“Bad for Brant? Don’t do that. He doesn’t deserve it. I hope you didn’t go and have dinner with him? Zane and the queen would be fine but not that asshole.” Gideon couldn’t keep the growl out of his voice.
“Stop that. I’ve had to ask him to please stop apologizing. He’s been really sweet actually.”
Gideon swallowed hard. “Sweet?” He barked. “The words Brant and sweet do not belong in the same sentence.”
Her beautiful eyes blazed, making his dick rock hard. “Yes, they do. Brant made a mistake, we all make mistakes. I for one understand that really well.” She paused. “I didn’t go to dinner but only because I was too worried about you. He is very sweet and has been very apologetic.”
Gideon couldn’t help the snort that escaped him. “I’ll believe it when I see it. I don’t want to talk about Brant or anyone one else right now though.” He smoothed the hair away from her face. “I know you don’t want me to treat you like you are broken or tainted.” He made sure to look her deep in her eyes. “The truth is that you have been through more than anyone ever should. I love you and care for you and although it might kill me, I will wait until you are ready before—”
“I’m ready…” She glanced away, looking hesitant and unsure. She even pulled away a little from him. “It’s just that I think we should wait.”
Gideon had to bite back a noise of frustration. “No problem.” He could do this. His female’s needs were more important. He grinned. “You’re not going to make me date you eight times again are you?”
Jenna laughed. The sound filled his soul. “No, silly. I think we are way past that, don’t you?”
“Definitely.” His dick went from hard to granite and for the moment, he was happy that a thick blanket covered him.
She frowned. “You were really hurt and are very weak. You need to get stronger before—”
“You shouldn’t wait.” Zane stuck his head around the door jamb.
Gideon smiled. “Come on in.”
“Gideon needs his strength to be restored, the best way to do that is to allow him to drink from you. Sex would speed up the process as well.”
“Oh.” Jenna’s cheeks flushed. “Okay then.”
“One of the reasons the bullet affected him so badly was because he hasn’t had blood in days.” Zane smiled. “Probably since you arrived.” He glanced at Gideon. “Idiot.”
Jenna gasped. “Even when you were so angry with me?”
Gideon shrugged. “I never stopped wanting you. Never will.”
Zane cleared his throat. “Before you both start stealing lines from cheesy love songs…there is someone here that wants to see you.”
“Call me an idiot”—he looked pointedly at Zane—“but even though I was mad, I couldn’t make myself go to another female.”
Jenna pulled her lip between her teeth. She looked at him with such tenderness, such love.
Brant walked in. He radiated tension. Didn’t look apologetic in the least. In fact, Gideon would go so far as to say that the male looked angry. “I won’t take up your time. I’m sure you want to be together. I should never have acted without first gathering all of the facts.” He cleared his throat, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
“And?” Zane said, his voice low and deep.
“And…” Brant sighed. “I should never have made a security related decision without consulting with the two of you first.” He glanced at Zane, whose eyes darkened.
“Damn straight.” The big male growled. “We will discuss that after this.”
“You should never have chosen a male outside of the program without consulting me first either.” Brant’s eyes turned just as dark.
“You left it in my hands.” Zane’s eyes narrowed.
“Yes, but—”
Zane sighed heavily. “We will discuss that after this. What else did you have to say to Gideon?”
Brant’s whole demeanor softened somewhat. “I should never have acted in the way that I did. I was only trying to protect you. I didn’t realize how involved you were with Jenna.” His voice deepened and his jaw tightened. “I never would have sent her away if I knew about the deranged male. I only wish that you had come to me sooner…” Brant held Gideon’s gaze for a few long seconds. “I know that I can be unreasonable, but I consider you a friend and one of our greatest assets. The only reason I didn’t grant you a place on the team a year and a half ago was because I knew what you were capable of. I wanted to make you stronger.” He sighed, shaking his head. “You deserved that place and I should have given you the spot then instead of making you wait.” His king paused for the longest time. “I am sorry that your female was injured. This whole thing should never have happened, it could have costed both your lives. I’m sorry I sent you away. Sorry I didn’t award you a place on the elite team all those months ago…”