Claiming His Unexpected Baby (Assassins Guild #2) - Michelle Howard Page 0,49

continued to berate her. Sulen debated shooting Roan right then and there but he was too close and the sight could traumatize Fleur more than this experience already had.

“You’re mean! A stupid meanie!” Fleur cried.

A loud roar ripped through the night. Sulen decided now was the time to come forward. If he continued to watch Roan treat Fleur like this, he’d kill him, trauma or no trauma.

Shocked, Roan stared at him. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s over, Roan.” Sulen kept his blaster aimed at him.

“Daddy!”

Sulen’s heart tugged. He checked her over and other than the torn skirt and dirt stains, she seemed fine.

Fleur jerked and tugged against Roan’s hold but he didn’t release her. His face was a mask of rage as he glared. “She’s mine and I’m taking her back. Amelie had no right.”

Stunned, Sulen stopped his approach. Roan actually believed what he was saying. Did he forget he’d tried to kill Amelie and the baby? “It’s all over. Let Fleur go and this came be discussed calmly.”

More roaring and growling exploded in the night. Fleur screamed and Roan whipped around, looking for where the sound originated from. The ground shook as a large golden cat leaped into the clearing. It stalked toward their group. Head lowered and its upper lip curled to reveal razor sharp teeth, snarls rumbled forth.

Fleur began kicking and flailing. To Sulen’s horror, Roan flung the little girl in the direction of the three hundred pound animal that stood at least five feet in height. She skidded in the dirt, landing on her hands and knees.

“Fleur!”

Roan turned and ran. Sulen went straight for a screaming Fleur. The large cat rushed forward and leaped. His claws were extended from massive paws bigger than her head as it soared over her, hit the ground with a boom and raced after Roan. Sulen reached Fleur and snatched her up in his arms.

Her tiny hands gripped his jacket and she smashed her face into his shirt. Sulen held her tight and leaned his head against hers. Her entire body shook. “It’s alright, Fleur. I’ve got you.”

Her tears soaked the bare skin at his throat and Sulen’s chest grew tight. Throat clogged, he continued to encourage her. “You’re so brave. You did good.”

She sniffled and mumbled something he didn’t hear. His palm covered her back as he pulled away to see her face. “What is it?”

Her lashes fluttered and she lowered her gaze. “Not brave. I wet myself.”

Now that she’d mentioned it, he could feel the dampness spreading through his shirt. Turning to start the trek back home, Sulen assured, “Don’t worry about it.”

Amelie wouldn’t care how Fleur came back as long as she came back.

The trip through the woods was quiet aside from Fleur’s occasional sniffs. Sulen didn’t know what to say or if he should say anything until Amelie had a chance to talk to her.

“He’s not my daddy,” Fleur whispered belligerently.

Sulen froze, then kept moving. He clutched her closer and she rested her head on his chest for the duration of the walk. Amelie was outside waiting when Sulen reached her street. She must have heard his steps and lifted her head. When she spotted them, she ran.

At the halfway point, she slammed into him, grabbing for Fleur at the same time. He let her go and Amelie fell to her knees right there, crying and hugging her daughter. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. So sorry.”

To his surprise, Fleur grinned and patted Amelie’s head. “I’m okay, mommy.”

They were drawing attention and Sulen preferred they were inside. Roan was still running free. He leaned over and clasped Amelie’s arm to help her to her feet. “Let’s get her home.”

Amelie studied his expression, her teary face confused. She glanced around then noticed the stares. “Right.”

They reached her home and the door was guarded by the same enforcer who had been there earlier. Inside, Saedra was sitting on the sofa and Garik stood beside her with one hand on her shoulder. She must have been well enough to discharge from medical care.

Garik held up his comm and spoke. “No response from Amar. I’m assuming he’s still on the hunt.”

Roan wouldn’t escape Amar’s brand of justice. In his large golden cat form he was more animal than man and would have no trouble chasing Roan down. The bigger question was if he’d bring Roan back in pieces. Amar’s claw grouping believed children and women were to be protected above all else.

“Saedra!” Fleur struggled to get down and Amelie lowered her to her