Page 11 of Shattered

Aurora parked in an empty spot near the stairs. “Yeah. It’s why we’ve been invited. I bet you’re going to make so many friends here tonight.”

“Do you think Mikey will be here?” Abby glanced up at her with round, anxious, blue eyes.

“I think so.”

“Oh, good. At least I won’t be alone.” Abby smiled. “Can we go in now?”

Aurora nodded. “Let’s go!” They got out of the car then walked up to the door and knocked. Aurora placed her niece in front of her and waited. “Remember, no leafy green veggies, no cranberry juice, or hot dogs or—"

“Come on in,” Kalkin said, after opening the door. “Glad you could make it.”

Aurora stared up at him. He put off a ‘don’t fuck with me’ vibe, she still couldn’t get a handle on. It could be she’d barely spent time with him. “Thanks.” She tucked a lock of her curly-brunette hair behind her ear. Heat filled her cheeks when he continued to stare at her while she scooted past him. “Thank you for inviting us. I really hope we’re not intruding. Keeley said this party was for everyone, and you know...”

Stop rambling.

“You’re not,” Kalkin grunted. “Intruding that is. Hello, Abby.”

“’Lo, Mr. Wolf.” She was the spitting image of her mother. After giving her a bath, Aurora had pulled her long red hair into a high ponytail. Her blue eyes twinkled with happiness, though her coloring was a little off. She frowned. Maybe they shouldn’t have come out, after all. She knew some of it came from the surgery and subsequent medication Abby took, but her cheeks were a little too pink.If she’s too hot later, I’ll take her to the clinic.

Kalkin chuckled. “Come on back. We have drinks and food for everyone.” He glanced at Abby. “The kids are outside if you want to go play with them. Or, the babies are in the nursery if you’d rather be with them.”

“Mumsy, can I go outside?” Abby looked up at Aurora.

“You may. Remember to keep your sweater on.” The little girl skipped to the door. “Sorry about her not dressing up. She said she’s already wearing her costume.” She rolled her eyes at Kalkin and gave a small chuckle. “I should warn you, though, she’s on a strict diet.”

Kalkin’s brows shot up. “At five?”

Aurora laughed. “Her medication has strict guidelines.”

“Well, then, tell me what she can have, since I’m manning the grill.”

She followed after Kalkin through the living room into the kitchen. “Chicken is good. Fries and potatoes are great. No salads. No cranberry or grapefruit juice...” She gave him the condensed version of her food choices.

Kalkin blinked at her. “Wow. I didn’t realize. How is she today?”

“I guess okay,” she answered. “Sorry to bum you out.”

“It’s okay. So, are you liking our little community?” Kalkin grabbed a soda out of one of the coolers sitting on the kitchen table then handed it to her.

“I am. I have to thank you again for the job. I really think I am going to like working for the Sheriff’s Department.” She loved the work, even though she’d only been in training for a week, the eight hours of learning gave her a chance to familiarize herself with all the equipment she’d be using. Also, it gave her a chance to learn how to protect her and Abby, just in case.

“Good. Loraine only says good things about you,” he replied. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”

Kalkin brought her over to Keeley and Danielle first. Then they made their rounds through the living room. There were so many people. Charisma she knew from the kids’ school. Royce because of him being her mate. There were men from the Dryer family there along with their mates. Aurora’s head was spinning at the amount of information being given to her, she feared she’d never remember it. “And this, is my eldest brother, Mackenzie or Mac for short. He is Riley and Liam’s father.”

Eldest brother? How was that possible? Both men appeared to be the same age. Then it dawned on her. Wolf genetics. She took a moment to take her fill of him. He had shoulder-length black hair and the bluest of eyes. Not the same shade as Abby. More like cobalt than blue. His shoulders were broad. His chest and stomach were bulky and muscular. A shiver of arousal floated through her, and she brushed it aside. At twenty-three, she hadn’t had a chance to experience life. Being stunted as she was, Aurora was bound to find any man sexy as hell. She held a trembling hand out to him. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”

Mackenzie took it. “Likewise.”

“Aurora is our new dispatcher. Loraine has been training her. You probably saw her daughter skip through here. Her name is Abby.” Kalkin stared at his brother, who appeared indifferent.

Mackenzie nodded. “Good to know. So, you’re new here?”

“Yeah, kind of,” Aurora answered. “I really like it, though.”

Mackenzie nodded. “Where did you move from?”

“Washington,” she answered before taking a sip of her soda.

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