Page 13 of Honey Heat
“Sure.” Lucio set down the fork, giving Ethan a reassuring look. “Be right back, osito.”
Following Boone into the hallway, Lucio braced himself for the protective father speech. The bear alpha stopped a few paces away, turning to face him with crossed arms. That was one intimidating look considering Boone’s size.
“My son’s been through hell,” Boone said without preamble. “He’s vulnerable right now.” Papa bear was not playing games. His hazel eyes flared, glowing amber in the dimply lit hallway.
“I know that.” Lucio kept his voice respectful but firm, forcing his wolf not to react to the clear intimidation. “I’m just bringing him food and keeping him company.”
“And calling him pet names in Spanish.” Boone’s eyes narrowed. “I might be old, but I’m not blind, wolf.”
Lucio considered denying it, but he wasn’t a coward. Even under Boone’s intense gaze, Lucio spoke the truth. “I like your son. He’s strong, brave, and has a great sense of humor.”
And gorgeous as fuck. He makes me feel things I haven’t felt in a very long time, if ever.
To his surprise, Boone smiled. “He’s a great kid.” His expression sobered. “But he’s still my cub, and he’s hurt.”
“I’m not going to do anything to make that worse,” Lucio promised. “Just trying to make his stay here a little more bearable.”
Boone gazed at him for a long moment. “If you hurt him—”
“You’ll tear me limb from limb,” Lucio finished for him. “I'd expect nothing less.”
Boone leaned in close, a low growl escaping. “Your death wouldn’t be that quick.”
He leaned back then clapped Lucio on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. The guy had done that on purpose. “I’ve gotta go handle some things. I take it you’re his official bodyguard?”
Lucio knew why he was asking. Having another alpha stay this long in wolf territory was dangerous. Matias’s wolf was probably snarling by now, ready to kick Boone off their land. The other wolves were restless too.
But Lucio’s beast was unfazed, more concerned with Ethan’s wellbeing than a pissing contest. “Not leaving his side.”
Boone nodded, though he kept studying Lucio with an intensity that made Lucio want to show his throat, which pissed him off. It was an automatic instinct in the presence of an alpha, but he managed not to bear it.
“I’ll protect Ethan. Go do whatever you have to do,” Lucio said, thankful the overprotective father was leaving. Regardless of unfazed his wolf was in Ethan’s presence, it was starting to snarl at the bear’s presence.
Boone couldn’t leave town fast enough.
* * * *
Once Boone climbed into his truck, he called his second-in-command. Despite being a fair guy who judged by merit, not species, being in wolf territory made his bear growl. The only way Matias would agree to let Boone stay with his son was if Boone was in Blackthorn alone.
No backup, no extra bears invading his town.
“Hey, Boone,” Wyatt said when he answered.
Ethan might’ve been an adult, but he was naïve in so many ways. That was one of many reasons Boone kept such a close eye on him.
But you failed to protect him.
Something Boone would never forgive himself for.
“Anyone know the guy?” He’d sent the photo of the stranger in the suit to Wyatt. Boone wasn’t waiting for the wolves to figure this out. Those bastards in the warehouse had targeted his son, and when he got his hands on Mr. Suit, he was ripping the son of a bitch apart.
“So far no one recognizes him,” Wyatt replied. “Wish we had a scent to track.”
So did Boone. But at least they had a face. If Mr. Suit showed up in his territory, his men would know to bring the stranger directly to him.
“I’m heading back.” He started his truck, cranking up the AC. It was a hot one today, making him sweat profusely. From the clinic door to the truck had him drowning in perspiration.
“What about Ethan?” Wyatt asked. “Did the wolf doctor clear him to come home?”
