She had to admit that she was tired from what had happened in Eureka.She couldn't just recover her energy the way that Harry could.Food and rest helped, but it took time.There were other ways that some witches could recover the energy they needed for their magic, but right now, she didn't know how to do any of those.Some witches could recover magical energy from the sun, plants, or even animals.Harry was the only one that she had ever heard of who could recover their magic from food alone.Even though she was older than Harry, she still had a lot to learn about magic.
Information about magic was hard to locate because witches, as a group, were very secretive.The best thing she could do right now was catch up on any work on her computer.Next time she saw Harry, she would ask her if she knew any books or pamphlets that she could use that would help her find more information on regaining her magical energy.Face-to-face was the biggest way to get that kind of information because witches often hid those kinds of books if they even had them.
Lottie caught up on her work on the computer, then pulled up a sweet romance book and finished it.If only life were like a book, filled with happy endings.She wasn't sure why that made her think of Darren.That didn't make any sense, and she was sure that he wasn't thinking of her.All she was, as far as he was concerned, was an employee there to protect his children.From what she had seen lately, that was going to be a difficult job, and it was only going to get harder.
It was supper time, and she headed down to the dining room where people were beginning to gather.The girls were playing now, and they would probably be called in to eat at the last minute.
Darren frowned.“Is that really necessary?”
"I do.Soon you'll see why.Do you want to risk your daughters?"Carlos asked.
“Of course, not, but I also don't want to scare them out of their mind by surrounding them with guards.Lottie doesn't bother them because they see her as a nanny, and they've had a nanny before.Guards are something new, and they've never had one, and now you're going to give them two.”Darren explained.
“They’ll adjust.Safety comes first.These guys have worked with kids before,” Carlos replied.
“You clearly know what you're doing.Care to tell me who you are—and what you do?”Darren said.
"It's supper time.Let's talk after," Carlos said.
At that moment, Liza started carrying food out, and Lottie went into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl to carry out as well.Flo also brought something out to sit on the table.Lottie thought it would be an interesting discussion after supper.She hoped she would get to stay so she could see how Carlos would explain exactly who he was.In the paranormal world, he was a very important person.A pack alpha was like a governor, only instead of a state, they had a defined area.That's what he had been, and now he was a Councilman, which was like a senator.What was Darren going to think of that?She was sure that he didn't believe he was anywhere near that important, and on top of that, he was also a businessman and extremely wealthy.
The meal was quiet with Carlos and Darren exchanging looks.No one else wanted to talk because of the tension that filled the room, and they were trying to enjoy an excellent meal.Even the girls weren't chattering nearly as much as they usually did.When the meal was finished, Darren sent the girls to the living room and allowed them to watch some TV.
"So, tell me—what makes you think you can handle this?"Darren said.
Carlos asked, “Would a governor know how to handle security and being guarded?”
Darren blinked.“A governor?How’s that possible?”
“I was a pack alpha, and now my oldest son has taken over the pack,” Carlos explained.
Darren pressed, “And now?”
Carlos replied, “I’m the paranormal equivalent of a senator.”
Darren raised an eyebrow.“How did you meet my mother?”
"I moved here.Your mother had rooms for rent.The rest is history," Carlos said.
“I guess you have more knowledge in this area, and my girls need the guards.When do they start?”He asked.
“In the morning, they will be here.They are well-trained and well-behaved.”Carlos described.
“I hope so.”Darren appeared overwhelmed by everything that had happened and everything that was going to happen.
Liza had started clearing the table, and now everyone got up and began clearing their own dishes.Lottie grabbed the girl's dishes since they had been dismissed earlier.Darren seemed to be having a hard time focusing on what needed to be done.Once everything was finished, it was time to go to bed.She wasn't sure what the plan was for tomorrow, or even if there was one.Flo needed to get the garden planted, or it would be too late for some of these crops.That would be something good for the girls to do, and they seemed to enjoy it.
Everyone said goodnight and headed to bed.Tomorrow was enough time to find out if Darren had any plans.It was possible that he had plenty of work to do, and they would just make their own plans.Darren was talking to his mother, and Lottie took a good, long look at him.There was no denying that he was handsome and that she was drawn to him.She was sure her dreams would come tonight, and they would probably be of him.She hurried off before anyone caught or a needy look and realized her interest in him.
She stretched and sniffed because the aroma of something very good hit her nose.Lottie jumped up and began to get ready, knowing she didn't want to be the last one there.As she arrived, she saw the potato pancakes stacked on a plate on the table.That was something she rarely found anywhere, and she truly enjoyed it.It was served with apple sauce, and a small picture of cream was on the table, which made it even better.
Others were already there, had filled their plates, and were eating.She grabbed about half the potato pancakes, dumped some applesauce on them, then poured cream over the applesauce.As far as she was concerned, that was the best way to eat them.There was also some bacon, and she took a little bit.A perfect breakfast as far as she was concerned.
“I see you like potato pancakes.”
“My family has a bit of German ancestry.They are favorites that my mother cooks occasionally.It is hard to find them anywhere else.”Lottie admitted.
“My family has a little bit of German heritage, too, and I love these.I eat them the same way you do, although occasionally they are served with mustard.”Darren explained.
