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“You’re a smart man, Dom,” Thomas agreed, lifting his glass and taking a swallow. I belatedly lifted mine and then realized it was empty. “I think you’ve had enough,” he told me and I nodded easily. “Now, what did you want to tell me?”
I exhaled gustily. “I’ve got my own Pack,” I revealed and he looked confused. “Me, Trent, and Liam,” I detailed and his eyes widened when he caught on. “Yeah, it’s a problem. A good problem,” I hurried to add, before sighing. “I have to tell Caleb. I didn’t mean for it to happen. But now Jess wants me to initiate Monster,” Thomas made a noncommittal noise and I waved my hand, “Right? It’s a big decision. For Monster and you. Cause you have to agree since you’re his Dad.”
“Do you want Monster in your Pack?” He asked, studying me.
“Yes,” I nodded. “I do. He’s an amazing kid. He’s going to need guidance and that first shift is a doozy.”
“He is,” Thomas agreed, smiling quietly. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to guide him through what being a shifter entails. He would benefit from your guidance I think.”
“Thank you,” I replied, appreciation flowing through me. “I would do anything for that kid. And not just because he’s Jess’ brother.”
“I can see that. And Jess? She wants Monster in your Pack and not the Navarre Pack. She supports this new Pack of yours?”
“She does.” I shook my head. “She has more faith in me than anyone I’ve ever met. She thinks I’ll be a good Alpha.”
“Jess is rarely wrong about people,” Thomas mentioned and I nodded, causing the room to spin slightly. “You might want to sit down. I don’t think I can get you off the floor.” Thomas led me to the couch where I plopped down, exhaustion overwhelming me. “I just want to know she’s safe and loved. That you will protect her and not smother the light inside of her,” he said, clasping his hands in front of him. “Be good to her, and be good for her.”
“It’s the only thing I want,” I told him, my eyes growing heavy as I tried to keep them open. “To show her everyday how much I love her.”
“You have my blessing, Dom,” Thomas said, his gaze steady. “For both of them. You can initiate Monster into the Pack with his understanding and you can mate Jess so long as you have her agreement.”
I nodded, awed by the gift he was giving me. “I will guard them with my life,” I promised him and he nodded.
“I know you will.” My eyes drifted closed and his last words barely registered. “I expect you will have too.”
Chapter Eleven
Jess
“Okay, Mom, here’s the deal,” I said, hopping into the car, and barely missed sitting on the pile of snacks she’d bought. Her open mouthed stare caused me to pause. “Are you okay?”
“You called me Mom,” she replied, stunned. I mentally reviewed what I’d said and realized she was right.
“A slip of the tongue,” I said hastily, tacking on, “Mother.”
“Oh, no.” She shook her head, dislodging a lock of hair she’d pulled back into a sleek ponytail. “No, you said Mom. I’ll only answer to Mom.”
“Jesus,” I muttered under my breath, inhaling deeply. “Alright, fine, Mom,” I said, forcing the word out. She sighed happily, pointing to my lap where I’d piled the snacks so I could sit down.
“I got snacks for our road trip.”
“Okay, this isn’t a road trip,” I corrected. “It’s a kidnapping.”
Her happy expression fled at my words and she frowned as she said, “We’ve discussed this. I rescued you.”
“And if I had been with the Hanleys I’d get down on my knees and kiss your feet,” I replied, startling her. “But I wasn’t with the Hanleys, I was with Dad and Dom and Monster, and Trent and Anna, and a whole bunch of other people who are really worried about me.”
Mom shook her head, her hand going to the ignition to start the car and no doubt drive us farther away from Dom and the ones I loved. I reached out, stilling her hand.
“Please, Mom, listen to me,” I pleaded and her gaze shot to mine. “I absolutely agree with you that the Hanleys are bad. I have first hand experience, but Dom and his Pack are not bad. He’s a good man who loves me and listens to me and would lay down his life to protect me. Dad likes him. Monster likes him. His Pack would follow him to their deaths out of sheer loyalty.”
“You’re brainwashed,” she accused, pointing a manicured nail at me. “You think he’ll take care of you when really he’s just using you.” She shook her head. “The only ones that truly matter are the ones who can shift.”
I wanted to lash out in sheer frustration and then I saw the faint tremble of her hand. She believed what she was saying and I suddenly doubted my ability to convince her to bring me home.
