“Let’s get back to your place, Will. You can tell us what you’ve been up to,” Aengus said.
The three of them turned and walked off. Lindi wrapped an arm around Will and led him out of the warehouse. They all piled into the two sedans parked outside. Will sank against Lindi as they got into the backseat. Carlyle and Victor got into the front to give them some time together. Will’s family got in the other car.
“You look really sexy in black.” Will snuggled closer.
Lindi lifted Will onto his lap. “I was worried about you, Pet.”
“Me too.” Will had worried he’d never see his master again.
No one spoke, letting Will have his quiet moment with Lindi.
Chapter Five
Will followed Lindi to the couch. “I’m so happy to be home.”
“I’m happy you’re here too.” Lindi patted the spot beside him.
Will usually kneeled beside his master, but he appreciated Lindi’s discretion in front of Will’s family.
“We’re going to get going and let you have some family time.” Victor pointed toward the door.
Carlyle nodded his agreement.
“Thank you,” Will said. “Thank you both.”
“You can pay us back by cooking us dinner,” Victor said.
“Next week,” Will promised.
No one spoke until the Doms left.
Cain crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I mourned for you, Will. I thought you were dead.”
Will raised his hands. “That’s not my fault. I left a note to Da that I was leaving.”
“It’s mine. I thought Will needed time to find himself outside of the family,” Brian said.
“Thank you.” Will couldn’t believe his brother had done so much for him. It was a rather sweet gesture.
“Omph.” The air whooshed out of Will’s lungs as Cain squeezed him tight. “Air,” he gasped.
Cain released him, then pounded on his back in a friendly mauling. “I’m so happy to see you, even if you are a shit who abandoned your family.”
Sighing, Will ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me once I left home. I didn’t want to put you in a position of keeping secrets from Da.” Their father wouldn’t have taken it well if he knew Cain had kept Will’s location from him.
“You were looking out for your brother,” Aengus said approvingly. “I hope this man was worth giving up everything.”
Will thought about his relationship with Lindi. Of the years they’d had together. “Yes. He is.”
His brother’s eyes softened. “Maybe your man will let you come and visit us sometime.”
“Maybe.” As long as he could return to Lindi.
“I missed you, son.”
Will turned to face his father, taking a good look at him for the first time. Aengus Finn looked like he’d aged more than the scant five years Will had been missing.
A little push from Cain had Will moving closer to his father.
“Hi, Da.”
His father stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Will and squeezed him in a bear hug. Sobs shook them both as his father cried in his arms.
“Hey, it’s all right.” Will tried to soothe his sobbing parent.
“Five years, Will! I thought you were dead.”
Will’s teeth rattled together with the force of his father’s shaking.
“Hey, none of that. No hurting my boy.” Lindi pulled Will out of his father’s hold, protectively wrapping Will in his arms.
“Sorry, Will.” His father wiped his tears away. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I’m fine.”
Aengus gave Will a watery smile. “I missed you, boy. I don’t want you to run again. If you plan to stay with this man, I’ll make sure no one bothers you again.”
Threatening to take care of his enemies was as close to a declaration of love as Aengus would ever give to his sons. That was one of the reasons Will appreciated Lindi. He never had to guess what his master thought. Lindi always told him how he felt about everything.
“Thanks, Da.”
Aengus Finn watched Will as if he were the most amazing thing he’d ever seen. It would probably take him a bit to get used to Will being alive. Will was happy to spend time with his father as long as he didn’t try to haul him back to his childhood home.
“Hey, Brat.”
Will smiled. “Brian.”
His big brother spun Will around in an exuberant hug. As soon as his feet touched the ground, Lindi grabbed him back. “Easy now.”
Brian snorted. “Will’s tougher than you give him credit.”
Lindi rubbed Will’s back. “I don’t want random bruises on my man.”