Anita frowned.“Where are Enrique and Jamie?”
“They left suddenly.We’re their replacements,” Trip slotted in easily.
Though the maid was surprised, she just nodded and let them walk on by.Hovering at Shawn’s heels, Marc checked out the house.It was a huge monster, but it had all the appeal and comfort of a show home.
Walking into a huge salon with stiff, high backed armchairs dotted in several smaller seating areas, the place was cool even by LA standards.If it made Marc shiver, he who ran at a far higher temperature than humans, then it was fucking cold.
“Annabel keeps it this cold to stop her face from melting,” Shawn whispered, sotto voce.
Trip snickered.“That bad, huh?”
“Worse.”Shawn grimaced.“Now we’ve checked out the lounge, we have to leave them to it.Her parents will think it’s weird if we stay.I usually go and sit in the kitchens.”
Marc sighed, irritated at not being allowed in on this conversation but still, understanding the need and willing to abide by it.Ryan, from the corner of his eye, must have seen them move.El watched as Ryan moved off, but took a seat in one of the armchairs.He could see a strain on her face that was different to the strain she’d seemed to be under on the fifty-minute drive to her parents’ home.
He looked at her, willing her to glance his way.When she finally did, he flared his eyes wide and smiled at her warmly, hoping to transmit the fact he was okay with the situation.
She sighed, shook her head and cast her gaze down, and her hurt, at that moment, was a physical entity.He felt it, felt for her, and even though they were doing this for her, he wished it wasn’t a necessity.
The bond between them was growing exponentially.It would continue to every night she spent with them.Only when it clicked into place, fully formed, would they be able to have a mating ceremony.A day he’d spent his life dreaming about.
In human society, women dreamed of white weddings, big days.For their kind, even the biggest, baddest Alphas thought on a day when their other halves would be at their side, and they’d no longer have to keep on searching.
Knowing he couldn’t make her feel better, that nothing would until they were out of this Godforsaken place, a place that had caused her nothing but misery over the years, he said to Ryan, who had strode toward him in question, “Shawn says guards head to the kitchen.”
Ryan grimaced, and his eyes were pinched.“I’m sorry, guys.”
Trip shook his head.“Don’t be.We know the score.”He slapped Ryan on the shoulder.“Just do her proud.”
“Of course,” Ryan said with a smirk.“They might be able to mess her around, but they’ll find we’re a different kettle of fish.”With a wink and a grin, he headed back to El’s side.
Shawn guided them out of the room just as a cloud of Chanel No.5 wafted in in the shape of a fifty-year old woman with more Botox than muscle.Or so it seemed.
Dismissing the catty thought, and suddenly understanding Shawn’s ‘melting’ comment, he traipsed behind Shawn until they reached the kitchen.It was a big, cream, open space with bright cupboards and huge picture windows that overlooked the side of the yard.All mod cons, he noticed, and also saw there were four maids rushing around as well as a chef.
Shawn took them to the bottom of the kitchen where there was a scrubbed oak table, and he took a seat, then took out his cell.Trip and Marc looked at one another, and then did the same.
Upon opening his email, he saw one from the cops working the case.Swearing under his breath, he murmured, “It wasn’t a Pantera operation.”
Shawn blinked.“Huh?”
“I just received news from Santiago and Erickson.They were working alone.They’ve been to speak with the Pantera, and it wasn’t sanctioned by the leaders.”
Trip let out a hiss.“It’s a bitch when you’re not sure whether to do a happy dance over the fact you’re not going to war with another race, because your mate’s parents might be involved in whatever the hell is going down with her.”
Shawn sighed.“I just can’t see it.They don’t love her, don’t particularly like her, but they wouldn’t hurt her.Especially her father.His relationship with El is beyond complicated.”
“Would Anita know anything?”Marc asked quietly.
“Maybe.They treat the staff worse than they treat their daughter.They’re like useful, mobile pieces of furniture.”
“She could have heard something then?”
“I don’t see why not.”Shawn turned around and looked over his shoulder.When he saw Anita, he called out in Spanish, “Anita?Can we see you a minute?”
She beamed at him, and asked, “You want some coffee and cake?”
The men looked at one another with a grin.“Sure.”
