Drantos(114)

“What was that about?”

Drantos took her burden from her then cradled her against his chest with one arm. “We’ll discuss it later. Do you want to put on the shoes now?”

“Not really. I’d just like to go home.”

He offered his hand. “Are you okay? You appear a little irritated.”

“I’m fine.”

He didn’t seem convinced but he tugged her toward the walkway. “We’ll be home soon.”

She noticed a group of five couples heading toward them on the sidewalk. Dusti bit her lip and then released it. “Are those your clan people ahead of us in that group?”

“Yes.”

Now is my chance, she thought, mustering up her courage when the group drew closer. She jerked on Drantos’s hand to bring him to a halt. He turned to peer at her with a questioning gaze. Dusti took a deep breath, her heart racing, and she made sure she spoke loudly.

“Thank you for allowing me to be your mate, Drantos. I mean it. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”#p#分页标题#e#

She rushed on, ignoring his shocked expression and the fact that the couples had stopped to gawk. “I don’t deserve you. I’ve been so unworthy. But I swear I’ll make it up to you every day.”

His jaw clenched and his gaze lifted over her head. Understanding dawned, quickly followed by amusement. His lips twitched. “You’ll show the clan that you’re more than worthy of being mine. They just need to see how courageous and strong you are, as I have.”

She winked at him subtly. “You’re the best. I love you.”

He lifted her hand to his lips, pressed a kiss on her knuckles, and then started to move down the sidewalk as he lowered it. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

She couldn’t resist glancing at the VampLycans when they passed them. All ten of them appeared openly stunned and she resisted the grin that threatened to curve her lips. She hoped that little display of them as a couple dispelled any gossip about Drantos having to talk her into being with him.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he said softly, once they’d cleared the town and reached the path to his cabin.

She opened her mouth to tell him she’d done it because she cared about him.

“But I appreciate it.”

Dusti understood. “I’d do anything for you.”

“My friend I spoke to heard from Kraven. He didn’t want to risk reaching out to me on the phone in case your grandfather tapped the lines to trace the call. He and Bat are somewhere safe. He knew we’d be worried.”

Tears filled Dusti’s eyes. “Thank you. When are they coming back? When will I see Bat again?”

“They will return as soon as Decker is caught and brought to justice. She’ll be safe once he’s no longer a threat.”

“Where are they?”

“He didn’t pass along that information.”

“Did Kraven mention to your friend if he’d told her yet that he wants Bat to be his mate?”

“He didn’t mention Kraven sounded in pain, so I assume not.”

Dusti chuckled. “Yeah. I almost feel sorry for your brother.” Her humor faded as quickly as it surfaced. “I don’t see how that can work out between them, to be honest.”

Drantos paused to gaze down at her with his beautiful eyes. “Love is the most important thing of all. He’ll love her.”

“She has her career that she’s suffered a lot for. It’s everything to her.”

“That’s not true. She loves you, and you matter more than anything to her. I saw that in her eyes every time she looked at you.”

“I’ve never tried to step in the way of her career. She just reached her ultimate goal. The law firm is considering making her a partner. She’d have to give it all up to be with him, wouldn’t she? You said VampLycans can’t stand living in cities. Her entire life is in Los Angeles.”

“Let’s go home. We can’t do anything for them but be here when they return.” He started to move again.

Dusti worried. She knew Kraven would do his best to protect her sister and that Bat wasn’t a slouch at watching her own back. But she really couldn’t see how their relationship could work out. Bat would fight Kraven every step of the way and have a major meltdown when he explained everything she’d have to give up to be with him. That was if her sister even allowed him to get that close to her. She’d sworn off ever loving a man again after having her heart broken.

Please don’t ever leave me. I couldn’t live without you, sweetheart.
#p#分页标题#e#
Her heart melted when she glanced up at Drantos. “I don’t plan on going anywhere.”