Page 28 of Ryder’s Storm

“What’s up, son?”

“Dad, I need to talk to you. It’s important.”

“I’m on my way to Scanguards,” he said. “Just come by. I should be there in twenty minutes.”

“No. Not at Scanguards. Somewhere more private.”

“Should I worry about you?”

“No, Dad, but meet me where we can’t be overheard by any vampires, and that includes Mom.”

“Okay, I can meet you outside Grace Cathedral in ten minutes.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you there.”

Ryder arrived outside of Grace Cathedral, which sat on the top of Nob Hill just opposite the famed Fairmont Hotel, a minute before his father pulled up in his black BMW M760i. It was a special edition, retrofitted with UV-protective windows in case he got caught outside during daylight.

Ryder walked to his father’s car and opened the passenger side door. He hopped in and closed the door. Inside the car it was almost eerily quiet.

“Talk to me,” Gabriel said.

Ryder came straight to the point. He figured it was best to get something important off his chest first. “I lied to you about the woman I had sex with, Dad.”

“I know.”

Ryder stared at him, stunned. “How do you know?”

“I’m your father, Ryder. I just know.”

“So then you know what predicament I’m in.” Ryder sighed.

“Not exactly. But when I asked you if you wanted help finding her, I could tell that the reason you didn’t want my help was because you’d already found her. But that’s all I know. So I guess she didn’t turn out the way you imagined your future mate to be?”

Ryder took a deep breath. “She’s everything I ever wanted. I would blood-bond with her tomorrow if I could, but… but…” Ryder looked down, unable to find the right words.

“She rejected you when you told her what you are?” Gabriel asked, his voice kind and gentle.

Ryder shook his head. “I haven’t told her yet.”

“But why not?”

“Because… because she’s my charge. She’s Scarlet King.”

Gabriel let out a gasp. “Oh boy.”

“Yeah. You could say that.”

“Did you know before you took the assignment?”

Ryder shook his head. “No, I recognized her when I showed up to take over for Grayson. I know I should have told you and Samson immediately. It’s unethical to be on her protection detail with what’s happened between us, but… but… I can’t think rationally when I’m around her. I know what the rules are, and I broke them nevertheless.”

“Let’s not talk about rules right now. I broke plenty of them where it concerned your mother. I believe you know the story about her craving my blood just after her turning?”

“After she was attacked and turned, and Scanguards found her? Yes, I know that Mom hated drinking human blood.”

“Yes, and she would have died, had she not fed. She was drawn to my blood, and I gave it to her. But I wanted something in return: a kiss for each feeding. I knew it was wrong, but I demanded it anyway, because I wanted her to be mine. It was unethical, but I did it anyway.” He smiled. “So you see, something can be unethical, yet be right nevertheless.” He gripped Ryder’s shoulder and squeezed it. “I won’t tell Samson. You will continue as Scarlet’s bodyguard.”

“Thank you, Dad.” Ryder forced a smile. “Unfortunately that’s not the only problem between us.”