AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Morning, Dad,” Seth says, getting to his feet. “You must’ve already guessed who this is.”
“Rory, right?” the tall man says in a deep voice.
I nod, suddenly feeling flustered at being introduced to one of Seth’s dads. “Hello,” I squeak out and hesitantly offer him my hand.
Taking my hand in a gentle hold, he shakes it. “Hi,” the man says, cracking a warm smile. “I’m Aldrich.” He’s as tall and powerfully built as Seth, sharing the same emerald-green eyes as his son. Silvery strands sparkle against his dark hair. Even though he’s much older than me, I find him to be amazingly handsome.
“Are my sons treating you right?” he asks.
“Yes, Sir,” I reply.
“Good. I didn’t get a chance to say this to you earlier but you’re always welcome here, Rory. Do come over and have dinner with us sometime.”
His friendliness immediately warms me. I can’t believe he’s the same man who punished Seth so brutally.
Aldrich takes a seat close to Charlie and pours himself a cup of coffee. Valerie comes to the table and starts serving them breakfast.
There’s very little talk as we dig into the delicious toasts. Even though we’re mostly silent, there’s no awkwardness among us. It’s amazing to realize how well I fit in with everyone.
“Why aren’t you dressed yet, Seth?” Aldrich asks.
A tinge of fear slithers down my spine. “It’s not his fault!” I say immediately. “I’m the one who held him back. I’m so sorry!”
Aldrich stares at me with wide eyes while Simon and Oliver chuckle loudly.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Seth says, squeezing my knee. “He’s just asking about it because he’ll drive me to headquarters today.”
“Stop scaring her,” Valerie hisses, glaring at her mate.
“What did I say?” Aldrich asks with a bewildered look on his face.
“She’s scared you’d hurt Seth,” Oliver says in a grim tone, voicing my thoughts.
“Why would I hurt him?” Aldrich says, looking around the table for help.
“She hasn’t forgotten what you did to Seth when he rescued her,” Simon answers. “I’m sure she thought you were about to punish him for being late.”
“Is that true, Rory?” Aldrich asks, looking at me. “Did you think I was accusing Seth?”
I nod slowly.
“What happened back then was a misunderstanding,” Aldrich says in a gentle voice. “Seth didn’t explain himself to us. If we’d known he was protecting you, we’d have never punished him so harshly. You’ve got to believe me, child.”
“Anyone else in his place would’ve responded the same way,” Seth says in a grim tone. “I’d broken military law by disappearing without a word. It wasn’t his fault.”
“No, it was your fault,” Oliver says, glaring at his brother. “You should’ve told us what you were up to!”
“Enough,” Valerie says in a loud voice. “I don’t want you boys arguing about the past anymore.”
Oliver looks like he still has a lot to say but he holds his tongue.
“Rory,” Aldrich calls out. “I’m sorry I scared you. No one’s going to be punishing Seth.”
Embarrassment creeps in as I nod dumbly. Seth’s hold on my hand tightens as he kisses my cheek.
“You’ve got to come around more often,” Charlie insists. “You’ve got to meet the rest of my sons and see they’re not monsters.”
Aldrich chuckles, surprising me.
