the mountain on the platter in the middle of the island.
“Jim, save some for Michelle,” Winifred said at the same time I moved the pancake platter further out of his reach.
“She won’t be hungry,” Liam said quietly. “She never is when she has her headaches.”
The sad way he said it gave us all pause. Then Michelle walked in. Winifred went back to helping Aden cut his sausage, Jim went back to drowning his pancakes in syrup, and I forgot everything.
She’d showered, and her hair was up but still damp. The tank top hugged her curves and her jean cutoffs hugged her—
I looked up as she kissed her brothers so she wouldn’t catch my wandering, and very appreciative, eye. In the light of the kitchen, she looked pale. And the sidelong glance she gave the food told me she wasn’t yet feeling well.
Winifred gave Michelle a once-over from head to toe. Quickly focusing on fixing Michelle a plate, I pretended not to notice when Winifred turned to glare at me. The scent of old booze, particularly tequila, was hard to miss.
Emmitt, she’s under my protection. Do not allow her to consume that much alcohol again.
Yes, ma’am.
“What do you guys want to do today?” Michelle asked her brothers.
“It’s going to be hot and humid. Can we go back to the lake?” Jim asked, distracting Winifred from scolding me further.
Michelle nodded, surprising me. She hadn’t seemed too excited about going the last time.
“Michelle and I will get the groceries this time,” I said, lightly pouring syrup over her pancakes. When I handed her the plate, she wrinkled her nose.
“No,” Winifred said. “I think you should take Jim so you can teach him how to shop.”
I turned away so Michelle wouldn’t see my frown.
She was afraid and asked for another drink. I allowed two shots then she had water. I didn’t like that she felt she needed the alcohol to face the truth about who we are, but I wasn’t about to deny her, either, when she was giving me a chance. I don’t think that—
Emmitt.
I knew better than to keep going. Winifred might look old, but she was the most capable and fiercest Elder we had. If she wanted, she could lay down a beating that would make me whimper like a pup, or she could command me. Commands were far worse.
I want to ask how she’s doing, and she’s more likely to speak freely without you two here.
When I turned back around, I saw Jim finishing Michelle’s pancakes. I gave him a look, and he gave a slight shrug and nodded toward Michelle.
* * * *
Winifred was right to send me with Jim. We would have been eating beef sticks and cheese popcorn all day. As we loaded everything into the back of the truck, I contacted Winifred.
We’re done. Real food for a picnic lunch.
Meet us at the beach. We’re just rounding up the kids.
How is she?
Hung over. But surprisingly well-adjusted given what she’s just learned.
I exhaled with relief.
We’ll see you soon, she said.
“We’re meeting them at the lake,” I said as I got in behind the wheel.
The drive seemed to take longer than I remembered. Nervous anticipation wound in my gut. It seemed as if I hadn’t seen Michelle in weeks. I itched to sit on the beach with her and inhale her sweet scent.
“Thinking about her bikini again?” Jim said, interrupting my thoughts. “Me, too.”
“Find your own.” I punched him in the arm, and he laughed.
“Nah. Michelle’s a gift. The chances of two cubs from the same family Mating are about one in never. Besides, Winifred needs me.”
“I don’t think she’d agree.”
“Nope. Me neither. But, she does. She knows she won’t live forever, and the future of our kind worries her. Training me gives her peace of mind.”
“It might if she could actually train you.”
“If I made it too easy, she’d get bored and pick someone else. Nah, I’m good for her.”
“You think you’re good for everyone.”
When we pulled into the gravel lot, Winifred’s car was the only one there. On the beach, the boys ran around while Winifred watched them. Michelle was already lying on a blanket in the sun. She wore a tank top, cotton shorts, and a large hat that covered most of her face and shaded her eyes so I couldn’t see if she was awake or sleeping.
“Ah, too bad,” Jim said. “Still no bikini sighting.”
That did disappoint me a little. But knowing I’d get to spend the whole day with her made up for it.