Forsaken Duty (Red Team #9)(105)

“What’s that?”

“When it’s safe to do so, we may try to reconnect Lion’s cubs and the boys from other prides with their families.”

“Lion said the watchers were orphans.”

Owen nodded. “Some of them are. But some may still have families out there who are sick with worry like your mom and I were when we didn’t have you. You may need to help them make that transition.”

“What if they don’t want to go?”

“That’s something we’ll have to work through. They should never have been taken from their families in the first place. You reconnecting with us will be a help to them down the line, when and if that’s something they may face. You good with that?”

“Yeah. I could do that, Dad.”

Owen smiled at his son. “Thanks, son. Now let’s go find your mom. She and I have some news for you boys.”

They stood, but before they could walk out of the movie room, Augie had another question. “When you and Mom get married, will you be Troy’s dad, too?”

“How’d you know we were getting married?”

“Your men were watching you from the living room windows the other day.”

Owen shook his head. There was no frickin’ privacy here. “So that’s the news Mom and I wanted to break to you boys. Pretend you’re surprised and delighted. And about Troy—you bet I’ll be his dad, too. I love you both very much.”

Augie hugged him. Owen returned the embrace, feeling happier than he’d ever been or ever even knew he could be.



Owen had a hand on Augie’s back when they joined Addy and Troy in the little living room in their suite. Addy studied Owen’s face, terribly nervous to see how his talk with their son had gone. Looked like it went pretty well.

“So, boys, Mom and I have some news for you.” Owen looked at her. “Do you want to tell them or should I?”

“You go ahead.”

“Mom and I are getting married.” He grinned.

Augie hugged Addy, then hugged him. “That’s great.”

Addy looked at Troy. He looked a little sad. “Does this mean I have to go be a cub now, since you aren’t my dad?”

Owen looked shocked. He knelt in front of Troy. “I can understand that thinking, but that would break my heart. I already consider you my son. Our marriage just makes it official. I’d really like to be your dad.”

Addy started to cry silent tears.

Troy looked at her then jumped into Owen’s arms. “I thought you were going to get rid of me, since you had Augie back.”

Owen tried to chuckle, but it just came out like a choked sound. “What kind of father does that sort of thing?” He hugged Troy, then squeezed his head against his face and kissed his temple. “Not the kind of father I am.” He reached a hand over to Addy, who took Augie’s hand, too. “We’re a family. We stick together.”

Troy climbed off Owen’s lap and onto Addy’s. “Okay. Then you can get married.”

Augie laughed. Owen leaned forward and hugged Addy around Troy.

“I guess it’s official. We’re going to be Tremaines soon,” Addy said, smiling as Owen gave her a quick kiss.

“Do I get to call you Dad?” Troy asked.

Owen’s brow lifted. “Try calling me anything else.”