“Zero, I’m not a witch. I’m not from some wealthy bloodline. I’m not—”
“I. Said. Bullshit. You are an incredibly well-respected tracker from the Elite Guard.”
“I’m a hybrid.”
Zero sighs again. “Dare. You are strong, nice, independently wealthy, and a genuinely good guy. If I weren’t in love with a sassy little vampire, I’d date you.”
I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see.
“Does Kaleb know?”
“Not yet.”
“You’ll need to tell his parents.”
“I know. I’ll call them now.”
“Good. Good. I wish you all the luck, my friend. I can’t wait to meet him.” He pauses. “And Darius?”
“Yeah?”
“Congratulations. If anyone deserves it, it’s you. Not everyone gets to meet their fated mate during their lifetime.”
I’m only on the video call with Edwin and Lyra for a few minutes before Edwin grows suspicious. Though I’m delivering the news that Kaleb is safe, healthy, and interested in meeting them, there’s something in my tone, or maybe even an expression on my face, that must have clued Edwin in.
“Lyra, dear, can you give me a moment? I want to chat with Darius in private.”
Lyra immediately looks panicked. Edwin soothes her with a kiss on her temple, and she looks at him lovingly. “It’s okay, honey. Go call Anya. Tell our daughter her brother is coming home.” Edwin gives Lyra a meaningful look, and she nods.
As soon as I hear the door click closed, Edwin’s tone turns serious. “Tell me what’s going on. Is my son okay?”
“Yes, sir,” I reply. “Your son is fine.”
Edwin stares at me for a few long moments, and I swear he can see right through me. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Well, here goes nothing. “Kaleb is my fated mate.” I hold my breath, waiting for the lash out.
Edwin blinks.
Then blinks again. I’m tempted to say something, anything to fill the silence when a wide smile breaks across Edwin’s face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, sir. When I found him at the club, his magic was very unstable. It kept flickering in and out. The magic was intense and chaotic. Thanks to my ocean magic, I was able to twine his magic with mine, pulling some of it out of his body before placing it inside of me.”
Edwin sucks in a sharp breath, smile dropping. “Darius, son, that’s very dangerous. You could have really hurt yourself, or worse.”
This time, I suck in a deep breath.
Son?
Surely, it was just a slip of the tongue. “I would do it again if I had to, Sir.”
Edwin nods. “Does Kaleb know you two are fated?”
“Not yet. As I suspected, when we met, he had no awareness of the paranormal world. I haven’t told him what type of shifter I am, either. But I want to, desperately. I’m just scared he’ll run.”
He mulls over my words for a long time before finally speaking. “Kaleb was always the curious sort when he was a child. He would hoard information like it was gold. Have faith in him. And yourself,” he says softly. “Fate put you two together for a reason, son.”
Tears flood my eyes, and suddenly it’s hard to breathe. “Do—does this mean you would accept me as Kaleb’s fated?”
