38. Chapter Thirty-Eight

Heath walked into his office the moment he got home and looked at his son, sitting there, waiting for him.

"I picked it up," Landon said softly, holding up the small box. Heath grabbed it quickly then headed for his chair.

"How are you and Dirk?" he asked, trying not to think about what was in the small box for a moment. His son was going through some big changes, and he wanted to talk about them while the women were out of the house.

"Good. Figuring things out. He's not against dating men, just never has before. He…he has feelings for me." Landon was shy about admitting that but quickly got over it, growing exasperated. "He has this blasted tattoo done with witchcraft that hid his feelings from me…" Landon groaned. Heath knew his son hated magic, and this was only helping enforce that.

"You've never actually dated a man either," Heath pointed out with a small smile. "I'm happy for you, son."

"Yeah, we were forced to talk about it while you and Jacky were running around, fighting fae wars."

Heath didn't find the comment comical, but he chuckled, anyway. His son was just trying to lighten the mood. The entire situation had been hell for him, taking him too far from home, watching people use Jacky and twist her in circles. He'd hated every minute. The arrow he had taken at the end had only been the cherry on top of a poisoned sundae.

But now…

"Father…we need to talk about Dallas," Landon said softly. "Things have been…messy there."

"I know." He tried his best not to think about it. That pack wasn't going to last a year the way it was behaving. Something was desperately wrong in Dallas.

"Have you thought about how they'll react once they know about you and Jacky?"

"I don't care," Heath answered honestly. He lifted the box and stared at it. "Landon…"

"I know. I know what's in the box and what you're thinking about doing. I know how you feel about her. I'm okay with it. I'm happy for you, actually. She's wonderful for you. She keeps you on your toes and makes Carey happy. She…" Landon smirked. "I like her, but don't tell her I said that."

"She's figured you out, don't worry," Heath teased his boy.

"Hurry up and marry her before this world figures out how to tear you away from each other," Landon whispered

"First, I need to figure out how to ask her."

Landon pointed at the box. "Well, you've got part one figured out. She loves you, you love her, and you have a ring."

Heath smiled, twisting the box around in his fingers.

"And I have my son's blessing?"

"You do," Landon confirmed.

It meant a lot to him. Heath's romance with Landon's mother had been brief and passionate, ending after an argument and her death while he was left behind watching Landon. He hadn't been in a serious relationship since that. The approval of his children was something Heath always desired. He knew Carey was okay with it, remembering her jumping and cheering when he'd told her. It was hard sending her off with Jacky, knowing she knew his plans. Hearing Landon's approval made his heart swell.

If only Richard…

Heath quickly shook that thought away.

"Pa, I like it here. Ask her to marry you, and I'll help you fight like hell to keep her. I'm not going to let some shitty werewolves or old werecats keep you from being happy. I'll fight fae wars with you and kill vampires." Landon made it sound as if he had a personal stake in the matter. After a moment, Heath realized he did. If they were driven away from Jacky, Landon would lose his chance with Dirk, the only chance he'd ever had with a man he liked.

Heath smiled. They just needed things to remain calm for a few months. He knew he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He just didn't know how she would feel if rings were suddenly involved. That was the only unknown.

Her answer.

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