instincts, and they’ve never let me down.”
A knock at the door interrupted before Hektor could reply.
“Hello, hello,” Pam greeted as she stuck her head inside. “May I come in?”
“Of course, mada—er, Pam. It is your home, after all. And a beautiful one, as I was telling your mate.”
“Thank you, Hektor.” It was obvious where Zara and Liora got their looks, as Pam was a slightly older version of them with lighter hair and eyes.
Eyes that now turned serious as she drew closer to him.
“Now,” Pam began. “Tell me, what’s your plan to win my daughter back?”
Roberto chuckled. “You must excuse my wife, she doesn’t like to waste time and goes straight to the point and does not waste time. It’s one of the reasons why she’s the CEO of Santa Fe’s most successful real estate company.”
“And why you love me,” she added, her expression turning soft for just her mate. “Well, Hektor?”
Hektor was glad to dispense with the formalities and pleasantries. “To be honest, I did not prepare a plan as I wasn’t even sure I would be able to come here. All I know is that hurting your daughter is the biggest mistake of my life and if she were toforgive me and agree to be my mate, I will spend every minute of every day making it up to her. I promise you, until my dying breath, Zara’s well-being and happiness will be my priority.”
“My, my,” Roberto began. “You are, as the kids today say, extra.” He clapped him on the back. “I like it. I knew my instincts were correct.”
“Words are good. Knowing your mistakes are good.” Pam harrumphed. “But, you still need a plan. Zara’s not just going to listen to you because you realized you were wrong. Your words have already hurt her once.”
“I wish I knew what to do.” He blew out a breath. “How would you do it, here, on the Upperworld?”
“I mean it can’t be much different for you in Vale Crossing, right?” Roberto said. “Love is love. It’s universal.”
“You need to take action,” Pam added. “And do something that shows her you are serious and no one else matters. I mean, if this was a normal situation, meaning normal for you back home, what would you do?”
