“Because I already have total control over her phone and because I know she’s smart enough to figure out Antonella is now part of the family secret. Valor already wanted to tell her before Antonella was turned.” I try to explain as quickly as I can. Clearly, Valor didn’t tell Dad as much as I thought he would have. “Theenemy of my enemy is my friend, and Leticia isn’t friendly with her father.”
Dad drops his hand from his face and eyes me. “You’re falling in love with her.”
Falling? Hardly.My wolf snorts.Fell for our mate the minute we started stalking her.
“Royal,” Dad growls low. He reaches out and grips my shoulder. “You can’t have her just because you’re obsessed with her.”
“I know,” I huff.
It would be easier if I told him she’s my mate, but a part of me wants to keep her to myself for a little bit longer. I want to be the one to tell her everything, not have it outed within the first hour of her being here.
“I’m controlling the narrative. Have some faith in me. As far as sons making mistakes, this week, mine have been less offensive than Valor’s, where pack volatility is concerned.”
Just throw Valor under the bus to distract from our mate?My wolf chuffs.This is going well.
“Be careful.” Dad squeezes a little harder and then lets go. “Men in our family become idiots when it comes to women we fall for.”
I nod, knowing better than to promise him nothing will happen and that he doesn’t have to worry. He totally needs to worry.
Dad leads the way back to the kitchen to grab another piece of furniture.
I pick up an armchair when Mom says, “Oh, stop. I helped your father move them out here, he and I can move them just fine without you. Dinner is at six thirty. You and Leticia go have a good time.”
“Oh, what time should I come to help cook?” Leticia immediately responds.
Mom’s eyes go wide before she squints at her. “Are you a guest, or are you here against your will?”
“Uh. I think the former.” Leticia looks at me.
But Dad is already cracking up laughing.
“Guests don’t cook.” Mom gives her a big, warm smile.
“Well, if you’re sure.” Leticia’s cheeks are turning pink. “I’m just so used to doing it at home. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”
“No offense taken.” Mom steps around the kitchen counter and wraps her in a big hug.
Mom likes her. Dad will approve.My wolf calculates.Now all you have to do is seal the deal.
I shove him away because why did I think this wouldn’t be hard? Why did I think having her here was a good idea when I can barely go ten minutes without thinking about her?
They hug for a second before Mom lets Leticia go and shoos her toward me.
I know it’s wrong. I know everything about this is wrong, but until after Christmas, I’m going to live in this fantasy world. I’ll believe that this... this could be ours.
I let Leticia go down the stairs to my lair first so she’s not watching me hop down each stair to avoid straining my leg any further. At the bottom of the stairs, Leticia looks around, examining. I try to see the space for the first time with her.
There’s a sitting area with a fireplace and comfortable lounge seating off in one direction, where several doors lead to a couple bedrooms and closets. Ahead is the door to the server rooms that’s closed. My bedroom door is open on the left, and my bathroom is tucked around behind the stairs.
It’s not all that spacious looking, but it’s only half of the older house’s walk-out basement. Mom and Dad’s house is nowhere as big and grand as Valor’s.
“This is really nice.” Leticia looks up at me. “I really like how cozy everything is. Home is so... well, you’ve seen it.”
“Your penthouse is grandiose and mausoleum-like.” I share the observations I’ve gathered from scrolling through camera feeds.
“Oh, thank god someone else sees it.” Leticia giggles.
Without thinking too much about it, I lead the way into my lair. It’s the original living room of the basement and is spacious. Thankfully, clean. The housekeepers came yesterday morning and straightened out the usual shit I can’t be bothered with.
