He groaned and kissed her lips. “I know, but I don’t have any clothes.”

She was tempted to offer him some clothes, but she didn’t think he wanted to use her father’s. Going onto her toes, she brushed her lips against his. “I’ll see you soon.”

“That you will.” He gripped her arms and pulled her in close. “Soon.”

She made her way back into the house, giving him a final wave before closing the door. Leaning against it, she put a hand to her chest and smiled.

This was … perfect.

“Don’t hurt him.”

She let out a cry and looked to see the Alpha was already in her parents’ house.

“Alpha,” she said. “Er, how did you get in?”

“Your parents gave me a spare key. My son was a total ass to you. I get that. I imagine it has been hard living with him, but I know Lucas. In the past three years, all that boy has done was find out every single little detail he can about you.”

“What?”

“You heard me. He’s fallen in love with you. It wasn’t the mating. That just opened his eyes. For three years, he would talk to anyone who had anything to say about you. Pictures, he’d taken them, and I’d find him staring at them for moments at a time. All he wants is to be a good mate and husband to you. Someone worthy of your love because he feels like he doesn’t deserve it. I’m asking you to give him a chance.”

“I think Lucas and I can work this out ourselves.”

“Mabel, if you decide you cannot stand to be mated to my son, I will cast you out.”

She gasped. “What?”

“You heard me. I will not have my son hurt.”

“Dad, stop it!”

Mabel glanced over Duke’s shoulder to see Lucas had entered her house, and it looked like he’d come in the back.

“I’m doing what I must to protect my son.”

“I don’t need that kind of protection. If Mabel doesn’t want me, she can stay. I will not have her fearing for her place in the world if she doesn’t love me.” Lucas turned toward her. “I hope dinner is still on offer?”

She nodded.

“Please, forget what my father said.” He grabbed his father by the arm, and it was such a shock to see the Alpha pulled out of her house. She didn’t say a word.

****

They’d been back on the island for two days now.

Two glorious days without saying a word about what he’d stumbled upon. He’d watched Mabel go into the house, but the scent of his father was so clear and heavy in the air, he’d just known his father was going to try something.