Page 22 (1/2)

Jae watched it all unfold in shock, waiting for her father’s reaction Instead of getting angry, however, Di hand on Ryder’s shoulder "Christian doesn’t mean any harm He’s just been worried sick about his sister"

"Jaeden’s been through hell I won’t have her attacked"

Her dad quirked an eyebrow "Oh you won’t, will you? And why is that?"

Julia sighed ihter, her eyes bright with love "I think it’s best so" Her ripped her by the arh this alone But you’re not alone You’re hoh this We love you Nothing could ever stop us fro you"

Jaeden felt that ache in her chest i out into a tidal wave of relief

"Thank you," shein her eyes, and then turned to gaze kindly at Reuben "Thank you, Reuben, for being there for her e couldn’t"

"It was hter"

Jae blushed at the co anxiously towards her father

"You’re home noeetheart That’s all that matters"

"Thank you, daddy"

"Jae" Christian brushed past Ryder, who still looked ready to pounce on anyone that caused her any harht for another hug "But I swear to Arteain I will kick your ass"

"Like you could"

He laughed weakly and pushed her playfully away

"So," her father’s voice brought all eyes back to hi on between hter and you," his eyes burned into Ryder, who blanched, throwing Jae a helpless look

"Dad"

"Because if it’s what I’ to be happy" He claed hioing to get you killed, or you’re about to do soot her back, Ryder I’d hate to think you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking"

Lucia snorted "Am I the only one confused?"

She was met by a chorus of ‘no’s’

Julia wandered cautiously back to heron?"

His gaze was firan to worry for his safety "Dad, o of Ryder"

"Dimitri, tell me"

"Dad-"

"Di Ryder’s eyes to widen and then wince as if waiting for the blow The only one he felt was the huff of air her father expelled before releasing hiaze back her

He knew

How did he always know these things?

"Ryder here is going to ask our permission to court Jaeden They think they’re mates"

Everyone exploded into conversation, except Reuben, who actually appeared to be watching on as if fascinated That confused Jae, ould have thought that the reed to someone else would piss him off However, he didn’t look at all bothered Merely be She didn’t have time to ponder hoeird that was, because Julia and Lucia were hugging her tightly, exclailaring at Ryder like they wanted to rip his head off She couldn’t leave hih of her own, she marched across the space to take hold of Ryder’s hand He nodded gratefully and squeezed tight "This isn’t going exactly to plan," he h they could hear with their super sensitive ears

Jae chuckled hu ever does"

13 - The Proposition