Franklin woke to Axar going stiff in his arms.He could sense trepidation through the mate bond.
"What's wrong?"His voice was nothing more than a hoarse whisper.
"They're coming.Neoma woke me."
Franklin grabbed his phone and called Elvin's number.He put the phone on speaker and rushed over to his closet, where he grabbed some underwear.He still hadn't made up his mind about whether ghosts were real, but he wouldn't risk an attack because he refused to listen to one.
"What?"Elvin sounded more asleep than awake.
"They're here."
"Fuck.On my way."Then the call disconnected.Axar gave him a wide-eyed look.Franklin scanned the room.Did he have hearing protection anywhere?In the garage.
He met Axar's gaze again."How long until they're here?"
Axar looked to the side.There was nothing but empty air there, but he nodded as if he were in a conversation with someone."They already are.They parked farther down the road and are walking up the flagstones now."
Shit, no time to go to the garage.
"Cover your ears."Franklin stalked toward the hallway.Would they come through the front door?Were they so sure they could take Axar from him?So brazen they'd come knocking?
Unlocking the door, he stepped out on the landing dressed in nothing but boxer briefs.They froze, or Axton and Mrs.Dusan froze when they saw him.Addox's gaze was on the surrounding forest.He must've sensed Franklin coming, and judging by the others' reactions, he hadn't told them.
Franklin filed it away for later.He didn't think Addox was an ally, but maybe he was a neutral party.At least when he could be.
"Good morning.To what do I owe the honor?"
Axar's mother gave a soundless snarl, then she focused on him."Give me my son back."
He sensed the command in her voice, but like last time, he shook off the greasy feeling.
"He's mine now, and you're trespassing, so I have to ask you to leave."
Fury glowed in her eyes."Axton."
"Mrs.Dusan, I'd prefer if I didn't have to kill any of your sons."
Addox winced, and Franklin wondered if he could sense he meant it.He didn't want to kill Axar's brother.He simply wanted them to go away and not bother them again.
"Axar!Come here."
Fuck!Was he covering his ears?A jolt of reluctance traveled through the bond, then Axar emerged from inside the house.Naked.
"Axar, tell Mr.Cyng you want to go home."
As if saying those words would change anything.Franklin looked at Axar.His face was scrunched, and his mouth opened, but no sound came.
"Axar, do as I say."Her voice was like a whip, and Axar swallowed, but no words left his mouth.He was struggling, Franklin could sense it through the bond, but instead of interfering, he flooded their connection with calm.Axar could withstand the command.He believed it, and he allowed him to feel it, gave him as much support as he could.
"No."Axar's voice was low and shaky, but he'd said it.Franklin grinned and wrapped an arm around his middle before giving him a quick kiss.
"Well done, darling."He spoke against his lips, hoping the others wouldn't hear him.Or he guessed Addox would, but he didn't care about Addox.
Mrs.Dusan screeched.It was a horrible sound, and Addox's legs folded underneath him.Shit.
Axar stiffened in his arms.
"Come with us, or Addox will move into your room."
