We ambled up the walkway, the birds chirping nearby once again near the Military house. There had to be a nest somewhere. At least they didn’t poop all over the walkway.
Major Wilcox was waiting for us inside the foyer.
Her eyes wandered over Godric and me.
But she didn’t comment on the way he held me close.
The white splint on her nose was garish. With her broken nose, it sounded like she had a bad cold while she spoke. “Ms. Carvene, I need to give you the forms for your official invitation to the Corporate Army.”
I grinned, my cheeks pinching. “I’m very excited.”
Her lips twitched. “You’re the only recruit to ever break an instructor’s nose. You deserve to be in the CA. You’ll do just fine with us.”
“Thank you.” I bounced inside Godric’s embrace. “When can I take the exam for the intelligence unit?”
“There’s actually one tomorrow. The one after that isn’t for another two months.”
My eyes widened. “I don’t think I’ll be prepared for an exam tomorrow. I’ll need to study.”
“Smart, Ms. Carvene. You don’t want your enthusiasm hindering your test score.”
“I’ll sign up for the one in two months then.”
Godric glanced down into my eyes. “Do you want me to go pack your bag while you take care of your business? I need to be at work in an hour.”
I nodded. “Thank you. That’s helpful.”
He bent to kiss my lips gently, and then he slammed his hand down on Finn’s shoulder. “You have to be at work in an hour too. Let’s get this shit done.”
They began walking up the stairs.
I snapped my finger, saying, “Don’t forget my hat.”
He waved a hand behind him, exhaustion apparent in the set of his shoulders. “I know. I know.”
The major watched the exchange in silence.
When they were all the way upstairs, she whispered in confusion, “How the hell did that happen?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Magic.”
*
I poked my head up off Godric’s couch. There was a tapping at the front door. I rubbed my eyes and stood. I tapped my bracelet, making the image of the intelligence unit’s study material disappear.
I tapped it again. “Order: Call Godric Leon.”
I needed to change his name sometime on there.
Maybe, Sexy Beast.
“I’m in a meeting,” he said by way of answering.
The man needed sleep.
I wouldn’t deprive him of a full night again.
“There’s someone at your door. Are you expecting company?”
“No,” he answered. “Don’t answer it.”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
“They aren’t leaving.”
“I’ll look at the cameras. Just a second.”
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Godric grunted. “Fuck. It’s your father.”
My eyes widened. “I thought he would call first and meet us somewhere!”
“You’re not thinking about the important part.” He growled. “He’s got a tracking device set in your bracelet. That’s the only way he would know where to find you right now.”
Bang. Bang. Bang.
“He’s getting upset. I need to answer it.”
“I’m already on my way. I’ll be there shortly.”
The call ended.
I pushed my shoulders back. “I can do this.”
By the time I answered the door, I swear he was kicking it. I opened it wide, a smile on my face. I said in a sweet voice, “Hello, Father.”
His features instantly calmed, relief showing.
“I wasn’t kidnapped. Settle down.”
“When you have a girl, I hope she gives you hell.”
I snorted. “Are you going to come in?”
“First, whose house is this?” he asked, and then he pointed to the statue next to him. “And who the fuck puts something this ridiculous outside their home?”
I laughed for so long, I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I moved and grabbed him in a hug. He may not win any awards for tender parenting, but he was my blood.
I whispered, “I missed you, Father.”
His arms wrapped around my back, squeezing me tight. “I missed you too, darling dearest.”
When I finally let go, he released me.
He stepped backward and tipped his head up, surveying the structure. “So, answer my question. Whose home is this?”
A train landed on the plot past the walkway.
I pointed a finger at it. “It’s his.”
My father swiftly turned around.
Godric’s form appeared in the doorway.
He stared right at us.
My father groaned. “God, I hate him.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
“This is awkward. One of you two need to speak,” I muttered in frustration. The kitchen was sunny and bright, perfectly acceptable for positive moods. “It’s been ten minutes, and all we’ve done is stare at one another.”
Godric grunted.
My father stared hard at him.
“I’m going to take a nap if no one is talking.”
Godric scowled directly into my eyes. “If I don’t sleep, you don’t sleep.”
“You know what, big man? You have been a sourpuss all day. If I had known you were this big of a baby without a little shut-eye, I would have slept on the damn couch.”
My father raised one brow. “So other than the fact the two of you are having sex, you’re now staying here, Poppy?”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “Um… I can’t answer that.”
Godric glared again. “Why not? You know you’re staying here. This is your home now.”
I threw my hands up into the air. “Because you haven’t asked me yet! I told you yesterday you needed to ask.”
“Really?” he droned.
“Yes, really.”
He ground his teeth together, his golden eyes scanning my face. “Fine. Do you want to move in with me?”
“Yes. Thank you for asking.” I smiled sweetly.
Godric peered down his nose. “You didn’t eat yet, did you?”
“I was studying. I lost track of time.”
“You look like shit. Get something.
“You’re such a sweet talker.”
His brows furrowed. “Really, get something to eat.”
I blinked. He was worried about me.
And I was immortal.
He might be more overprotective than my father was.
“Do you want something?” I asked.
He rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Actually, a cup of coffee would be great.”