“YOU!” I growl.
The bastard only smiles widely as he reaches down and palms my face into his gentle hands.
“You’re too cute to be angry, Kitten,” he says and kisses me on the forehead, and whispers along my hairline as he peppers kisses down my face. “Actions speak louder than words, and he needed to know we can take care of our mate in all ways possible,” he tells me before leaving a scorching kiss that makes me dizzy.
Ryker swaggers up next to me and bends down to whisper in my other ear.
“Besides, you had fun.” He winks, yet I’m still annoyed and reach out for his hand, stopping him.
“You could have found another way to prove it,” I whisper-yell at him.
“No, we couldn’t. Remember? We’re Supernatural. This is how we do it,” is his simple answer, and he kisses me also before going to the island and grabbing food.
Ugh. My mates are going to be the death of me or the reason I get locked up because I commit murder. Turning around, I force a smile and confront Dad.
“You’re always welcome, Dad. Have you already had breakfast?” I ask, leading my father into the kitchen as my stomach growls.
“I had coffee. I didn’t want to impose on Matthew this morning.” He gives me a shy smile.
“Yet, he has no problem doing so with his daughter.” Zeke’s snide comment doesn’t go unnoticed as we approach, and I give him a stern look.
What the hell is up with my guys? Did I miss something yesterday?
“Dad, help yourself to some food. I need to talk to my guys for a minute, if that’s alright,” I tell him, not really giving him a choice, and look at everyone before pointing to the den.
“Come on,” I demand through clenched teeth, but not before grabbing a couple of tulle strips and shoving them in my mouth.
I don’t need this right now.
I march into the den and lean against the pool table, watching as my family follows me in. I don’t even give them a chance to relax. As soon as JP comes in last, I send him a message to shut the door and begin.
“What the hell is up with everyone? And there’s no point in telling me nothing, it’s obvious there’s something that has to do with my dad, and I don’t have the time to drag this out,” I spit out, crossing my arms over my chest and looking over everyone.
It’s obvious no one wants to be the bearer of my focus, but all it’s doing is pissing me off faster.
“If you would unblock me, I would have already explained, but nooooo. Miss high and mighty had to slam out her bestie, so why should I tell you anythingnow?” Lynx points out.
Aww shit. He has a point.
“I’m sorry, Lynx. I thought you were going to give me a hard time about going off with Knox and Ryker, so I blocked you preemptively, and I shouldn’t have done that,” I say sincerely.“Obviously, you were going to warn me about Dad. Do you forgive me?’I ask my best friend, not afraid to swallow my pride.
“Oh no, you’re right. I was absolutely going to give you hell about the guys, and I definitely wasn’t going to warn you about your dad. He needed to hear that,” he confesses.
“What?”
“Hate to agree, bestie. But that’s the easiest way to accept the challenge.” Moni nods before taking a sip of her drink, easily slipping back into her normal greenish-brown color.
“See, this is where I’m lost,” I confess. “What challenge?”
“Oh, you missed it,” JP starts as he goes around and begins racking the balls on the table. “Your dad doesn’t believe we are suitable to take care of you.”
Huh? When did this happen?
“It was when you were passed out. We tried to take care of you, and he found uslackingand didn’t want ustouchingyou, even if it was to wipe the sweat off of your forehead,” Knox growls out as he paces in front of the sofa.
His aggravation easily flows through our link, and I try to ease it by sending some calming vibes and love his way, but all he does is send me a small smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“And we don’t like the idea that he abandoned you all those years ago,” Ryker adds. “Simple enough.” I drop my head in defeat for a moment as I think of what to say.
