"I'll try," Luthor finally said, crouching so they were eye to eye. "I promise."

That was apparently enough for him, and he nodded slowly. "Alright." Then, with a suddenness as if he wasn't quite sure how Luthor would react to it, Alexander wrapped his arms around his neck. "Be careful."

"I will," Luthor fibbed, swallowing hard in an effort to keep the knot from forming in his throat. "I promise."

Minutes ticked by before Luthor put the key in the ignition. There had been no phone call from his cousin or his mate, and he knew it was not a coincidence. He felt it in his bones. He took a...