Page 82 of Two Years Gone

I lowered my head and let out a deep breath.

“I thought you were seeing someone else. I didn’t trust you. I’m sorry.”

Ella laughed.

“You should be! You totally ruined the surprise!” I snapped my head up with a look of confusion as Ella continued, “I wanted to learn and then surprise you with my mad skills!”

I laughed and shook my head before pulling her close to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my forehead.

Only then did I notice she was still standing there in nothing but a towel. A few stray drops of water glistened on her shoulders, and I felt myself respond to her.

I was about to lean in and kiss her when she stepped away with a flirty smile on her face. I let out a groan before lying back on the bed. She knew exactly what she was doing.

I went downstairs to let her change in peace and to talk to my dad.

“I can’t believe you lied to me!” I hollered sarcastically as I walked into my father’s office.

My dad leaned back in his chair and let out a laugh: “She told you, eh? Way to ruin the surprise!”

I laughed.

“That’s what she said. So how is she doing?”

My dad leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk.

“I’ve honestly never seen someone catch on so quickly. Even you. She’s a warrior at heart. I think she’s determined to make sure she never has to go through that again.”

I nodded.

“She said that too. I’m glad she’s picking it up.”

Dad laughed, running his hands through his hair.

“That girl is a fighter.”

“Don’t I know it.” I rolled my eyes.

“She keeps me on my toes.”

“The best ones always do,” Daniel smiled warmly.

I could tell he was thinking of his mate, my mother. She had been gone for almost ten years, but the hole she left in my father was massive. When she died, it all but ripped him in two.

Dad snapped his head up.

“So…breakfast?”

I nodded and we made our way to the kitchen.

“Morning, Sophie,” we both chimed as we entered.

“Morning Alpha Daniel, Alpha Zane.” She smiled at us warmly.

“Where’s Ella?” I looked around the common area curiously.

“She ran to the pantry for me. She’ll be back in a minute,” Sophie replied.

“How is she doing?”