“Yar! Language, lad! Er, I’ll make you walk the plank.”
Casey giggles at my threat, and I chuckle along with her. With Casey here, things shaped up to be easier than I thought. Jeff doesn’t want to alarm Casey, so he’s forced to refrain from screaming or signaling his horde. It works perfectly. “Now stay calm, and nobody has to go overboard.”
He blinks, trying to make certain his vision is working. He lurches his head forward, squinting and sporting a scowl. “What is on your face?”
“Yar, Captain Wee Bit here fancied me an eye patch.”
Jeff’s eyes travel up to my hair. What was once the perfect messy, bedhead tousle was now bundled up into two of the tiniest ponytails, held together by bright rubber bands. And I’ll die on that hill that it’s still the best damn makeover I ever had.
Jeff gasps with joy, and his tone shifts to one of a proud father. “She did? Wow, good job!”
Casey beams with pride.
Jeff focuses his attention back on me. He closes one eye shut with his tongue out, mocking me, then snickers at my misfortune.
But I wear it proudly. Casey is imaginative. I’m starting to see the creative benefits of growing up without much.
It’s interesting. Jeff’s demeanor changes when he’s not in front of his people. With his daughter a few feet away, he’s not so tough anymore. Instead, he’s kind of goofy and somehow moretolerable. Although that might just be because he’s not trying to kill me.
I don’t like it, but this guy is important to my mate. Which means we’re going to have to get along.
Damn, is this what it’s like for King Dax? If so, I get it now.
Given some time, I could see Jeff and me getting along.Maybeeven being friends.
My wolf growls.
That is, if my wolf didn’t want to make him into a chew toy. What has gotten into him? I’ll deal with my wolf later. Right now, I have a birthday to save.
“I was sent—”
“Ahem,” Casey says.
“Oh right, pirate voice.” I clear my throat. “Yar, I was sent here for matters regarding Princess Jay.”
Jeff’s neck elongates as he perks up. “Jay? What’s wrong with Jay? Is she okay?”
“Yar, the lass is fine.”And none of your concern. “Tomorrow is her birthday, and the princess would like for you and Captain Wee Bit to attend the celebration, matey.”
The invitation is unexpected—that’s why I’m not surprised when he side eyes me. “You want me to come to Bloodhound to celebrate Jay’s birthday?”
“And me!” Casey says.
“Aye, that is what I’m saying.”
Jeff squints his eyes. “Is this a trap?”
“No, matey. Unfortunately, it is not a trap.”
Jeff considers it. Then, apprehensively, he says, “Alright. But next time, tell Princess Jay that a simple RSVP will do. No need to send Captain Dick Bit.”
“Language, Captain!” Casey snaps.
“Arr, Princess Jay doesn’t know you’re coming. But as long as there’s no fuss, yer won’t have to worry about being tied up.”
I stand and hand Casey the eye patch.
“No, you keep it.” She points to me. “For next time.”
