Page 37

“Ah, great,” Trent sighed. “Definitely going to get some sleep then. Call if you need me,” he called, towing Liam with him.

“Take Monster,” I ordered and he paused, his shoulders slumping forward at the command.

“You’re killing me,” he joked, but he went to the couch where Monster had finally passed out and picked him up. The boy didn’t budge, not even when he draped him over his shoulder fireman style.

“Can I talk to you, Trent?” Anna asked, her hand fiddling with the belt on the robe she still wore.

“Only if you get dressed,” he replied, completely serious as he scanned her attire.

She frowned, glancing down. “I’m covered completely.”

“It’s the idea,” Trent answered, spinning around and going to the door. She chased after him, almost tripping on the robe’s hem, and Liam gave a long suffering sigh as he followed after them.

“Can I go check on Leah?” He pleaded, glancing over his shoulder at me. I shook my head regretfully.

“No, I need to talk to you and Trent after I speak with Thomas. Stay close.” Liam’s face grew concerned and I tempered my words. “It’s not bad, just Pack business.” His eyes glowed as he straightened and gave me a sharp nod.

I watched them exit the apartment, my hand drifting to my chest unconsciously as I rubbed the invisible mark Jess had left on me.

“You do that a lot,” Thomas commented and I gave him a questioning glance. He pointed to my hand resting over my heart and I lowered it. “Doesn’t matter to me. I just figure you’re always ready to say the Pledge of Allegiance or something.” I grinned, appreciating his sense of humor, my grin widening as he lifted a bottle of whisky up. “I figure celebrating is in order.”

“I’ll drink to Jess’ safe return,” I commented, wondering if alcohol would make the coming conversation any easier.

“Do you even get drunk?” Thomas mused, pouring us each a snifter. I shook my head, accepting the glass. “Oh well, then what’s the point?”

“Still like the taste,” I told him, lifting the glass to my lips.

“We’ll see,” he replied, raising his glass to mine. “We’ll see.”

One swallow and I understood what he’d meant. I coughed. “Is that whiskey or moonshine?” I asked, my eyes watering as I felt the alcohol heat me from the inside.

“It’s my own special blend,” he said, lifting the glass to his lips again, practically daring me to do the same. “I’ve always had an exceptionally high tolerance for alcohol. So I had to get creative.”

I took another smaller sip, and as warmth flowed through me, I felt myself relax. “You know, I’ve never been drunk, but this might do it.”

“Figure whatever you’re about to say will go down easier with belly full of whiskey,” he informed me, the glint in his eyes reminding me of Jess.

“I see where she gets it from,” I muttered, knocking back the rest of the glass and setting it in front of him with a thump. “Fill her up.”

He obliged, topping off his own at the same time. “So, what’s this about? Monster or Jess?” He asked with a keen observation I recognized from Jess.

“Both,” I answered with more honesty than I intended. I glanced down at the whisky glass, once again filled to the brim. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“Maybe,” he answered shortly, leaning against the island. “I’ve got a few question for you too, son.”

Warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol shot through me when he called me, “Son.” I braced myself and emptied the glass. I set it down with a thump as I said, “I might need to be drunk for this.”

He chuckled, but filled the glass. “What are your intentions toward my daughter?”

“To love her,” I replied instantly. “Forever, and ever, and ever.” I blinked at him, noticing he was a little blurry. “Is this what being drunk feels like?” I questioned, rubbing my chest once again as a light, happy feeling filled me.

“For some,” he answered, watching me. “Good to see you’re a happy drunk.” He tipped the bottle but only filled my glass to the halfway mark. “I don’t want you dealing with a headache when Jess gets back.” I nodded in gratitude, quickly swallowing the liquid courage. “While I’m glad to know you’re going to love her forever and ever,” he paused and rolled his eyes, “And ever. What does that mean to you?”

“I’ll keep her safe,” I said promptly and when he nodded encouragingly, I straightened. “I’ll provide her with venison, rabbit, and whatever else I can kill.” His forehead wrinkled and I hurried to continue. “I’ll listen to her. Fight for her. Bring her flowers.” I paused, thinking about Jess. “I’ll give her freedom. Support her dreams.”

Thomas smiled, “Now, you’re getting it.”

“I’ll be loyal to her,” I added and dropped my voice confidingly, “Otherwise, she’d chop my balls off.”