Page 39 of Honey Heat
“What now?” Bastián asked.
“Now we go on the offensive,” Matias answered. “No more waiting for them to make moves against us.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembled pack.
“I’ll contact Boone and Xavier,” Matias continued. “The bears and cheetahs need to know what’s happening. Santiago, I want extra security around the clinic. Chopper’s still vulnerable there. The rest of you, stay alert and travel in groups.”
As the pack dispersed, Lucio guided Ethan to a corner stool. He sat beside him, keeping one arm wrapped protectively around Ethan’s shoulders.
“You okay?” he asked softly, fingers gently stroking Ethan’s arm. “You’re trembling.”
Ethan hadn’t even noticed. “Seeing Drek again... it brought everything back.” He blew out a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. “But I’m not going to stop living my life, Lucio. I’m done letting them take from me.”
Lucio’s hold tightened slightly. “You’re so fucking hot when you turn rebel.” He wiggled his brows, making Ethan laugh. “There’s bedrooms in the back. Care to join me?”
Ethan thought his life had been over when he’d been trapped in that warehouse. But he’d had a guardian angel looking out for him, a wolf he couldn’t imagine spending his life without.
Leaning in, he whispered into Lucio’s ear, “Only if you make good on your promise and give me my first lesson.”
Lucio’s nostrils flared as he sucked in a breath. “Dios mío.” He grabbed Ethan’s hand and hauled him toward the back of the tavern, Ethan laughing the entire way.
* * * *
As Ethan drifted off on the couch, Lucio covered him with a throw blanket and settled into the armchair nearby, watching the gentle rise and fall of his mate’s chest. His phone buzzed with a text from Cesar, reminding him about Jamie’s birthday party tomorrow night.
Like Lucio could forget. Cesar had been working effortlessly behind Jamie’s back to make this the best party his mate had ever had. He’d also told Lucio, at the tavern, that he drove out to the farm where Chopper had bought the Jack Russell and purchased the puppy’s sister.
It seemed Jamie was going to get a dog after all.
Lucio’s gaze returned to Ethan, peaceful in sleep despite the fight in the alley. Lucio’s wolf prowled restlessly, knowing the danger was still out there. If any of those hyenas came near Ethan, Lucio would rip out their black heart.
The sound of tires pulled his attention to the window. A familiar truck had pulled into his driveway.
Boone.
Lucio rose quietly, not wanting to wake Ethan, and stepped onto the porch just as the bear alpha climbed out of his pickup. The two men stared at each other for a long moment, neither speaking.
Finally, Boone broke the silence. “How is he? I heard about what happened at the tavern.”
“Sleeping.” Lucio crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “He thinks you abandoned him.”
Boone's jaw tightened. “I would never.”
“I know that. But he’s hurt. Confused.” Lucio stepped aside. “Come in. But keep your voice down.”
Inside, Boone moved directly to the couch, his massive frame seeming to fill the room. He knelt beside his sleeping son, one large hand hovering over Ethan’s hair before gently stroking it.
“I’m sorry, cub,” he whispered, so quietly that even Lucio’s heightened hearing barely caught it.
Ethan stirred, eyes fluttering open. “Dad?”
“I’m here.” Boone's voice was rough with emotion. “I shouldn’t have left like that.”
“Why did you?” Ethan sat up.
“I needed to clear my head.” Boone settled on the floor beside the couch, his back against it. “You’re my only cub, Ethan. Since your mom died, keeping you safe has been my whole life.”
“I know, Dad.”
