King's Throne(15)

“If she weren’t human, you mean?” Mitch asked, tilting his head.
“No. Dad’s never had a problem recruiting allies even among humans,” Gina answered in a more subdued tone. “I meant, if dad wasn’t in hiding, he’d have granted her official status in the Pride when we were kids. For my sake, if for no other reason. But Ellie has proved herself over and over. She would have—should have—been let in on the secret a long time ago, except for dad’s need for secrecy.” Gina frowned. “I haven’t liked lying to her all these years. And I really don’t know if she’s ever going to forgive me.”
Mitch reached out and took Gina’s hand. He couldn’t help himself. Gina looked so forlorn.
“She’ll understand. How could she not forgive you if you’re as close as you say?” He tried to coax a smile out of her, but Gina wouldn’t be swayed out of her concern. “If anyone can make her understand about shifters and our need to keep our secrets, it’s Cade. He’s pantera noir, after all. Ninja of the shifter world. They don’t come more secretive than the noir.”
Gina sighed. “I guess you’re right. I mean, I hope you’re right. I just worry. She’s like my little misguided, innocent sister. There’s so much she doesn’t know about.”
“Cade will teach her. And he’ll look out for her. There’s nobody better at what he does than Cade.” He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. It was a small gesture, but she seemed to take comfort from it, so he continued. “But you’re avoiding my question. Will you let me stay and be your Guard?”
Gina met his gaze, the worry creeping back into her eyes. “If you ask my dad, he’ll say yes. He’s been after me to accept more protection for years.” She squeezed his hand and then pulled her fingers free of his. “Let me think about it, Mitch. After all that’s happened, I’d like to see how things settle out with the Nyx before I make any decisions. As of right now, I don’t even know if I’m going back to the city after this is all over. I might be stuck here for a while. Maybe even permanently if Dad has his way.” She rolled her eyes a bit in frustration as she shook her head slightly. Living in secret her whole life couldn’t have been easy for such an outgoing spirit.
“No matter where you go, I’ll follow and protect, Gina. If you let me.” His voice dipped low. “Please let me.”
Their eyes met and held, the silence between them charged.
But she was saved from answering by the loud knock on the cabin door. They had a visitor, and visitors this late at night couldn’t mean anything good. Mitch jerked upright, willing the room not to spin. He was still too damned weak, but at least he was feeling stronger than he had before, even if his head spun.
“That’s not your dad,” Mitch whispered, pretty sure the soft knock wasn’t the Alpha of all Alphas.
Gina shook her head and tried to go to the door, but Mitch stopped her, rising to his feet. He couldn’t help swaying a bit, but he’d be damned if he was going to let her answer the door alone at this hour of the night.
“Is there any way to see who it is remotely?” he whispered.
Her eyes widened for a moment before she grinned. It looked like she’d remembered something. Reaching into the bedside table’s top drawer, she pulled out a small tablet. She pushed a button and the screen flared to life.
Camera feeds. Nice.
“It’s Mr. Miller. Looks like he brought us some supplies.”
“At this hour?” Mitch questioned even as Gina visibly relaxed. She put the tablet on the nightstand and moved toward the door.
“Relax. I’ve known him all my life. He helped me get you here.”
Mitch wanted to stop her but he was still too wobbly on his feet, much to his chagrin. He could only hope Miller was the friend Gina believed him to be and that he didn’t come bearing bad news.
Gina opened the door and Mitch held his breath.
“I hope I’m not bothering you, but I saw the light and thought I’d check in with some supplies.”
“Light?” Gina looked concerned, and Mitch realized that the windows weren’t just curtained, they were light-proofed. Nice.
“Up top,” Mr. Miller pointed above his head where a vent allowed air to flow into the cabin. There was a small flap of dark fabric pushed to one side near it that was obviously intended to cover even that tiny source of potential light at night.
Gina blushed and bit her lip. “Darn it.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart,” Mr. Miller reached out to pat Gina’s arm in a fatherly way. “Just be glad it was me who saw it and not the big guy. He’d chew your head off for forgetting even something as small as that.”