Page 40 of Honey Heat

“When I saw you with him...” Boone glanced at Lucio. “It felt like I was losing you.”

“You’re not losing me,” Ethan said, reaching for his father’s hand. “I’m just finding someone else to love too.”

The word “love” hung in the air between them all. Lucio felt it like a punch to his heart. Fuck me. He couldn’t be more in love with his mate if he tried. Ethan was his everything, starting from the moment he’d laid eyes on his osito in that warehouse.

Boone sighed, squeezing Ethan’s hand. “I know. And if your bear chose him, there must be a reason.” He looked up at Lucio, his gaze stern but no longer hostile. “You’ll protect him? Keep him safe?”

“With my life,” Lucio promised.

“Good.” Boone stood, towering over them both. “Because if anything happens to him, I’ll keep the promise I made.”

“I’ll make sure to sign the form in triplicate and leave it on Matias’s desk if he even gets a scratch.” Lucio smirked as he recalled the conversation he’d had in his kitchen with Diablo, Santiago, and Cesar.

Something like respect flickered in the bear alpha’s eyes. “You’re not right in the head, son.” He turned back to Ethan. “I brought more of your things. They’re in the truck.”

“You brought my things?” Ethan asked, surprise evident in his voice.

“You’re my boy.” Boone said it like it explained everything. And in a way, it did. “And I expect you both at clan dinner on Sunday. Your Aunt Mabel’s been worried sick.”

Ethan’s smile lit up his entire face. “We’ll be there.”

After Boone left, Lucio sat beside Ethan on the couch, pulling him close. “That went better than expected.”

“He likes you,” Ethan said, nestling against Lucio’s chest.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He chuckled. “But he’s trying. For you.”

“For us,” Ethan corrected, tilting his face up for a kiss.

Lucio obliged, his lips gentle against his mate’s. “For us. “Te amo, mi elegido,” he whispered against Ethan’s hair. “I love you, my chosen one.”

Ethan smiled against his chest. “I love you too, wolf.”

THE END