Page 124 of The Alpha’s Heir

At least for me.

“That’s good.” Justus fell in step beside me. There was an awkward silence as we walked. I headed toward the exit, where I’d leave and hopefully never see this place again.

“How is—"

“About Meg…”

We both spoke at the same time and then stopped.

“What about Meg?” I asked in a voice rougher than I intended.

Justus grinned. “I wanted to say there aren’t any hard feelings. This was never a steal-my-friend’s-wife situation. Not for me. The two of you are good together, and it makes me happy to see you happy.”

“Thanks…” I drew out the word, feeling uncomfortable at his confession.

Justus had to make it worse. “Also, I’m sorry about your dad.”

I blew out a heavy breath and nodded again. “I think I was keeping him alive for me. I’ll always be grateful to your mom for footing the bill when she didn’t have to, but I should’ve said goodbye a long time ago.”

He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I’m not sure she would’ve let you.”

“What do you mean?” I asked when he didn’t elaborate.

Justus shoved his hands in his pockets. “You know Mom. She’s always one step ahead. I think it benefited her more to keep you in debt. She’s still pissed you chose Meg over her, by the way.”

I wanted to be shocked at his admission, but deep in my gut, I’d always known that was a possibility. I could’ve asked more. Except a little voice told me there were doors best left closed.

Besides, I’d make the same choices a hundred times over. My story always would’ve ended this way, no matter the path it took to get here. It was time to shrug off the weight of the past and look to the future now.

“I’ve got to get back.” I stopped by the guarded exit, nodding at one of the men I used to know but couldn’t think of his name. “You’re still welcome to join us.”

Justus smiled. “I would, but Mom needs me here. You know how she gets.”

“The offer always stands.” I grasped his hand, clapping him on the back. “You know where to find us. I promise to cook your meat.”

“Ha. Ha.” Justus mock-laughed as I pushed him away. He put his hands back in his pockets, still watching me. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked.

“We had some good times, right?” Justus shrugged. “I know she forced you to play with me when we were kids, but my childhood would’ve been lonely if it wasn’t for you.”

“Mine would’ve been too,” I confessed.

And we did have good times. I remembered him as a polished boy saving cookies to share, who’d never admit it now, but played make-believe warriors with the poor, skinny boy that had his head stuck in the clouds.

Bright moments in the memories of gray.

Justus smirked before walking away. “Now go take care of my bride.”

Outside of the courtyard on the dirty street with the sun beating down hard on the pavement, I put on my sunglasses and crawled into the old truck we’d borrowed from Cerberus Pack.

It hadn’t rained in days and the sun was brutal. I didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.

“Is this our last run?” Marcus asked as he put the truck in drive, glancing down the empty street to make sure we didn’t run into any lightning bolts or gods today.

“Hell no.” I sighed. “We’re going to be busy for the rest of our lives at this rate. Let’s get them home and regroup.”

I glanced in the rearview mirror to where Jacques and Yemen sat guarding our precious cargo of refugees in the back of the truck.