know for sure if there’s some truth in what she’s saying. We know what Blane’s capable of doing, and we know that he’d have no problem with hurting a kid.” It made no sense to her that people like that existed. What importance could they possibly have to the world?
“Even so, if you can’t deal, we’ll tell her to find an alternative. You come before everyone else and everything else. You’re more important.”
Knowing he truly meant that almost brought a lump to her throat. “I can deal. For the kid’s sake, I can deal.”
He kissed her gently. “Ten days and she’ll be gone.”
“I can’t guarantee the bitch will still be alive in ten days,” she said, curling her upper lip.
“Especially if she touches you again. Skank.” A groan of annoyance escaped her when she sensed a vibe of heat through the bond. “I can’t believe you’re horny right now.”
“Baby, I’m always horny when you’re around, especially when you’re all naked and wet like this. But seeing you all assertive, possessive, and protective of our mating gets me instantly hard.
Want to play gynecologists again?”
That pulled a reluctant smile from her. “Only if you make me scream so loud that there’s no way she won’t hear me.”
He flashed her a cocky smirk. “Oh, that won’t be a problem.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The next morning, Dante smiled as Jaime announced to everyone at the table—Laurie in particular—
that they had set the date for their mating ceremony as a week from now. He knew she was hoping that Laurie wouldn’t want to be around for the ceremony and would give up on her game and leave. He had yet to figure out just what that game was. Right now he was more concerned about finding a way to get that damn cat away from his mate. The ugly, furry thing gave Dante the evil eye each time he touched Jaime. As he sat on her lap being petted, he actually looked kind of smug.
“Is he yours?” Leif, who was sitting opposite Jaime, asked.
“Yep.” She smiled. Jaime liked the kid; she was surprised that he was so centered and friendly given who his parents were. “His name’s Hunk.”
“Hunk?” echoed Bitch Face with a snicker. Jaime decided to ignore her. She’d quickly learned over the past hour that paying the woman no attention ticked her off.
“What happened to him?” Leif’s eyes took in all the scars.
“We’re not sure exactly. All we know is that he was badly abused.”
“My gran has lots of cats.” His face lit up. “She loves them, but my grandfather hates them.” It was clear that he cared deeply about his grandparents.
“Dante’s not very fond of Hunk, are you?” Jaime glanced at her mate to see that he was frowning down at the cat on her lap, probably thinking up ways to get rid of him.
“I think it’s jealousy more than anything else.” Shaya’s smile was playful. “He doesn’t like anyone or anything else having your time, attention, or affection.” Dante’s expression was unrepentant. “Damn right I don’t.”
“You never liked cats, did you?” Bitch Face’s expression suddenly became nostalgic as she reached across the table. Her hand didn’t touch Dante’s, but it came close. “I remember when—” She jerked back when Hunk hissed at her. “Oh.”
Jaime shot her an apologetic look. “Sorry. It’s just that he can sense evil.” Leif laughed aloud at that but stopped when his mom gave him a reprimanding look, returning his attention to his third bowl of cereal. The kid was like Marcus in that he ate like a horse. His mother, on the other hand, appeared to be one of those people who survived on celery sticks and plain crackers.
With a sensuous smile, Bitch Face spoke. “So, Dante, I was hoping you could give us a tour. I know we’re only here for a short time, but this place is huge and I’d hate for Leif to get lost somewhere.”
“A tour’s probably a good idea.” Dante turned to Ryan, who sat at his left. “You can spare an hour to show them around, right?” Ryan’s ever-present scowl deepened, but he nodded, grunting.
“You’re not going to do it?” she asked Dante, sounding both disappointed and frustrated.
“I’m Beta. I have a lot of things to do.”
“Oh. Well, you know if you ever need any help—”
“If he needs any help, he has Jaime.” Taryn’s smile wasn’t pleasant, and Bitch Face had the sense to lower her gaze. “She’s Beta female of the pack, after all.”
“I want to be Beta when I’m old enough.”