He sat next to her. “Eat.”
Much to his relief, she took a bite. And then another. And another. “This is good.”
Only then did he start to eat. “That’s because I used the high-class mustard. You know, the one eaten by old men in limousines.”
Elaine smiled as she nibbled the crust of her sandwich. When she sipped her beer, it was with a delicate tip of the bottle. He should have offered her a glass, but there was something cute about her with that bottle.
“Why are you grinning?”
“It’s nothing. You just, well, you drink beer like a lady.”
“I’d like to think I am one. At least, I’ve had my moments.” She took another sip, and her slender throat moved as she swallowed. She popped a couple of pretzels and hummed in appreciation.
Sitting there with a ham sandwich and a beer, her face lit up with something approaching contentment, she’d never looked so pretty.
Really pretty.
Connor choked down a piece of his sandwich. “Tell me what happened in Alaska.”
Her momentary happiness flew away from her face. “The kids were in the bath. My cousin was bathing them, and I was in the other room. All of sudden, I heard this scream. I never expected the kids to shift at this age. I thought I had years before I had to start making up stories for the family.”
“None of your relatives know about shifters?”
“None, not even my parents. It was just easier that way. I’ve always wished I could talk to my mom and dad, but Lloyd stressed the importance of discretion. He told me most kids will shift around the age of fourteen or fifteen.”
“What did your cousins say?”
“I had to tell them. Toni and Fred are cool now. Aside from Mom and Dad, they’re my closest family members. Once she recovered from the shock, Toni said she’s always guessed there was something different about Lloyd but never dreamed this was it. She always worried he was having an affair.”
“Affair? Impossible. He adored you.”
“I know, but there is something secretive about shape shifters. We hold our cards close. Toni saw that. She just interpreted it in the only way she could. Anyway, they’ve promised not to tell. I trust them. Honestly, I think they were relieved to see us go. At least now they don’t have to deal with us. They live so far away from the rest of my family. It’s not as if they’ll bump into someone I know at the grocery store.”
“It sounds like you handled it well. Did the kids have questions?”
“No. I don’t think they remember what happened. It was over so quickly. I told them Aunt Toni screamed because she saw a spider on the shower curtain.”
“Smooth move.”
“They’re too young to deal with this, Connor. What if it happens again?”
“Hasit happened again?”
“No, thank God. I was terrified to take them on the plane.”
“I can only imagine.”
She made a face. “I might have given them some Gravol for the flight. I couldn’t have them shifting on a plane.”
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m sure the shift was a one-off. I know they’re little, but they’re probably feeling the stress too. Their dad died. Their emotions have got to be all over the place.”
She ran her hand through her mane of blond hair. “I know that feeling.”
“Elaine, I know I can’t bring Lloyd back, but I’ll do anything I can to make life easier for you and the kids. And I’m not alone. Everyone at the Ursa is dying to see you. I made them promise not to overwhelm you on your first day back, but you have dozens of friends at your beck and call. Let us help, okay?”
“Okay.” She patted his hand. “I’m glad you’re here, Connor.”
“Me, too.” He swallowed a gulp of beer for courage. “It’s good timing, actually. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be at the Ursa.”
