32. Anna

32

Anna

Dean Hewitt had his father's eyes.

Not just that comforting deep brown, but also the kindness that was there. Even Finn relaxed a little more once Kenzi had been ushered away. Dean had watched her go with an arched eyebrow, but he didn't say anything until she was gone.

We appraised each other carefully. He was still in the middle of the dining room, and I was hovering in the doorway to the kitchen.

There were some other similarities. Same jaw line and widow's peak. Dean was definitely his father's son, but he still had a youthful look about him. He didn't have that hardness in his father that Parker did.

"You're not responsible for my father's death," he said quietly. "I came here to say goodbye and to talk to the people who were closest to him. It didn't take long for your name to come out and the rumors to start swirling around. I thought I needed to come and tell you in person in case you have any doubts. My father was a troubled man. Based on the last few phone calls we had, I know that he'd found a purpose in life by caring for you. I hope you understand that."

I wasn't sure what I expected from Dean, but it was certainly not that. "He didn't exactly have an easy job," I said carefully. "When was the last time you spoke to him?"

"A year ago," Dean sighed. "Too long. We'd argued. We always argued."

"A lot can happen in a year. What makes you so certain I deserve your absolution?"

He cocked his head and studied Finn. "Is this my father's replacement?"

Finn growled, but my chuckle stopped him. "Parker is the reason I no longer need a replacement, but I'm still not a well-liked wolf in this pack. Finn is my guard. He's also my friend."

"So he's not going to let us talk alone?"

"No chance," Finn muttered. He didn't even look my way. If I had tried to dismiss him, he wouldn't have gone anywhere. That was just as well. I was very uncomfortable around Dean.

Despite his words, his father was dead, and it may very well have been because of me.

"The patio chairs were delivered this morning. Why don't we test them out? I've got some bottled beer if you're interested."

"I'm definitely interested," Dean said with an easy smile before he walked outside.

As soon as we were alone, Finn narrowed his eyes. "I don't like him."

"Any particular reason why?" I headed to the cooler in the kitchen. Since the restaurant wasn't open, the bar wasn't stocked. All the alcohol was being kept behind lock and key to deter any more vandalism.

"No. My wolf just doesn't like him."

Interesting. Dean was older than Finn, older than me as well, but not as old as Jax.

From the way he was appraising me, he was also unmated. It didn't make me uncomfortable. He hadn't pressed the issue or let his gaze linger too long. Initial interest. Finn was also unmated. They could very well consider each other competition.

"He's a rogue, I think. I'm guessing if he'd joined a pack, Jax would have said something. He left the day he turned eighteen after he and his father had a fight. You don't recognize his scent?"

"No, but these mountains are vast. No reason I would have seen him," Finn said with a shrug. I offered him a beer, but he shook his head. Clearly, something was still bothering him.

We joined Dean at one of the tables. Finn could have done his job from another table, but he chose to sit between us and angle his chair so he could stare at Dean. Not exactly the calm atmosphere I was hoping for.

"Jax must have lost his mind when his mate turned out to be Dirk Kipling's daughter," Dean said with a soft chuckle. "I almost wish I was around to have seen that."

"Did you two not get along?"

"He was my alpha. I pledged my loyalty, and when I asked to leave, he understood. I have no beef with him. I'm pleased he's letting me stay as long as he is, but he's a little uptight.

A proper alpha. That was the mask he needed to present. Trust me when I say you were not the mate he had in mind."

"You're not telling me anything new," I said dryly.

"No, I suppose I'm not, but he seems to be trying." Dean glanced at Finn and shook his head. "Look, you said Finn's your friend, so I'm just going to go ahead and say this in front of him. I'm not just here to honor my father. The last time we spoke, he asked something of me."

Finn straightened, and Dean cleared his throat and took a moment to collect himself before continuing. "You should know that my father hasn't asked anything of me in a very long time. The first time he called me after I left, was the first night you stayed at the bar. You made him want to reconnect with me, so when he asked me a favor, I couldn't say no."

I frowned at him. "If you want the bar, you have to clear it with Jax first. The deed is in my name, but I can't hand it over to you without clearing it with him first."

Staring at me, Dean smiled softly. "My dad was right about you. You don't like to delve too deep, do you?"

Annoyed, I narrowed my eyes. "What?"

"It's not the bar that Parker wanted me to have, Anna. It was you."

Finn growled, and my wolf was right there with him. Immediately, Dean held up his hands. "No, no. Shit, no, not like that. I'm sorry. I should have been clearer. Not take you as a mate but take you away from here if you needed it. Protect you. That's what I'm offering you.

I'm a strong wolf. If you want to leave, we can change your name, leave this place, and I'll protect you. That is what my father wanted."

Stunned, I gripped my beer bottle. Parker had asked Dean of this? If Dean had come just a few months ago, right after his father had died, I would have even considered it.

Considered, but not gone through with it. Dean might have been Parker's son, but I didn't know him. I would have never put my safety in the hands of a strange man.

"You're shocked. Did you not think my father loved you?" Dean asked softly. "He had a hard shell around him, that was for sure, but he did. Your safety was his priority. You were the daughter he never had, and that is why I know you were not responsible for his death. I think.

You brought some joy in his life. I'm almost jealous. I could never do that."

"I am shocked," I said finally. "And I would be a fool not to keep your offer in mind, but Jax is my mate. It's a difficult situation to navigate, but I owe it to my wolf to navigate it."

And I owed it to Parker. He was the one who told me that when Jax could give me a chance, I should take it.

"Good," Dean said with a grin. "I've done my part with the offer. I'll be here for a little bit longer, but before I go, I'll give you a way to contact me. My cell isn't always reliable in the woods, but there's a hub that keeps messages for the wolves that live in my area."

"A hub?" I grinned. "How civilized of you."

"We do our best. Plus, I'd like to keep in touch with you anyway. We can swap stories about my dad and help keep his memory alive. And the offer is open anytime you need it, even if it's a few years from now."

"An offer," Jax drawled from behind me. Dean's eyes widened, and I stiffened. Finn was the only one who didn't react, probably because he'd seen Jax standing there. "And just what offer would that be?"