Page 72 of Tossed into the Mob
“He won’t mind me saying this because I’m pretty sure he’s said it to you, but working in La Luna Noir was never for him.”
Flint agreed. “It’s not for everyone, even those born into it.” He eyed me as if wondering when or if I’d pick up on what he said.
“And I was. Born into it, even though I didn’t live the life.”
“You were. And now you've found your place too, but I can’t imagine how hard it’s been to navigate being a shifter.”
“Even though I'm Emilio's son?” Treyton and I had discussed whether this would always hang over me.
“Especially because you're his son.” Flint's expression grew serious. “Your father allowed his personal feelings to cloud his judgment. You've proven you're nothing like him.”
Lua cried, and Dad appeared, putting our daughter into my arms. She clung to me, and I relished the warmth of her skin against mine.
“You have a unique perspective on the world, Brock.” Flint made funny faces at Lua. “You see things from both a human and shifter viewpoint.”
Lucky me!
But I’d reached a conclusion weeks after my wolf emerged. My purpose wasn’t to prove I was nothing like Emilio but to prove who I was. And now I was carving out my own place in the world and as a mate to Treyton.
We went back into the house and someone had finally ordered food, but the kids had had their fill of dips and chips and sandwiches and were playing games on their tablets.
“When do we get to see your beast?” Hunter popped a fry in his mouth.
“Treyton tells us he’s faster than his wolf.” Ranger leaned back and slung an arm on Matt’s chair.
He had a lot of pent-up energy from being locked inside me for so long.
“And it’s not fair that Flint has seen him and we haven’t.” Ranger pouted.
“You might want to reconsider that.” Flint told his brother. “I suspect he’d kick your butt in a hunt.”
Ranger flexed his muscles and poo-pooed Flint’s suggestion.
“I’ve seen him.” Madd spoke up. He was back working in pack headquarters and managed to sneak in visits to see his only niece.
“Of course you have. I’m beginning to wonder if Hunter and I are the only ones who haven't.” Ranger crossed his arms.
“I have.” Tony smirked. It was a fib, but Ranger didn’t know that and he growled.
“Me too.” Odell put up his hand.
“Me three,” Rudy said.
“And I was given the privilege too.” Grandpa smirked.
“What?”
“Gotcha!” everyone shouted.
“I hate this family.” Ranger growled, and Matt gave him a kiss.
Lua squealed, and everyone glanced in her direction. Arnie was feeding her, and she wrested the spoon away from him. With two shifter parents, she was guaranteed to be one also. I was proud of her independence and strength and just hoped she and her beast would meet during adolescence and not as adults.
I thought back to that moment before my wolf emerged when I regretted getting involved with La Luna Noir. I’d been scared that I’d put us in danger due to my actions. But it was Gasper, not me, who threatened our lives.
I’d ruminated with Treyton whether I held any anger at Flint for ending my father’s life. But after becoming a parent, I understood he was protecting his family. Family came first, and I would die for Lua.
La Luna Noir was home. With the secrets and the risk came love, protection, and knowing that the family would always be there for me, Treyton, and Lua.
