Claiming His Unexpected Baby (Assassins Guild #2) - Michelle Howard Page 0,43

was going to come as a shock to him. A pleasant one, she believed, because Sulen hadn’t made a secret of wanting to be in Fleur’s life. Every time her daughter called him daddy, Amelie expected him to correct her but he never did.

From the first day here, he accepted Fleur and didn’t destroy her childish dreams because of the deception Amelie created. It told her a lot about his character.

She massaged the twin scars on her neck. To say it hurt was putting it mildly but her orgasm had coincided, leaving her flushed with pleasure that blinded her to much else.

With Roan’s claims over, they could have a real life together without worry. A true bond mate, a father for her daughter and it wasn’t hard to imagine what she felt for Sulen growing into love.

Everything was perfect in her world.

***

Amelie’s small house overflowed with feminine conversation. She, Saedra and Scarlett were hopping from one topic to another and laughing nonstop. Garik had loosened enough to accept a drink from Amelie though it had to be in a sealed container. He and Fleur were on the sofa drinking a juice made for children in matching bottles. It was the only sealed containers she owned.

“I want to go outside, Mommy.” Fleur finished her drink and did a spin in the middle of the room.

The ankle length sheer skirt she wore flowed around her and fluttered back to her legs when she stopped. Beneath the yellow fabric were pink shorts and silver knee high boots. Her shirt was solid yellow and matched the skirt perfectly.

“It’s going to be dark soon,” Amelia said, walking over to peer out the window to confirm.

Fleur held up four fingers. “I’ll only stay out this many long.”

Scarlett snickered but Saedra stood and brushed off her tan pants. “I can go out with her for a bit. I feel the need to get some practice in early on this mommy thing.”

That caught Garik’s attention and his gaze dropped to Saedra’s belly. His overprotective gruff nature was growing on Amelie.

“Take this just in case.” He reached for the belt at his waist and tossed a small knife her way. Saedra tried to snatch it from the air but fumbled and watched as it dropped to the floor. Garik sighed.

“I’m practicing this too,” Saedra said, retrieving the weapon from the floor and sticking it in her front pocket. “Come on, Fleur.”

Amelie’s daughter took exaggerated mincing steps and followed Saedra outside. Once the door closed, Amelie said to Garik, “She’s going to make a great mom.”

“She doesn’t think so but thank you. I agree. She’ll make a far better parent than me.”

Amelie sensed there was more to his statement but he went back to reading on the small device he’d been holding.

She and Scarlett looked at each other and shrugged. Scarlett leaned close and whispered, “If you find out where any more hot assassins are hiding, put one on the side for me.”

Amelie clamped her lips tight on the burst of laughter.

***

The assignment was easier than Sulen expected but wasn’t without its issues. Drekul wasn’t where he was supposed to be. The delay put him behind by a day and Sulen had to make a last minute adjustment for the location of the hit. As a result, he was laying flat in the pouring rain against the rooftop of the building across from the home of Drekul’s latest lover.

Being soaking wet in these freezing temps was not ideal but it only mattered in the sense of his comfort. Sulen had endured far worst. He kept his weapon steady on his shoulder and his gaze on the front door, blinking water from his eyes every few seconds.

Any minute now, based on his observation and information regarding Drekul’s habits, his target would step from the building. Moments later, the door opened and a tall, slender male with skin a deep shade of green stepped through. He paused to speak to whoever was on the inside, the bulk of an armored vest visible beneath the dark shirt he wore. The protective measure added noticeable weight to his slim frame.

Sulen snorted. Drekul must have suspected that the authorities, in one form or another, would eventually catch up to him.

Adjusting the angle of his laser rifle slightly to compensate, Sulen aimed for the bulbous green head and ignored the cold rain dripping down the collar of his coat. One shot and he could be on his way. The Guild wanted this simple and quick. In