“Why do I keep trying to defend him? Even as the evidence against him stacks up, my first impulse is to explain it all away.” Though she kept her face averted, her willingness to talk was encouraging, so Jake didn’t touch her or try to catch her gaze.
“He’s your father as well as your alpha. Protecting him is instinctual.”
“But he doesn’t deserve my loyalty. He’s betrayed me at every turn.” Her voice grew stronger with each charge. “Why should I feel anything but hatred for him?”
“Because you’re a better person than he is.”
“I’m a fool.”
“No. You’re devoted and honorable. That’s part of what attracts me to you. You see the best in everyone, even when they don’t deserve it.”
She exhaled and he could almost feel the tension flow out of her body. “I want the conflict over. I want to feel safe and know my choices won’t be sabotaged or ignored.”
“The only way to accomplish that is to step out from under your father’s authority.”
She shook her head then finally looked at him. “You make it sound so easy. He won’t just let me go.”
“I know, but you have alternatives now. It’s possible for you to control your own life.”
“I think we both know which direction I’m headed.” She paused. “I still need to take this one step at a time.”
“Fine by me, but can we go inside?” He let amusement trickle into his tone.
“Maybe I want to check out the backseat.”
He chuckled yet desire swirled through him, making him restless and ready to move beyond banter. “I’m game, but we’ll be a lot more comfortable if we go inside.”
Rather than reply, she turned off the dome light and pushed open her door. He pulled the key from the ignition and followed her into the house.
It was all he could do not to pounce on her. Last night had been wonderful and yet incredibly frustrating. Being inside her body had given him pleasure but he longed for so much more than physical release. For a few blissful moments they’d linked and he’d sensed her being, fiery and yet fragile.
They crossed the dining room and were about to turn down the hallway when she stopped and looked at him. “Is there any way to contact Lexxie? I’d love to hear her voice.”
His tiger tossed his head, anxious and annoyed. Another stall tactic. Why did she keep doing this? “Give me a minute. I’ll see if I can have her ring my phone.”
He sent a seeker pulse out across the tiger common link and located Ron. When Ron felt the telepathic ping he opened a private connection and allowed Jake into his mind.
What can I do for you, sir?
Heather wants to speak with Lexxie. Can you have Lexxie call my phone?
No problem.
They made their way to the master bedroom as they waited for Jake’s phone to ring. The bed was unmade and rumpled, a testament to their restless night.
The phone vibrated but the number was blocked so Jake activated the speaker. “Hello.”
“Hey, it’s Lexxie. Can I talk to Heather?”
“You’re on speaker. Go ahead.” He handed the phone to Heather, trying hard not to let his frustration completely kill the mood.
“Are you really okay? Dad has no idea where you are?”
Lexxie laughed. “I’m not even sure where I am, but a little warning would have been nice. Tyler scared the shit out of me. I thought for sure one of the other packs had mistaken me for you.”
“That’s the sort of thing we’re trying to avoid. I don’t want you to be used as a weapon to hurt me.”
“I get it and Ty’s keeping me entertained. Can you tell me where you are, and was that Jake who answered the phone? I want all the dirty details.”
Heather looked at him and smiled. “Unfortunately that will have to wait. I’m safe, but I probably shouldn’t say any more.”
“Well, Ty’s treating me like a princess, so you don’t need to worry about me.”
“I’m so relieved, but I better go.”
“Have fun.” Lexxie laughed again then ended the call.
Heather handed the phone back to Jake. “Were you afraid I was going to say something I shouldn’t?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why’d you leave it on speaker?”
“Habit. I hate holding a phone while I talk. What could you have said that would have upset me?”
She shrugged and glanced away. “I don’t know. I guess I’m being paranoid. Again.”
He slipped the phone into his pocket and motioned to her. “Come here.” She moved closer and he wrapped his arms around her. “I think you need to relax. I’ll call Devon and let her know we’ll come by tomorrow. Then we’ll take the rest of the day and focus on us.”