Page 8 of Throne of Secrets

Lycos didn’t answer. Just let out a low, knowing chuckle.

With a shake of his head, Ethan climbed back up the stairs, Thor lumbering after him. He made his way to the front door, opened it, and sure enough, his father was standing there like a damn specter from his past.

Hanging up the phone, Ethan reached for Lycos and pulled him into a massive hug, gripping him like the lifeline he’d once been. The man had literally saved Ethan and his mother’s lives. Another assassin had chosen an anti-social, foul-mouthed assassin who lived on a mountain to protect them. She sent them directly to Lycos. The rest was history.

“Damn, it’s good to see you, Pops.”

Lycos patted his back in that strong, reassuring way only fathers could. “It’s good to see you, too. Your mom wants to know if you’re eating right.” He held Ethan at arm’s length, giving him a once-over, eyes sharp. “Looks like you could use a little more meat on those bones and some lessons on how to avoid a punch.”

Ethan snorted and smacked his father’s stomach. “Andyoulook like you could use a little less food. I’ll spar with you, but don’t you think you’re getting soft in your old age?”

Lycos’ laugh was low and dangerous. “Not likely. Looks like the only one getting soft would be the city boy.”

Ethan scoffed, leading the way inside. They moved through the house with the ease of men who’d spent a lifetime navigating dangerous spaces, their bond unshakable. As they headed downstairs into Ethan’s secure work area, Thor settled back into his spot, his eyes watchful but relaxed.

Lycos had been there plenty of times, his clearance allowing him access, but Ethan never disclosed his projects or what he was working on. And Lycos never asked. That was how their relationship worked. It was built on a lifetime of trust, respect, and a mutual understanding thatsome things were simply not meant to be shared.

The monitors on the walls remained blank, but the security of Guardian surrounded them. It had always been that way for Ethan. He’d grown up with Guardian and been raised within its unspoken rules and relentless mission to make the world safer.

“How long are you on the East Coast?” Ethan asked, finally breaking the silence.

Lycos shrugged. A nonchalant gesture that gave nothing away. “Not sure. Depends on several factors.”

Ethan didn’t press. His father had his own missions, just as Ethan had his. They both understood the necessity of secrets and their weight. The unspoken promise that when itmatteredthey would share what needed to be shared was always there.

“You’re staying here, right?”

Lycos shook his head. “No, my business is a little farther north.” He held up two fingers. “Two states north, actually. But I had time to come see my kid.”

“I’m not a kid anymore,” Ethan replied, grinning

Lycos smirked, his gaze sharp and knowing. “You’ll always be my kid, Ethan. And I’ll always make time for you.”

Ethan’s throat tightened at that. He didn’t need to say anything. His father had already said enough.

Lycos exhaled, his gaze steady as he studied his son. “In my mind’s eye, you’ll always be that scared little boy who bravely defended his mama on that mountain. At least to me, you will be. Although I have to admit, I’m pretty fucking proud of the man you’ve become.”

Ethan swallowed hard, a warmth settling in his chest. He wasn’t one for emotional moments, but hearing those words from his father meant everything. He tilted his head and smirked. “And I’m pretty fucking proud to have you as a dad.”

Lycos huffed out a breath. “Well, damn, let’s not get all teary-eyed.”

Ethan chuckled. “No worries about that.” He stretched his arms above his head before cracking his neck. “I was just thinking about you this morning.”

His father raised a brow. “Really? Why?”

Ethan nodded toward the sleek row of high-tech monitors lining his desk. Their blank screens hid layers of encrypted chaos waiting to be unraveled. “Something you taught me a long time ago helped me crack one of the puzzles.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“If you think you can’t, you probably can’t. If you think you can, try harder and do that shit like a motherfucking boss.”

Lycos chuckled and followed his line of sight, eyeing the computers before lifting an eyebrow. “Still getting those puzzles?”

“Yep,” Ethan confirmed, dropping into his chair. “And they’re getting harder. But the things I learn and push myself to discover are incredible.”

Lycos sat back, arms crossed. “I’d like to meet the man teaching you all this.”

“Yeah.” Ethan let out a dry laugh. “So would I.”

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