Eradication.
Danny’s reaction was much stronger than I’d expected and red flags had risen even if I wasn’t certain why.
“What did you tell him, Daddy?” Delaney was quite interested.
I tossed my napkin on the table, shoving aside my barely touched food. “Yes, Father. Whatever did you say to the poor child?”
My father had rarely glanced in my direction since my ‘embarrassing outburst’ when I’d walked into a room full of people. He hadn’t even bothered to try to hide his disappointment or lower his voice.
“I told the little boy that unfortunately wolves were dangerous creatures and that I was working very hard to keep him and his mommy and daddy safe. I also told him sometimes sacrifices had to be made. Of course, I didn’t tell him I was talking about heinous creatures who shouldn’t be allowed to walk this earth.”
I bristled to the point I almost rose from the table.
“Do you want me to take him out for you?” Danny whispered in my ear to try to bring some levity. But his skin was hot to the touch, the current flowing between us stronger than before.
“I wish you would.” My voice was just loud enough my father solely concentrated his stare on Danny.
I felt the scrutiny coming on.
“Tell me, Danny. What do you think about the inclusion of shifters into our society?”
To Danny’s credit, he carefully cut and took a bite of his blood-rare steak before pushing the plate away. He’d been doing nothing but studying my family as a paleontologist would in observing dinosaurs.
“I think the people who are terrified of shifters have never spent time with any of them. People often fear what they don’t know.Sadly, that makes them look irresponsible and quite frankly unintelligent.”
For all the bantering, bickering, and cutesy talk we’d engaged in, I’d yet to see Danny’s serious side. I had to admit, I was quite impressed. I was also holding my breath and his leg with one hand while my father’s eyes narrowed to tiny slits.
I knew that look. I’d experienced it many times in my life. While I could feel anger simmering under my dad’s skin, he was aware of how many important guests he had surrounding him and was willing to put up with a stranger’s unseemly assessment of his favorite subject.
“Please continue, Danny. As a senator of our great state, I’m always happy to hear from my constituents.” My father was practically gloating, eager to trip up Danny.
Danny appeared far more comfortable than I was, taking his time pushing his chair back and crossing his legs. He was far more reserved than I thought possible.
But I could see the fury in his eyes. He was angry because of and for me.
Now that was the mark of an incredible date. Perhaps I’d been wrong about him. First instincts shouldn’t always apply.
“What I think is irrelevant. What I know is that shifters are just like humans because half if not more of their DNA is homo sapiens. While you might think they suddenly appeared on this earth, every shifter determined to take over the world, you’d be wrong. The truth is that they’ve been around for generations, blending in as any culture would do. They have families and friends, both shifter and human. They go to school, pay bills andtaxes, enjoying celebrations and holidays. They are people with special attributes. Some good. Some corrupt. Just like humans.”
I’d be damned if he didn’t level his gaze at my father, emphasizing the last words. I was close to whistling when my father offered a slow and steady smile.
“But they eat people,” Delaney offered in a hushed voice. My God, even my sister believed that crap.
“Trust me, sissy. You wouldn’t appeal to their tastes. Especially a big, bad wolf with long, sharp canines.”
“Christine!” my mother chastised. “Don’t terrify your sister.”
Danny cleared his throat and I could feel his hidden amusement. Was this what normal families were all about? “They don’t eat people,” he insisted. “That is a horrible rumor that keeps shifters from living an enjoyable life. They are constantly crucified by the press and certain members of society.”
Wow. He knew a lot about them. The flags were waving, a strange sensation rushing through me.
“What is it that you do, Danny? I don’t believe I’ve asked.”
I was about to interject when the hard squeeze Danny offered my leg was an order to keep quiet. I had to admit, I liked his dominating side.
“I’m a surgeon.”
“Oh, really?”
