Page 50 of Edward’s Bunny

“You’ll have to find another guard. I’ll accept the men, especially with the unrest in the pride.” I didn’t want anything to happen to Brian. I couldn’t allow another attack on a fated mate, not like Owen. We were almost too late for that.

“I have a suggestion, but you’re not going to like it,” Mike said.

I looked at the younger man. “If it’s you going with us, that’s not going to work. I’m not saying you couldn’t fulfill the duty like your father, but I have another task for you.”

Mike shook his head. “I have an idea what you want me to do. Hayden filled me in, but I was going to suggest Talon. He’s really good at security, and he’s a good lion. He even bats for your team, so there’s not a problem with two men.”

I roared, and Mike jerked back. The young lion was indeed gay, but he also flirted with Brian. I didn’t want him anywhere near him.

“Uncle Ed,” Mike said softly, and I jerked my head toward him. He hadn’t called me that since he was a little boy. “Talon is a good man. He won’t do anything out of line—especially if you tell him who Brian is to you.

I sighed. “Fine. Is he acceptable to you, Walter?”

“Yes, Sire. Mike’s right. Talon will keep you both safe,” he replied.

“Okay, have him meet me downstairs in thirty. Go take care of it while I speak with Mike.”

Walter rose from his seat and bowed his head. “I’ll get it squared away.”

I nodded and waited for Walter to be out of the room before starting my conversation with Mike. “Hayden told you about things?”

“Yes. He told me he wants me to step into his role as acting CLO,” he replied, his lips pursing like he’d eaten a lemon.

My lips tilted up. “Not something you want to do?”

Mike shrugged. “I can do it, but…” He bowed his head and stopped speaking. I could feel his apprehension and sadness radiating from him.

“What’s going on, Mike?”

He released a heavy sigh. “Grandpa Freddie, always used to tell me to stick close to Hayden, and I’ll find my mate. But it’s been six months and nothing.” He waved his hands up in an I give up gesture. “And now he doesn’t even want me around him. Not to mention your finding your mate. I’ve got no one. Maybe Grandpa Freddie was wrong.”

I rose from my seat and walked around my desk, settling beside him. “There were a lot of things my dad was wrong about, but if he told you you’ll find your mate. Believe him.”

“But he said to stick by Hayden’s side, to always have his back. How am I supposed to do that if I’m working as acting CLO?” Mike asked, his tone taking on a whiny hint.

“Won’t you still have his back, even if you’re not right next to him? I think my father was telling you always to be his friend and to be there for him,” I said.

“You think?”

I nodded. “I think so. But if you really want to go with Hayden, give me three months to find a replacement, and I’ll let you go.”

“I already asked Hayden that. He said I have to stick it out for six months.”

I laughed. “Okay, six months. My son’s harsher than me.” I clapped his shoulder. “So, can I count on you?”

Mike nodded. “You can count on me.”

“Great. Now I have something delicate to ask you.” I bit my lip. I couldn’t believe I was going to ask this, but Hayden had said Mike had helped him out.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“You can’t breathe a word of this, not even to Hayden, no one. If you do, I will label you rogue.” I said seriously.

Mike raised his hand. “Okay, okay. I promise I won’t say anything.”

I swallowed. “Hayden had said you had provided him with…advice on how.” I couldn’t say it. God, what was I thinking?

“How?” Mike asked, sounding out the word long.