He heeded my request, inhaling deeply before releasing the breath slowly. “I’m fine, I just… I hate what he’s done to all the people I care about. It’s not fair that he gets to go unpunished, and everyone else has to do his bidding or get hurt if they step out of line.”

“I know.” I brushed my thumb over his pulse point, content with its steadying pace. “That will not be the case for much longer.”

Luca aimed a weak smile at me, and I felt the urge to lean down and kiss him, to soothe the distress emanating through our bond, but I refrained. Only because I knew he would fuss at having an audience.

“I apologize,” Zadok said, shifting awkwardly from side to side. “It was not my intention to dampen the mood. I only wished to make amends.”

“You didn’t,” my mate reassured him. “I’m just very protective of my family and friends—a trait I only really realized I had when I met Cair, funnily enough.”

I smiled proudly.

“An honorable trait to possess.” Zadok appeared just as proud, and after a moment of fondly admiring his son, he inched toward the door. “Don’t let me delay you further. I will meet you both outside when you are ready, yes?”

“Uh, yeah,” my mate said, lunging to his feet to walk his father out. I busied myself with refolding the pile of shirts he’d unwittingly knocked over, giving them a moment of privacy. “We won’t be long, then I’m going to check on my flower patch if you wanna join? Maybe you can show me that forcefield spell once more? The one that can dissolve an arrow.”

“Absolutely.”

“I think I’ve almost got it, but something’s not quite working and I still have to dodge out of the way before it hits me.”

My head snapped up, a growl vibrating in my throat before I could stop it. “I beg your pardon?” Zadok’s face turned pallid, and he slunk out the door. Luca just reached back, waving a dismissive hand.

“Pretend you didn’t hear that.”

* * *

“Don’t be a stranger, junior,” Flick said, giving my mate’s shoulder a firm squeeze. “You are always welcome here. You and your princeling.”

It was a jest, an ode to our first meeting, but I still dipped my head in appreciation.

Leaf wound her sleek body around Luca’s legs, expelling sad chirping sounds. He bent down to scoop her into his arms. “I’ll miss you too, girl.”