Page 123 of Savage Mates

“Ah, baby girl. It’s so good to see you.”

“You have no idea how good it is to see you. I’ve missed you terribly.” His hug was as strong as I remembered. When I pushed back, I had to fight the tears.

He winked, something he’d done since I was a small child. His eyes opened wide as he stepped slightly away. “These are the lions you mentioned.”

“Shifters, yes. Oh, and the two over there are my research assistants. Entirely human.”

His laugh was deep and he scratched his head. “You’ve obviously kept yourself busy.”

“To some degree. You need to meet my…”

“Mates?” When I opened my eyes wide, he laughed. “I’ve been reading up on Blackwell Industries, finding some very interesting pieces of classified information.”

“Oh, you have?”

“You knew I would. I don’t mind telling you that you’ve found yourself tangled with a very powerful group of individuals. Including the attorney general, who by the way denies any connection.”

“You asked.”

“No, my little girl. I demanded to know what the hell is going on and why our military has been used for inappropriate purposes.”

“Did you get a response?”

“Not one I believe. Let’s not worry about that right now.”

Which meant he likely had a plan in mind.

I glanced at Thor and the other two, beckoning with my eyes. And my mind. They might as well get used to my commands. I shivered from hearing Thor’s response, his promise of a spanking later. “Are you sure they won’t come after us?”

“Trust me. They’ll stay far away. Now I can have another investigation started, but that will drag you and your mates into the limelight. I’m not sure that’s what you want.”

“Neither am I. At this point, I’m just eager to get home.”

The pilot appeared on the top of the steps, giving me a nod of respect. “Brigadier General, we’ll be ready to leave when you are.”

“Thank you, son,” my dad said. My father, a very important man in the Army in his early career, had kept his contacts. That’s how I’d known he could swing getting us out of here by making a couple of phone calls. And if he wanted, he could call for a special investigation into whatever form Blackwell Industries remained.

Thor and Titus approached, Zeus as always remaining stubborn and uncertain.

“Thor, Titus, Zeus. This is my father, Brigadier General Daniel Radcliff. Otherwise known as Dad to me.”

As expected, my father threw out his hand, demanding respect in his own little way.

With my lions all being alphas, I’d wondered how they would react. I’d need to stroke their manes later to give them credit. They all shook his hand, even offering him a nod of respect.

“Firm handshakes. I like that in the men courting my daughter.”

Titus was amused. “Courting. Old-fashioned word.”

“Watch out. My dad isveryold-fashioned,” I told him.

“Thank you for coming,” Thor said.

“Of course, son. My daughter means the world to me. I’ll always do what I can to be by her side when she needs me. Although now I understand I’m passing the torch along to the three of you.”

Zeus had the nerve to growl and I gave him a hard look.“Back down, big boy.”

Titus chuckled, obviously listening in on my private conversation.