“I hope you’re right,” Zev whispered.
Fox peeked around the corner and saw Zev and Moressa hugging. He could feel their love but knew something or, more importantly, someone was missing. Corbin really was a part of them. Their coupling didn’t look complete without him.
Fucking Corbin! What the hell is he up to?
* * *
Fox drove awayfrom Montgomery’s Antique, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Fox had gotten an antique executive desk and chair for his parents’ office at the wine store and a lamp for his nephew’s room. He’d also found a couple of things for Genesis’s room. He’d left Genesis with his mom at home so he could get some Christmas shopping done. He was still on the hunt for presents for Ava, his brother and his mates, and Alistaire. Fox hoped he’d be able to find them soon since Christmas was a week away. He wasn’t sure if what he wanted to get them was in Vale Valley, and he wanted to make a quick trip to Valleywood to get what he needed.
Since Alistaire had to work late, Fox promised to pick Ava up from the Vale Valley Community Center. Although Alistaire had taken responsibility for Ava, Fox hadn’t had time to sit and talk with the little girl, which was why he wanted to get her from the community center. Ava was important to Alistaire, and Fox wanted to bond with her, so she could also depend on him to be there for her. An idea came to him after he picked Genesis up from Aria—he’d take them both shopping for Alistaire’s Christmas gift.
Fox smiled, thinking about how great things had been since he and Alistaire had mated. He felt so good in his heart—he couldn’t stop smiling. He didn’t expect things to work out so great between them. However, a few things were still on his mind, and it was only his fear of rocking the boat as to why he hadn’t asked Alistaire about them. Like who was his first mate and about the guy who’d poisoned and tried to kill him.
Fox pulled up to the community center and called Ava, telling her he was outside waiting for her. Ava told him she’d be out in a couple of minutes. Since they were officially mated, Alistaire and Ava had quickly moved in with him until they could decide what to do next. Alistaire was still thinking about the job in Valleywood, and Crevan didn’t know what was holding his lover back. They still needed to go back to Valleywood to clear up the misunderstanding with Ava and the stealing charges.
The lawyer Alphonso recommended had said they had nothing to worry about and Ava would be cleared before the new year. Since Alistaire and Ava were moving in with him, he’d explained everything to his parents, who were more than happy to welcome two new people in the family home.
Ava had taken over his old room and would be starting school in the New Year. Since she’d dropped out quite some time ago, Fox had promised he’d tutor Ava to get her back on track. Ava was brilliant and wouldn’t have any problems picking up the information from what he could tell.
Looking at his watch, Fox noted the time. He was starting to get anxious being away from Genesis for so long. However, he was beginning to leave her with his parents more—but for no more than two hours. Fox sighed and got out of the car, deciding he would go in and get Ava. He got out of the car and was about to walk up the stairs but stopped when he heard grunting coming from somewhere.
Gods, please don’t tell me someone is having sex where kids could see.
Following the sound, it led him to the back of the building where he saw Corbin being held down by two large men and another beating the shit out of him.
“Son of a bitch,” Fox cursed.
Before he could think about what the hell he was doing, Fox ran over to the man pounding his fist into Corbin and kicked him in the knees. The man howled and stumbled, falling to his knees. Before he could stand up, Fox elbowed the man in the side of the neck, knocking him out.
“Fox, watch out!” Corbin shouted just as he turned around and dodged the punch aimed at him.
Fox kicked the man in his balls, causing him to double over and give him the opening to send an uppercut to his Adam’s apple. The man grabbed his throat as he struggled for breath. He was about to go after the last guy when he was suddenly seized by the arm and was pulled back. He was about to retaliate when the person spoke.
“Get behind me. I’ll take care of this,” the stranger said, putting Fox behind him.
His brows knitted together as he tried to see who was standing in front of him, but all Fox could see was black, straight hair. Not one to have someone protect him, Fox stepped from behind the stranger who was fighting with the last man standing and grabbed Corbin, pulling him out of the way. Corbin hung onto him, unable to move. He was still awake but pretty bruised up.
Within seconds, all three men were on the ground moaning in pain, and Fox finally got a chance to see who his savior was. Dark hair and green eyes that were peering into him as if he was searching into his soul.
“It’s nice to see you again, Crevan. Although, I thought it would have been under different circumstances.”
The uncomfortable feeling he experienced meeting the man the first time returned, and Fox wanted to get away as soon as possible. “Um…I can’t seem to remember who you are.”
Mister James smiled as if he knew Fox was lying. “That’s okay. It will come back to you soon.”
“Uh, yeah,” Fox said. “Anyway…um…thanks for helping us out.” He reached into his pocket, getting ready to call the cops when James spoke.
“You should get him to the hospital. I'll take care of this. Go on.”
Fox looked at Corbin who’s eyes were half-open. He was holding on to Fox as if he was his lifeline. His face was bloody, and his lips busted up. His clothes were a mess, and Fox wasn’t sure where else the man could be hurt. He didn’t want to agree with Mister James, but he needed to get Corbin to the hospital.
“Thanks, again.”
“It’s no problem,” James said. “By the way, I’m glad you’re not hurt. It’s good to know you can take care of yourself.”
“Umm...thanks.” Not wanting to stay in the man’s presence any longer, Fox dragged and carried Corbin to his car, where he saw Ava waiting for him.
