He huffed, scowling. “Now I remember.”
“We love your daughter,” Dex stated simply.
The rest of my mates nodded,even Bram.
My heart flipped in my chest.
“Yes, and I can sense that in your souls.” Dad’s scowl deepened. “You know, I once tortured an entire group of human scientists without ever touching them. It’s all about ripping their souls slowly. I didn’t even bother feeding on their souls. They weren’t worth a meal by the time I was done with them.”
“Babe!”Jenni squeaked.
“I assure you, Death,” Hunter stated, clearing his throat. “I love Pandora, you know this. I will always seek vengeance on her behalf. That will never change.”
“I’ve never questioned that with you,” Dad groaned.
“I feel the same way,” Reed murmured. “My top priority is keeping her happy and unharmed.”
“I know.” Dad’s scowl lessened slightly.
“And I only ever want the best for her,” Skel added in. “I love her, too.”
“I know I fucked up—worse than the others did—but I’ll spend the rest of my life cherishing her the way I should’ve from the start,” Bram said.
Dad’s scowl had all but disappeared as he nodded. “Good that you know that.”
“And I agree, too.” Dex pouted, sliding his fog gray eyes to mine with mischief. “I’m devoted to ensuring she’s in blissconstantly. Which is exactly what I just did.”
“Dexter!” Hunter scolded him as Dad growled lowly in warning.
“Babe,” Jenni whispered. “Stop scaring them so much.”
“She’s my daughter.” He sniffed. “It’s my job.”
I actually loved how protective and caring Dad was. It made me feel loved, like he truly cared about what I was doing. I knew without a doubt that hedidcare. He’d shown up for me in a way nobody else ever had. Certainly never Penny Bones. The parental concern he had for me was refreshing, and I genuinely appreciated it. I’d lacked it up until he found me, but I always wondered what it would feel like. I told myself if I ever had that concern that I would never be upset about it. I would be grateful for it, and Iwas. I was so grateful Dad cared about my wellbeing, even with my mates.
“Don’t worry, Dad,” I assured him, biting back an amused smile. “My mates are good for me, and I care about each one of them.”
He huffed, but there was a flicker of relief in his dark eyes.
“See? They aregood for her. You know how many times they’ve thrown their life on the line for her safety.” Jenni leaned over and kissed Dad’s cheek, making him smile.
“Yes. That’s a good point,” he admitted. “I do trust them to do their best to keep her safe, but I won’t hesitate to step in if they ever hurt her.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” Hunter mumbled under his breath, shooting Dad a grin.
“I might not have the ability to interact with anyone, but I can give a good verbal lashing if needed,” Nebula added haughtily.
“We know, Nebs,” Skel assured him.
“I know it’s because you both care about me, and I love that,” I murmured softly, flicking my gaze between Nebula and Dad. “It’s a really good feeling to have you caring about my wellbeing.”
“You’ll always be my daughter, Pandora. Of course I care.” Dad’s expression softened completely. “Oh, and the drake scale is officially merged with Cryptic Altar at your academy. You should be safer there now.”
Relief spread over me, and I smiled. “That’s great news.”
“It is,” Hunter agreed.
“Also...” Dad swallowed the bite he just took. “Sabine Bloodwyne has called an emergency meeting and would like you and all of your mates to attend. I will also be there.”
