“Did someone hear that from one of the Lycan elders and pass it on?”
He hesitated. Aveoth’s clan had probably gotten the information from an old Lycan. Someone had to have shared that information to enable the GarLycans to put it in a book. “You could say that.”
His father remained silent for long seconds. “I’m glad the GarLycans aren’t a threat to us but we still have to address the issue of what you did today. Your mate rejected you in front of others and you went against the law to go after her. You must face punishment. There’s no way around it. People are talking.”
“I figured.”
“I can’t protect you, Drantos. It would look bad.”
“I know.”
“The last thing we need is dissension in the clan by my playing favorites. I must always be fair.”
“I don’t regret what I’ve done,” he admitted. “I’d do it again. You were wrong for making me chose between you and Dusti.”
“It shocked me when I learned who the sisters were. My hatred of Decker runs deep. I’ve had time to cool down and think it through, and I agree with you. Your mother and I spoke. I can’t publically apologize without it making me appear weak but I do, son. I’m sorry. I should have ordered you to go after her instead of remaining with the injured.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“I wish I could take it back.”
“It’s done. Let’s just get this over with.”
His father sighed. “Sometimes the bullshit gets to me. This is one of those times.”#p#分页标题#e#
“You’ve changed a lot of the laws but this is an important one. You can’t have our people arguing with your every decision.”
“I know, but there should be an exception between fathers and sons.”
“I’ll take my punishment.”
“Be at my home in twenty minutes. I consulted with the clans so everyone is satisfied with the outcome. I had to explain everything that happened and your state of mind when you defied me. They were generous. We were lucky. They took into account that your Dusti doesn’t know our laws and that it was stressful to find out she’s so human. They were sympathetic, considering she’s a relation to Decker on top of it and he had his clan attack us.”
“How severely will I be punished?”
“Nothing you can’t handle. Tell your mate you will return in the morning. You probably want to avoid her until you’ve had time to heal.”
Drantos winced. “You’re right. I don’t want her to see me when they’re done. It would terrify her. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. I won’t be late.”
“I’ll double the sentries to make sure your mate is safe. I wouldn’t put anything past Decker. He’s insane.”
“Aveoth is after him.”
“It could take time for Aveoth to find him and Decker might still try to come after his granddaughters. It’s better to be safe than sorry. We’ll stay on alert until we hear he’s been captured or killed.”
“Thank you, Father. How is Kraven doing?”
“He’s almost totally healed.”
“And Bat?”
“She’s fine and with him.”
“Good.” He ended the call.
* * * * *
Dusti backed away when Drantos hung up the phone. She’d overheard enough of the one-sided conversation to know he’d gotten into trouble for going after her. She turned in the hallway and tiptoed back into the bathroom. She’d been on her way to ask him if he had new razors, not wanting to use his personal one. If she hadn’t, she’d have never known about the punishment.
She stripped out of his shirt to climb into the large tub. She had no clue how to turn on the jets but it didn’t matter. She washed quickly, used his shampoo and conditioner in her hair, and readied to climb out of the tub when Drantos entered the bathroom carrying a tray. The smell of soup and toast made her stomach rumble.
He smiled. “I need to go tell my family that you’re safe. You’ll find clothing in the dresser, and just leave the tray in here when you’re done eating. Go to sleep afterward. Don’t wait up for me.”
“How long will you be?” She was upset that he wasn’t mentioning his conversation with his father but she tried to hide it by forcing her own smile. She hoped hers looked less fake than his did. “Do they live far away?”
His gaze shifted from hers when he set the tray on the corner shelf of the tub. “I thought I’d go by and check on Kraven. While I’m out, I’ll also make sure your sister is settled in. And I’m sure my father will want to discuss what happened.” He backed away, still avoided looking at her, and then paused. “I’ll be back by the time you wake in the morning.”