Claiming His Unexpected Baby (Assassins Guild #2) - Michelle Howard Page 0,13

image refused to form. Garik was ruthless, coldhearted and a stone cold killer. Men like them didn’t do families.

“It’s a Gerelin colony on Covard.” Garik slid him a folded square of paper. “Only Gerelins can live there along with their bonded mates and children. A few exceptions are made for certain professional roles.”

Sulen tucked the paper in his pocket without reading it. Gerelins were cautious when they left their world. Their deep-seated need to protect a mate after bonding was notorious and meant they took their mates’ safety seriously.

Throw in the assassin background and Sulen understood how strong Garik would feel about confirming the new home for Saedra. A colony filled with men from their home would most definitely look out for Saedra and her child if Garik wasn’t present for some reason. Curiosity got the better of Sulen. “I’ll do it.”

Garik rapped his knuckles on the tabletop and stood. “I had no doubt. When you find a bond mate, you’ll be surprised at what you’d do for her.”

Sulen choked on the drink he’d swallowed. “I have years left in the Guild.”

Garik slapped Sulen on the back on his way out. “You never know. I didn’t.”

Coughing to clear his throat, Sulen waved Garik off on the bill and decided to stay to finish his drink after Garik left. He didn’t have a current assignment so the trip wouldn’t interfere with his schedule.

This would be interesting. Sulen couldn’t imagine the type of place that would meet Garik’s standards while being what Saedra wanted. She didn’t seem like the type who’d want to go live in a fortified prison. He huffed a laugh at the thought.

***

At the entrance to the community center, Amelie hid a smile as Scarlett went to her knees and fluffed the edges of the skirt on Fleur’s dress for the fiftieth time. When she stood, Scarlett must have noted the amusement on Amelie’s face anyway.

“Shut it, Amelie.” A glare accompanied the order.

Amelie struggled to contain her laughter. This wasn’t the first time they’d come to the annual party but it was the first time Fleur wore a dress Scarlett had picked out. The two of them had decided to dress alike and Amelie had to admit the deep purple color was flattering to them both.

It brought out Fleur’s black hair and green eyes, showing the signs of the beautiful woman she would grow to be. On Scarlett, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, it turned her classic beauty into a shining jewel worthy of stares.

“Shut it, isn’t very nice, Auntie Scarlett,” Fleur scolded, hopping from one foot to the other in excitement.

Scarlett pursed her lips, shooting Amelie an arched look. “You’re absolutely right, Fleur. Your mom brings out the dark side of me.”

Used to her mom’s and aunt’s antics, Fleur giggled and held each of their hands in one of hers. She danced in the middle between them. “I wanna go inside.”

“That’s the deal,” Scarlett said, moving forward to push the door open.

Inside, the décor of the large rec room had been created to look like a ball room. Shining Night was the theme. In Amelie’s opinion, the committee had outdone themselves compared to the previous years.

Round tables covered in silver cloth littered the space, while sparkling glassware reflected prisms on the wall from the string lighting hung from the ceiling. Music with a jaunty beat piped in from the automated audio system.

There must have been a bubble machine set up on a sensor because an explosion of bubbles greeted them when they crossed the threshold. Fleur squealed and marched her feet in place, then spun around with her arms in the air. Her head jerked left and right as she tried to take in all the sights.

Scarlett and Amelie laughed at her delight. Fleur was old enough to enjoy the celebration more this year and her exuberance amused Amelie to no end.

“Let’s take her on a walk around or I’m afraid she’ll strain her neck.” Scarlett had to raise her voice to be heard over the music.

Together they hugged the perimeter and allowed Fleur to stop and start at her leisure. Most of the people here knew them and had welcoming smiles as they lifted their cups in greeting. Stations set up for kids with activities were pushed off to one corner. Fleur ran straight toward the booths.

Scarlett and Amelie followed at a slower pace. “What do you think?”

“It’s nice. Very nice,” Amelie said, her gaze in awe as much as Fleur’s. “You all did a