He’d been listening to this for over an hour, along with a lecture about an Elder’s responsibility to confer with others before making decisions. If he wanted to be an Elder, he needed to start conferring.
“And you,” she said looking at me, “are supposed to have her best interests at heart.”
“That’s why I tracked her down and brought her back,” I said quickly. Jim grimaced. It was all on Jim this time.
Then, Winifred turned to Michelle. “At nineteen, you have no right to be going out drinking.”
Michelle’s mouth popped open.
Winifred, I warned at the same time I caught a whiff of Michelle’s anger.
Her face flushed red.
“That is so—my age doesn’t matter. It never has,” she said.
I studied her, wondering what she meant by that.
“You have a responsibility to your brothers,” Winifred said.
Michelle laid her trembling hands flat on the table. Had I not smelled her temper or noted the steely glint in her eyes, I would have thought the shaking was from fear or nervousness.
Michelle defiantly met Winifred’s gaze. “No one knows that better than I do. Their wellbeing, their existence, depended on my obedience. Complete and absolute. Don’t speak. Look up when addressed. Return to your room when your presence isn’t required.
“I messed up last night. I get it. My brothers could have been found, and I wasn’t here to protect them.”
Pain and regret soured her scent, and my heart broke for her. I had a feeling she’d endured a lot more than what she’d just said.
Nana made a slight noise as if she would continue, but Michelle didn’t let her.
“I don’t need your lecture,” she said angrily. “I will not be ruled by another—”
She clamped her mouth shut and closed her eyes with a flinch.
Winifred, Jim, and I shared a look.
This conversation needs to lighten up, I sent to Winifred. I don’t want her comparing us to whoever she left behind.
I agree, Winifred said.
Michelle breathed deeply and opened her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she said. Then she stood and left. We remained quiet as she raced up the stairs two at a time.
“She’s wearing your shirt,” Jim observed with a grin. “One step closer to cookies.”
Winifred’s gaze narrowed on Jim.
“Emmitt, perhaps you can go check on the children.”
Jim slumped in his chair as I went outside.
With the doors and windows open, I still heard every word of Winifred’s continuing lecture. Jim didn’t say anything in his defense. He just sat there and took it. We’d both learned early on, saying anything only prolonged the lectures.
When Michelle came back down and went straight into Winifred’s apartment, I was tempted to go inside. I didn’t want Winifred upsetting her again.
If we push her too much, she will leave, I sent to Winifred.
I’m very aware of that. I will not lose my temper again.
I continued to play with the kids as I listened.
“Jim,” Michelle said. “I’m sorry I used you yesterday. I should have faced the issue instead of running from it. Can I talk to you alone for a minute?”
When Jim flew out the door at werewolf speed, slowing when he hit the porch steps, I knew Michelle had asked to speak to Winifred. Aden saw Jim and cheered. Jim took over pushing Aden’s swing, and I focused on Liam. From inside, I heard Michelle talking to Winifred.
“I shouldn’t have said what I did. You’re right. I’m not being responsible. My past, whether good or bad, doesn’t earn me any hall passes. I’m sorry I left like I did yesterday.”
Keep it light, Winifred. We need her. I need her.
Emmitt, I’ve been an Elder longer than you’ve been alive.
Confer, I said, using her own words about Elders and the decisions they make.
You two will be the death of me.
“You are an adult. You’re correct that you don’t need me to lecture you. We are here to help you, Michelle, if you would just let us. We don’t know who you’re hiding from or why. Is leaving here dangerous? Is there a chance the people you’re hiding from could track you here?”
“I don’t know,” came Michelle’s faint answer. “I’m so afraid, Nana. I’m afraid they’ll find us and afraid if I trust...I’m afraid you’ll be just like them.”
“Never, Michelle. We are an entirely different species. Loyalty runs deep with us.”
There was a moment of silence before Winifred started communicating over our link.
Interesting. What I just said scared her enough that she paled.
Frightening my Mate with what we are isn’t interesting, Winifred.
It wasn’t what we are. It was when I mentioned our loyalty.