Page 26

“That’s not the only thing about him,” Hellen said, dismissing them both. “He’s also strong-willed. And he’s stubborn, and overly confident.”

“Arrogant,” Emmalyn said with a firm nod.

“That’s true,” Hellen confirmed.

“How is any of that attractive?” Analise asked, on a soft laugh.

“He’d have to be all those things to deal with me,” Hellen admitted. “I’d decided that no one would ever make me accept them. Right after I convinced myself that fate forgot me — that I didn’t get a mate. It made not having one easier if I convinced myself I didn’t want one anyway.”

“Aw, Hell…” Analise said.

“Girl, really? Why would you think that?” Emmalyn asked.

“Just seemed the way it was. Then he appeared. And I thought he was dead, which is just my luck. But then he ran, which is also just my luck. But he followed me, tracked me down, and refused to go away no matter how many times I tried to push him away.”

“You were afraid he’d leave,” Analise said with tears in her eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were going through all that doubt?” Emmalyn asked.

“You were both so happy, and I didn’t want either of you to worry about me. You’d both found your happily-ever-after, and you didn’t need me bringing you down.”

“I think that Daisy’s thinking the same thing. That she won’t have a mate.”

“You think that’s it? Lucien seems to think that she’s been hurt. Honestly, I didn’t even notice until he said something. I mean, I knew she was quiet and a little down, but she’s always quiet.”

“She told me a little, but I’m not going there, not even with you guys. I just make sure that I call her every day, and make sure that she knows I’m always available,” Emmalyn said.

“I know. I don’t know who, but I know what. I call her every day, too,” Analise said.

“I don’t have a clue. Was it a male?” Hellen asked.

Both Emmalyn and Analise nodded. “A man,” Analise said.

“Damn. Daisy is the kindest among us. She doesn’t deserve to have to hurt over this kind of thing. I always pictured her having the perfect little family and a devoted mate. Honestly, I never thought she’d mate a shifter. I always thought she’d mate a human,” Hellen said.

“Why?” Emmalyn asked.

“Because she’s so gentle. And there was even a point in my selfishness that I thought, at least we can be old maid sisters together. But now I’ve got Lucien. I feel bad for her. I’ll have to make a pointed effort to reach out more. I know what it feels like to feel like you’re the odd man out.”

“Hellen, you’re one of us. You’re family, and we’re all like sisters. Raised that way on purpose. You didn’t have to be strong alone, and neither does she. We’re here, no matter what is happening,” Analise said.

“Yeah,” Emmalyn said.

“I’m learning that,” Hellen said. “And Daisy will, too, once she decides to let us all in. And she’ll find someone.

Just like I found Lucien. He’s all the things I said, but he’s also kind, and while I wouldn’t say he’s as patient as Barron, he’s patient with me.

The more I pushed him away, the tighter he clung.

And he’s passionate, and trusting, and he has integrity.

He’ll do the right thing no matter who he pisses off.

But he’s also got enough of an I-don’t-give-a-damn attitude, that he doesn’t mind crossing the line when necessary to get whatever he thinks needs to be done, done. ”

“That will make him get along with your dad and brother,” Emmalyn said.

“Havoc?” Hellen asked.

“Yep,” Emmalyn said.

“He’s got so many facets, and they just mesh with mine, you know?” Hellen said.

Emmalyn and Analise shared a smile and a little happy-dance in place. “She’s in love,” Analise said.

“I hope so! I did accept his mark. And I gave him mine,” Hellen said.

“I’m really, really happy for you,” Analise said.

“Me, too,” Emmalyn said.

“Hey, do you think once you move into your new house, we could buy Barron’s from you?” Hellen asked.

“Why?” Analise asked.

Emmalyn’s expression sobered and she smiled sadly at the memories the mention of Hellen’s house brought back. “I’ll ask, but I’m sure it will be alright as long as he can still store his boat and his jet skis there on the water.”

“Well, talk to him and tell him that it’s just a thought.

I haven’t been completely at ease in my house in a while, and I know that Lucien would prefer to be on the water anyway.

Just makes sense if you two want to get rid of it.

At least that’s my thoughts. If he doesn’t want to sell, that’s fine, too. No pressure,” Hellen said.

“What will you do with your house?” Emmalyn asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t think anyone wants to live in it. Maybe we could turn it into a play area for the kids. Or maybe a community pool or something?” Hellen suggested.

“Oh! I love that idea!” Emmalyn said.

Hellen’s phone rang, and she started digging it out of the small backpack she used as a purse when she had to. She looked at the screen and seemed puzzled for a moment before she accepted the call. “It’s my boss,” she said. Then she identified herself. “Hellen McCullen,” she said into the phone.

Emmalyn and Analise sat quietly and listened to the conversation.

“Yes, sir,” Hellen said, then listened for a little while as her boss obviously brought her up to date on something.

“When was that, sir?” Hellen asked. Hellen nodded as she listened.

“Of course, yes, sir. I can go take a look and see what I can find.”

Hellen listened for a few more moments before she nodded once more. “Absolutely. I’ll get my things together and go right away. Yes, sir. I’ll take care. I’ll be in touch in a day or two.”

“Yes, sir. I will,” Hellen said. “Thank you, sir. Goodbye.”

Hellen ended the call and returned her phone to the small back pack at her feet. “Well, that’s that.”

“What’s going on?” Emmalyn asked.

“A report of poachers a couple of hours north of here. They want me to check it out and see if I can find any traces of the evidence the caller told them about.”

“Is that dangerous?” Analise asked.

“Can be, but it’s okay. I can handle it. All I need to do is to identify the area if the caller was accurate, and report back to the office so we can plan a raid and hopefully stop the bastards.”

“When are you leaving?” Emmalyn asked.

Hellen chewed her lip for a second. “Now,” she said with a shrug. “The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get back.”

“You have to tell Lucien first,” Analise said.

“Well…” Hellen said, reluctantly.

“Hellen!” Analise exclaimed.

“You don’t understand! He’s not fully healed yet, and if he knows what I might be wandering into, he’ll think he’s got to protect me and he could get hurt all over again.”

“You’re not telling us everything,” Emmalyn said, eyeing her shrewdly.

“He was almost killed by poachers. It’s entirely possible these are the same ones. Which makes me want to catch them more than even I usually would. He doesn’t need to be there. If he’s seen with me, they’ll know I’m an agent and blow the whole thing. I really need to go alone.”

“He’s not going to like that,” Analise said.

“Sometimes you have to do what you have to do,” Emmalyn said, fully understanding.

“Yeah, you do. And that is why I’m not telling him. I gotta go. I’m going to leave him a note and hopefully I’ll be back by tomorrow morning.”

“He’ll be tearing things apart looking for you,” Analise said.

“Which is why you’re going to send Barron and Havoc to keep him company while I’m gone.”