Jasper was doing what he always did in tough, somber situations; put everyone at ease. Replacing each depressing thought with something lighter. Happier.
Of course, his brother answered immediately.
“Oh yeah. The meaner the better,” Jasper added out loud, grinning. “And if she pretends I don’t exist?” He whistled. “Then I know I’m in love.”
Murphy rolled his eyes. “You’ve never been in love before.”
“I know.” Jasper shrugged. “Because I’m too good-looking; no female can ignore all this.”
Murphy opened his mouth, ready to tease his brother mercilessly, when Colter pushed Angelo through the door, holding him up by the arm and steering him toward the dining room. He was still bound and gagged, hopping awkwardly on both tethered feet. “Let me just put our guest out of sight until Constantine arrives.”
They disappeared into the other room.
Marcus entered the house next; a tight, distressed expression on his face.
Dante stood behind him, his own face expressing acceptance. “I’m ready to receive your judgment, Alpha.”
The humor in the air dissolved instantly as Murphy approached both males. Marcus stood in front of his brother, a silent protector, though he wouldn’t meet Murphy’s eyes.
He understood the male’s emotions, knew how difficult this was for all of them. But it was time to lay this matter to rest.
“Stand aside, Marcus,” the Alpha instructed quietly.
Marcus swallowed thickly and then nodded, a lone tear slipping down his cheek as he moved to the left, leaving Dante and Murphy standing in front of one another.
“I’ve dreaded this conversation more than you’ll ever know. I put it off for days, pondering the appropriate action to take,” Murphy began, his tone flat. “I’m glad that I did.”
Dante furrowed his brow. “You are?”
“Yes.” Murphy felt the last of his tension drain away. “You could have stayed silent today. It wasn’t your responsibility to help me locate Nessa. You could have bartered information for your freedom, too, and I would have done whatever you wanted. But you didn’t.”
“I would never do that,” the other male answered passionately.
“I know,” he replied somberly. “I will not rescind your banishment from our clan. The hurt done to Nessa because of your previous actions …”
Murphy bowed his head, gathering his thoughts before he spoke again. “I won’t put her at risk. If your mate were to be leveraged against you once more, I know the steps you’d take to keep her safe. I understand that,” Murphy admitted. “But I won’t give you another opportunity.”
“What are you saying?” Dante asked hesitantly, eyes shining with hope.
“The least I can do is give you the same chance you’ve given me.” Murphy’s voice softened. “Go home to your mate, Dante.”
Marcus let out a shuddering breath, relief flooding his entire being as the tension in the room was immediately extinguished.
“I—” Dante choked up, tears filling his eyes. “Thank you, Murphy. Thank you so much.”
Murphy nodded.
“I’ll drive you to Angela,” Marcus said quickly, grabbing his brother’s arm and ushering him from the cabin without a moment’s hesitation.
With that settled, Murphy dropped onto the cushion beside Nessa, grabbing her legs and placing them onto his lap.
Nessa leaned forward, cupping Murphy’s cheek. She turned his head toward her, staring at him with absolute adoration. His heart skipped a beat, and he nuzzled his cheek against her palm.
“I love you,” she said simply.
“I love you. More than I could ever put into words.”
Jasper sniffled loudly. “You two are just so cute,” he said, fanning away imaginary tears. He sobered almost immediately. “But I love you guys, too, by the way.”
