Silver-Tipped Justice(17)

“Why did they take you? Why does the alpha want you dead?”

Tension flooded Tim as he remembered the things he’d been told. “Because…I’d rather tell you when you’re not driving,” he said, more than willing to delay this conversation. Would him becoming a magick-wielder be a deal breaker?

“Okay,” Kontra responded, drawing the word out.

Too bad that only gave him about five minutes. The group pulled into down their bikes, and home. Kontra’s shifters wandered around, taking in the decor. His father hung back, and Kontra followed Tim into the dining room.

“Can I…can I offer anyone some coffee?” he asked slowly.

“I’ll take care of that, son,” Luc offered. “You’ve had a rough night. Why don’t you have a seat?”

Tim nodded, rubbing the bump on his head absently. The goose egg was nearly gone already. “If you want something that fits better, you’re welcome to raid my closet.” He pointed toward the hall. The offer was meant as an olive branch. It was easy to see that his father had been lied to about his whereabouts.

“I’d like that,” Luc murmured.

“Second door on the right,” Tim said, pointing. Then as Luc walked by, following his direction, Tim pulled his father into a hug. “Thank you.”

Luc tightened the embrace. “I thought I’d lost you, boy,” he whispered hoarsely, his voice shaking a little.

“Me, too,” Tim responded, fighting back tears. his driveway, shutting trooping into his little He’d given up on ever seeing his father again, thinking Luc had written him off. Now he had his father back plus a sexy mate wanting to claim him and care for him, all in the span of twenty-four hours. To say he felt a little overwhelmed would be an understatement.

Easing away, Luc ruffled his hair just like he’d done when Tim was a boy. “We’ll catch up later. There are other things to take care of first.” Before releasing him, the older man added, “Just remember, I’ve always loved you and have been proud of you.”

“Thanks,” Tim whispered.

Once Luc disappeared into the bedroom, Adam announced that he was making breakfast. Tim’s brows shot up as the man took over his kitchen with the help of Payson and Sam.

“Tim,” Kontra called from his place in the living room. Tim looked toward Kontra, who beckoned him to sit on the sofa beside him. “Come here and tell me what’s going on with your old flock,” he ordered softly.

Obeying without thought, Tim found himself seated next to his mate—Holy shit, I actually accept the fact that I have a mate! Kontra took one of his hands between both his large ones and stared, waiting patiently.

Licking his lips, Tim wondered where to start. Isn’t the beginning always best?“I left the flock to go to school in the states when I was twenty,” he said slowly. “I’d never shifted, so it wasn’t like I was really one of the flock.” He didn’t bother to tell all the gory details of how many of the flock members ostracized him or ignored him, which was actually better than the ones that went out of their way to elbow him or punch him. The fact that the alpha had even seen people do it and his response was boys will be boys, had led to Tim’s request to leave.

“I’d just finished my first year when a couple of enforcers showed up on my doorstep and beat me so badly that if I’d been human I’d have been dead,” Tim revealed. “As they left, they ordered me to stay away from shifters and to never return to France or I’d be killed.” Taking strength from the low growls emanating from Kontra, Tim continued,

“I was too afraid to try contacting my dad, so I obeyed. After I’d healed enough, I left town. Until settling here and buying the bookstore fifteen years ago, I’d never stayed too long in one place. Too worried about discovery, I guess. It hasn’t been all bad,” he finished with a shrug.

Kontra smiled and squeezed his hand. “You moved here with Gil.”

It wasn’t a question, but Tim nodded anyway.

Leaning over, Kontra pressed a soft kiss to his lips, his whiskers tickling Tim’s face. “At some point, I’d love to hear all about the man who brought you so much joy,” he said, surprising Tim. “But for right now, I really need to know if you can tell me why your old alpha is after you, since you never returned to France.”

Taking a deep breath, then letting it out slowly, Tim looked Kontra in the eye and stated, “It’s because you finally found me. My alpha told me I’d never find a mate, since I’m not really a shifter.” He held up a hand when Kontra opened his mouth, stopping him from speaking. “I know that’s not true now,” he murmured, leaning close to brush the man’s lips with a kiss. Praying his next words didn’t lose him said mate, Tim explained, “While I was at the cabin being watched by Henri and Brook, they told me that while my mother was dying, she prophesied that I’m a warlock and when I mate, I’ll gain my powers. I don’t know why Alpha Pierre doesn’t want that to happen.”