Page 63 of Fearless Bond

The older man was taller, his thin body wrapped in a long woolen coat. He wore winter boots and approached us steadily, head held high. He looked friendly enough, with quick dark eyes and a civil, careful smile. That was until he opened his mouth, and a commanding, superior tone came out.

“Calvin. What on earth is going on here?”

“Hello, Father.”

Our friends reshuffled behind us, with Monty and Jordy flanking us. Calvin’s father looked from one side to the other. His expression tensed. He was afraid but hid it well.

“Who are these people?”

“You know Laurel.”

“Hello, Mr. Mason,” Laurel called brightly.

“This is Monty, Jordy, Hunter, and Sheriff Hawke Klondike. They are from Beauville.”

With his mouth pinched, Calvin’s father stared at me. I refused to let go of Calvin.

“And this is Barclay Black, my mate. Barclay, meet my father, Edvard Mason.”

I could hear the creek bubbling in the distance in the subsequent silence.

“Your… mate?”

“Yes. Barclay and I are together.”

“I’m glad to meet you, Mr. Mason.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Iwasglad he was here. Hopefully, after today, Calvin could have some peace.

Damian, who had finally made it into my yard, looked shocked, mouth hanging open. Edvard Mason’s expression didn’t change one bit. His gaze flashed to mine for only a split second, then refocused on his son. He had an impressive poker face.

“Come to the car, Calvin,” he finally said. “We are leaving now.”

Monty scoffed next to me. “That toy car’s not going anywhere,” he muttered.

“I’m not coming with you,” Calvin said. “That’s what I wanted to tell you. I’m moving to Beauville. I’ll live with Barclay from now on.”

Sneering angrily, Damian moved forward, but Mr. Mason stopped him with an outstretched arm. He glanced at me.

“Calvin probably didn’t tell you this, but he’s mentally ill. He’s not equipped to make important decisions. He needs to return to the city where we can take care of him.”

My chest heated up with rage. “He’s your…”

Calvin squeezed my arm. “I got this.”

I looked down at him, and he gave me a small smile. His eyes glittered, and he was pale, but he seemed calm as ever.

“I’m fine, Barclay,” he told me quietly. “Let me deal with this.”

I let out a heavy breath. “Okay.”

He seemed to brace himself, then exhaled slowly.

“My anxiety doesn’t make me incompetent, Dad, which you well know. The only reason I wanted to see you was to tell you in person that I’m moving here for good. Beauville is my home now. I think I will be much happier here. I wanted you to meet Barclay so you’d know I was safe.”

“A town crawling with bear shifters is not safe. But I’m not wasting more time arguing about this. You have no choice in this matter. I decide what’s best for you.”

Chickie cleared his throat. “Mr. Mason, Calvin here is an adult.”

Edvard Mason’s lips curved into a pleasant smile as he looked at Chickie. “Sheriff Klondike, was it? Good that you’re here. See, my son is unstable, and I’m his legal guardian.”

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