Page 38 of Sweeter Than Honey
Dax grabbed Jett in a huge hug. Jett smiled, his heart going light. It was about time. Desi had been discharged from the military some time ago, but his return home kept being delayed. Administrative stuff, Desi explained. Administrative stuff that stretched on months and months until Jett began to suspect there was more going on. But his youngest brother refused to give details and Jett knew he’d get nowhere if he pushed for information.
He turned to Cara, who was watching them with a pleased expression. “Desi is our youngest brother. He’s been in the military.”
She squinted playfully and nodded. “Ahhhh, you’re a middle child. That makes so much sense, actually.”
He didn’t ask for an explanation as they walked up the walkway and up onto the wraparound porch. Dax disappeared inside, but Jett held Cara back at the threshold.
"Listen. My dad can be a little intimidating. Don't let him scare you, and whatever you do, don’t avoid making eye contact. He's easier to deal with if you don’t act like a submissive little mouse.”
Her face twisted into an offended expression. “Are you implying that I am a submissive little mouse?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “More like a stubborn shrew.”
“Really?”
Jett grinned and gestured her inside. His eyes strayed to her ass as she walked ahead of him. The linen pants hugged her perfect cheeks.
“Wooooow!”
Cara paused to look around the grand entry. To Jett, it was normal. He forgot what it was like to see this place for the first time. She made a slow circle, looking up at the crisscrossed exposed beam ceiling. Large, peaked windows lined the walls to the tip of the cathedral ceiling, flooding the place in silver-tinged natural light.
Voices filtered to them from the sitting room ahead on the right. Jett led her there. Dax and Allie were sitting in leather chairs arranged before the windows. Rowan was sitting in the largest chair, his back to Jett and Cara. They approached and Jett gestured for Cara to sit. The coffee table in the center of the chairs held a teapot, cups, and a wicker basket of scones and cookies, probably from Allie’s bakery.
“Dad,” Jett clapped his father affectionately on his shoulder. “Good to see you.”
“Would be better to have you answer the phone when I call, son.”
“Right.” Jett took his seat across from Cara.
Rowan’s eyes swung to her. Her expression was neutral, but her shoulders were tight. Jett cursed himself. He hadn’t meant to make her nervous when warning her about his father. He’d only wanted her to know what he was like.
Rowan turned back to Jett. “Your brother is coming home.”
Jett smiled and gave a nod. “I heard.”
“We’ll have dinner as soon as he’s here. The pack will come.” Rowan coughed.
His eyes drooped and the blue of his irises was lighter than normal. He’d seen his dad a few days ago and he’d looked robust and healthy. Today, though, fatigue clearly marked his countenance.
“But first, we have to secure Cara’s safety.”
He returned his gaze to her, his lips flattening into a serious line.
Alarm pricked Jett’s gut.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Cara. I’m sorry it is under these circumstances.”
She nodded.
His father’s stony expression told Jett that Rowan was about to tell them something he didn’t want to hear.
“I’m aware of the social media conversation surrounding the circumstances of Cara’s pregnancy. While we’re more than willing to rally our protection around you, Cara, I’m still feeling out how much of a threat exists from other packs around the country. It appears the most serious threat stems from the Denver pack, which you already knew. A lot of these other young bucks will talk to sound big and alpha, but wouldn’t dare lay a finger on a woman, much less a pregnant woman.”
“What exactly are you saying, Dad?” Jett leaned forward in his chair.
Rowan straightened. “The Arcana pack in California has a fully reinforced compound on their reservation to prevent human poachers from encroaching on their land. Nothing gets in unless it’s allowed in. They have a fully functioning society inside their walls. Medical care. Housing. Supplies. They’ve agreed to take Cara in until this predicament can be sorted out. She won’t have to leave the compound for anything, which makes her security fail-proof. It’s more than we can offer her here.”
“California?” Cara breathed.
