Page 90 of Crimson Heart

“I’m not saying that at all,” he pressed out. “Let’s be honest for one minute. Neither you nor I has any influence on what Charlotte wants or does.”

“He’s got a point, Dad,” Jude said with a half-smirk.

James scoffed, but didn’t reply to Jude. “Hmm. Considering that your investigation into the Leons exposed them as utterly unsuitable to join the Werewolf Alliance, I’ll bring your request in front of the elders.”

“Thank you,” Byron replied, relieved by the sudden turn in the conversation.

“I guess you’re not like your father after all,” James added.

“No. I’m not like him, nor like Cameron.”

“Good. Well, I’ve been called back to Montana to deal with the fallout of the Leon alpha and his two family members being shot dead by some rogue ICE agents. I don’t have much hope that the perpetrators will ever be found.”

Jude and his father exchanged looks, which could only mean one thing: they’d come to an agreement. James Beaumont would keep their secret.

“Well, I’d better check on your mother to see if she’s done packing.” He took a step toward the door. “I wasn’t able to convince Charlotte to accompany us back to Montana. I hope you don’t mind if she stays a little while longer.”

Relief washed over him. He still had a chance to make things right with Charlotte.

“Mason will drive you to the airfield when you and Mom are ready,” Jude replied, before James left the office and shut the door behind him.

There was silence for a few seconds.

“I thought at first he’d rip my head off for even asking,” Byron said.

Jude chuckled unexpectedly. “He would have if you’d said that you’re doing this for Charlotte.”

“He doesn’t like me much, does he?”

“He takes a long time to warm up to somebody. He’s still only tolerating Danielle, but I hope once he finds out about the baby, he’ll finally embrace her.”

“Danielle is pregnant?”

“We haven’t told anybody yet. I’m only telling you because I want you to know that you didn’t only save Danielle and Charlotte from a horrible fate, but also our child.”

Byron shook his head. “Even though you knew that, why the fuck didn’t you accept my offer to kill the Leons by myself?”

“Because it was a suicide mission.” Jude clicked his tongue. “Though I did appreciate your offer. It showed me that you are family. Brothers?”

Jude extended his hand, and Byron shook it without hesitation.

“Brothers.”