Page 29 of Hell's Gator

“That!” Valerie asked, pointing at Lucien.

“Oh, my goodness!” Delilah said suggestively.

“He’s pretty,” Valerie said.

“And dangerous! I like dangerous!” Delilah said.

“I’m right here!” Kaid announced.

“You’re dangerous, too, my mate,” Delilah cooed at him.

Bam chuckled.

“This is my new friend Lucien,” Brandt announced.

“He’s staying for a while,” Tempest added.

“The hell you say,” Hellen snapped, walking out of the kitchen and past her mother and aunt to come to a stop right in front of Lucien. “I told you not to come!”

So far, Lucien had been practically unaware of every other single female in the room. But then Hellen walked in and his face morphed from one of intensity, to a slow seductive grin. “There she is.”

“What are you doing here?” Hellen demanded.

“You said ask for permission to be here, I asked.”

“And you let him stay?” Hellen demanded, turning her glare on Brandt.

“He likes me,” Lucien said. “Thinks I’m funny.”

“Oh, he’s a lot of things. Funny is not one of them,” Hellen declared to Brandt.

“He’s kind of funny,” Brandt said. “Can’t believe you didn’t save me an eclair.”

“Didn’t know you were coming. And I wouldn’t have given it to you anyway since you brought him.”

“You said to get permission, I got permission,” Lucien reiterated.

“Nobody was supposed to give him permission. He was supposed to be leaving!” Hellen shouted.

“What is she rattling on about now?” Maverik asked, walking out of the kitchen with two donuts stacked in his hand as he took a bite of them both at the same time.

“Him!” Everly said, completely involved in the presence of the new guy.

“Who are you?” Maverik demanded.

“He’s just a guy,” Hellen hurried to say.

Valerie looked from Lucien to Hellen and back again with a knowing smile. “Hellen, baby. Introduce us to your friend.”

“He’s Brandt’s friend.”

“I’m your friend, and you know it,” Lucien said.

They had a staring contest for just a few minutes before he smirked, then looked up and around the room. “Hello. I’m Lucien. I’m Hellen’s…”

“Friend. He’s my friend,” she interjected.

“Mate,” he finished. “I am Lucien and I’m Hellen’s mate.”

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