Page 105 of Unveil

Luna’s dad grunts his disapproval. “And Ozias?”

“My brothers were supposed to drop him off at the hospital, but if you haven’t seen him…” I let the words drift before continuing. “I’m not sure how much he had to do with it, honestly, if at all. Hurting women’s usually off-limits with Zy. But just in case, I gave him an invitation to fuck right off.” My lips quirk wryly. “He won’t be smiling about much from now on.”

“Good.” Then Sol mutters, almost to himself. “I still can’t believe this.”

“Believe it. This is like King predicted. You’ve underestimated the Wilde-Fury feud. I was under your nose for years protecting Luna. You really think someone just as determined to do the opposite couldn’t pull off a long con too?I didn’t take her to fuck with you, Bordeaux. I took her because she’s mine,andshe was in danger. If I hadn’t, who knows how far they would’ve gone. Benoit’s death proves the lengths they’ll go to.”

“I’ll shore up my defenses, then. We’ve never needed Furys before, and we won’t now.”

I seethe. “We’re in a war, don’t you get that? Luna’s not just your daughter anymore. She’smy wife. The Wildes will do whatever it takes to stop the pact between our families. Without me, she’s a sitting duck.”

“She’s not your wife unless she chooses it,” he snaps. “You’re forcing her into something she doesn’t want.”

I shake my head, eyes returning to the cabin. Luna finally looks at me, and as soon as our eyes meet, her expression softens.

“I don’t think that’s true anymore, Solomon.”

“We’ll see about that,” he grits. “Turn on video and give Luna the phone. I need to speak with my daughter.”

“Only if she wants to,” I shoot back, needling him even as I’m on my way back to her.

“You little…” He rattles off what I’m sure is a string of New Orleans-style French curses.

I mute him as I take the porch steps in two strides. When I’m beside Luna, I squeeze her shoulder and crouch to meet her gaze, phone extended.

“You wanna talk to your dad?”

She releases a ragged exhale, then nods, taking the phone and switching to video. My jacket’s fallen off her shoulder, so I tighten it around her. One because even though she says she doesn’t feel the cold, she’s trembling now, and to hell with my wife being cold. And two… Solomon Bordeaux will kill me if he sees the bite mark I left on his daughter. I’m not afraid of the guy, but there’s nothing wrong with having a healthy respectfor your father-in-law, especially when he’s the most dangerous man in New Orleans.

I pull Luna’s head in to kiss her temple as the phone’s signal stabilizes. Sol’s scarred face appears on the grainy screen as I release her.

“Luna?”

She breaks.

“Daddy?” she sobs, voice fracturing into jagged pieces that tear my heart in two.

“Oh,ma luné,” he croons gently.My moon. “Are you okay? Are you—wait. What thefuckhappened to your cheek?”

She gasps, covering the welt, and I pull her into my chest.

“Watch it,” I snarl, my rage yanking at its leash. “Don’t talk to my wife that way.”

He ignores me. “Did that Fury boy do that to you?”

“The fuck I did.”

Luna shakes her head quickly. “No, Dad. I promise.”

I glare at him but force myself to back off, brushing her hair aside so I can meet her eyes.

“I’ll be right over here,” I murmur, pointing outside with my thumb.

She nods, and I step off the porch, giving her the illusion of privacy while keeping watch for her safety. No way I’m going far when Wildes know where we are. We already stayed too long, and it cost us too much, a mistake I’ll hate myself over for the rest of my life. But now Luna needs to say goodbye, so I’ll hold our enemies at bay while she gets what she needs.

I doubt they’ll attack again. We’ve all got wounds to lick, and with the Wilde-Fury feud, there’s honor among thieves. Or there’s supposed to be. If we can’t take care of our loved ones even in death, then what the hell are we fighting over in the first place?

“I’m okay.” Her whispered voice is raw from crying. “Just a little banged up.”