The knowledge of what Manu must be going through muted his fear and anger. No matter what Manu did, he couldn’t win.
He lowered his voice. “We’ll keep an eye out, contact you if we see anything. If you need us, we’re there.”
Jack sidled closer while Emma distracted Cassie. “What’s up?”
“June is on the loose again.”
“How?”
“Manu didn’t say exactly, but Samuel is between a rock and a determined dragon. He was watching her and let down his guard.”
“Does he need us to help?”
“Manu said to sit tight. He didn’t say it, but June might still be angry at Cassie.”
“You can’t go home with her tonight,” Jack said. “You need to stay here with me and Emma.”
“Safety in numbers.” Hone sighed as he caught a glimpse of the rising moon. Blood red again. Given the circumstances, it was creepy and apt. “I might ring Dad. He’ll want to know and might be able to help.”
“Hone, your dinner is ready.” Cassie turned, a plate of food in each hand. His woman.His. His heart practically turned over in his chest, and his taniwha gave a tiny groan before transmitting messages of lust to every corner of his body. His dick twitched.
Jack shook his head. “You’re gone, man.”
“You can talk,” Hone replied, not even trying to deny the truth.
“You’d better get over there. I’ll ring George.”
“Thanks.” Hone strode over to Cassie and leaned close to kiss her cheek before accepting a plate. “You didn’t have to get my food for me.”
Her cheeks flushed. “No problem.”
He followed her over to where Emma sat at a second picnic table, one he and Jack had rescued from Jack’s place.
“What’s Jack doing?” Emma asked, her gaze sharp and her shoulders tense. She mightn’t have taniwha genes but she’d developed good senses from working as an investigator and spending time with him and Jack.
“A work thing,” Hone said. “He’s talking to Dad.”
Cassie helped herself to garlic bread. “You guys work long hours.” She crunched into the bread and moaned.
Emma laughed aloud. “That sort of ecstatic groaning should only come from the bedroom.”
Hone snorted. “Have to agree, sweetheart.”
Cassie swallowed a mouthful of bread and waved the rest of the piece in the air. “Please. We’re eating dinner,” she admonished.
“What’s so funny?” Jack asked.
“Cassie is making love with her garlic bread,” Emma said.
“If it tastes as good as it smells, I might do the same.”
“See,” Cassie said, giving an approving nod to Jack. “Someone who appreciates the good things. Who wants another glass of wine or a beer?”
“Stay there. I’ll get the drinks.” Emma bounded up and trotted inside the house.
“Do you think my problems have ended now that the police have taken away the plants?” Cassie asked.
“I hope so,” Jack said. “I noticed one thing when we visited the second time.”
