Page 52 of Unknowingly Being his Brat

“Maybe he’s sick?” Darius said, his growling quieting for a moment. “Think about it. Why else would he want you as alpha already? And it isn’t as if he’s working at the vet every single day.”

“You think he would keep it a secret?” I asked Jeremy. He knew ourfather best.

“I mean, he could. I did wonder why he was in a hurry for me to take over, and of course, his joy of being a full-time vet.”

“But he isn’t,” I corrected. “He’s there maybe once a week, and that’s it. Maybe you’re onto something, Darius.”

“I don’t want to be right on this, but perhaps you should ask Nic. If he’s allowed to tell you, of course,” Darius suggested.

Nic would definitely know if Dad was sick, him being the only pack healer meant he knew everyone’s business.

I gave Jeremy my best puppy dog eyes and he groaned. “Fine. I’ll find Nic before I go home to Cass.” He stood and made a half-hearted wave as he let himself out.

“Let’s hope your dad is just a jerk,” Darius said, his tone so serious it made me laugh.

“We can only hope,” I agreed. “Now please carry me to bed. I want to be thoroughly claimed.”

Darius laughed. “It’ll be my absolute pleasure, baby.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Darius

The morning had started out so well. Milo had claimed me as his twice, his need to feel closer to me after yesterday obvious, not that I minded. But now Jeremy and Cass were here, way too early for my liking, which didn’t bode well.

“You could’ve showered,” Jeremy grumbled as they walked past me to get inside.

“I would have, if I’d known you’d show up,” I replied. “I hope you’ll enjoy scenting your brother’s cum on my skin.”

“Darius!” Milo shrieked.

“What?! He’s the one complaining!”

“Um,” Cass said, eyeing us with wide eyes. “Can you really smell that well?”

“Yes, Cass, we can smell that you and Jer had fun this morning, too,” I said, knowing there was a reason for his blush.

“At least ours isn’t fresh,” Jeremy growled.

“Stop smelling us!” Milo snapped.

“It’s not like I’m doing it on purpose!” Jeremy argued.

“Okay!” Cass yelled. “How about Darius and Milo take a good, cleansing shower, then we can talk things through about your dad?”

“Yes!” Jeremy exclaimed. “Off you go.”

If it hadn’t been mentioned that they were here to talk about Paul, then I would’ve done filthy things to Milo in that shower simply because I could. But knowing Milo would want to hear what they had to tell us as soon as possible, I let him shower first while I found some clean clothes for both of us to wear.

With us now freshly showered and presentable, we sat on the couch, waiting for Jeremy to speak.

“Dad’s not sick,” Jeremy started. “But after I cornered him during his morning run, he started talking.”

“It’s honestly scary how much you got out of him,” Cass said, shaking his head in wonder.

Jeremy smiled softly at Cass, then refocused on Milo. “Dad is truly just a jerk, but parts started to make sense the more he spoke. He was left alone to raise us knowing one of us had to follow him as alpha. Dad admitted he never wanted to be chosen as alpha himself. He felt his other brothers were better suited for it. He didn’t say this next part, but I think he fears losing us. He lost his brother while only a teen and then his mate years later. His behavior towards you is horrible, no excuse there. But as he spoke, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was his way of keeping you safe. When you act out, he feels afraid of what you’ll do. Me, I’ve always been dependable.Easy. You aren’t.”

“So, you believe he acted like a jerk because it scares him how I act?”