“Last time I saw him, he was with you.”
“Ah.”
Bebe let out a yawn. “Can I hold her for you?”
“Yeah, thank you.” She wearily smiled. “I’m just really exhausted. She kept waking up last night and howling.”
“Ah.” He stared into the sleepy toddler’s face. “If you want, Malyah and I will watch her until dinner. If you’d like to rest.”
“Oh, wow, thank you!” She leaned in and pecked him on the cheek. “I’m not even gonna argue with you. Her diaper bag’s in the living room. There should be plenty in there for her for today, but if you need something, just come over to Asia’s.”
“Will do.”
She left the kitchen just as Badger burst through the back door. He did a double take when he saw Bebe in Joaquin’s arms. “Jest the lassie I wanted to see.”
“I told Lu’ana Malyah and I would watch her for the afternoon. Her stuff’s in the living room.”
“Perfect.”
“Where’d you go?”
“Makin’ some phone calls.”
“On New Year’s Eve?” Badger glared at him. “Right,” Joaquin said. He switched to his best imitation of a Scottish accent. “Joaquin, keep yer gob shut.”
Badger smiled. “Smart man. Wait here.” He headed toward the living room.
Bebe yawned again and stuck her thumb into her mouth to suck on while resting her head on Joaquin’s shoulder. He walked over to the small kitchen table and settled into one of the chairs. She was a gorgeous little girl, looked so much like Lu’ana, Malyah, and Nami. He loved kids, but with everything going on…yeah.
Waiting was smart.
Badger returned a moment later with Tamsin, Dewi, Peyton, and Duncan. Badger motioned to Joaquin. “I told Malyah it’s pack business and to stay here, and that we’ve got the princess. Let’s go.”
Joaquin stood. “Where?”
“My cabin. We’re runnin’ outta time.”
Chapter Eight
Badger led the way back his cabin. Once they were all inside, he locked them in. “Put her down on the floor.”
Bebe had perked up a little with the change in venue, but she still looked sleepy. Joaquin set her down on the rug.
Badger turned to Tamsin and Dewi. “There’s blankets in my bedroom. Grab one each, and wrap it around ye. Eh, strip back there, if ye please.”
“What are we doing?” Tamsin asked.
At least she seemed to be temporarily pulled out of her funk.
“We’re gonna give the little princess a few hints. Most shifters grow up seein’ other shifters, and they take a hint.”
“Isn’t she still kind of young to shift?” Dewi asked.
“Mebbe.” He scratched at his hair. “But it’s all I can think to do. If she never sees it, she’ll never know it’s possible. Right?”
Dewi led the way to the back of the cabin.
“I remember what a time Chelsea had learning how to shift,” Peyton said. “She was four, and so frustrated. Every time we’d have a run, she’d chase after her brothers, trying, howling, not wanting to be left behind.” He chuckled. “Finally, one night, she got so mad, she tripped and fell, but she was on four legs by the time she hit the ground. Then she got all tangled up with her clothes and went rolling, ass over tail. I thought Asia and Gillian were going to kill me and Trent for laughing, but it was funny. But she’d finally figured it out.”
