Nox sat with his eyes closed and his jaw clenched hard enough to make the muscles in his neck jump.
Luca didn’t bother to ask him if he was okay because he knew Nox wasn’t.
Seung pulled to the end of the driveway and cut the engine.
“What is this place?” Luca scooted to the edge of the back seat.
“A Dekker safe house.” Craige opened the passenger door.
Nox tensed and Craige froze.
Luca put a hand on Nox’s thigh. “It’s okay.”
Nox’s hard gaze remained locked onto Craige. The man remained where he was, eyes lowered.
“Nox…” Luca placed a hand on Nox’s cheek and made him turn his head. “It’s okay.”
Nox closed his eyes and swallowed.
To Craige, Luca said, “You can go.”
“You sure? ’Cause I really prefer to keep my limbs attached.”
“Go,” Seung said.
Craige did and headed toward the house.
Nox exhaled deep enough to drop his shoulders. When he opened his eyes, there was nothing but pain and worry.
“Ishehere?” Luca said.
“Johnathan should be back anytime. He had to drop off two of his betas at another location before loading up on supplies.”
“Why?”
“We figured it would be easier for you and Nash if there were as few Sarvari around as possible.”
“Not sure that’s going to help much when I see him,” Nox said.
Seng turned in her seat. “I know what you went through with Paul was horrific.” She glanced at Dr. Dante. “But I’m sure even he will tell you Johnathan isn’t his brother.”
“He looks like him.” Dr. Dante had a hollow sound to his voice. “Justlike him.”
Luca frowned.
“But he’s not. I promise. Seung’s right. He’s not…him.”
“I’ll try to remember that.” Luca had to if he didn’t want Nox to kill the man.
“C’mon, there should be some canned goods in storage,” Seung said. “I can make us some soup for lunch.”
Luca didn’t even realize he was hungry until she mentioned food. His stomach growled. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize for needing to eat, Cana.”
“Please don’t call me that.” It left a weird feeling crawling in Luca’s chest.
“It’s respectful.”