Page 47 of The Rabbit's Foot
“Your mistake?”
Alp sighed. “I was… angry at Mal. I needed him, skin to skin, and he was dealing with something else. When he held me, I tried to get closer, and in my need, I shifted. Lydia was there, and saw.”
Damon rubbed a hand over his eyes. “A shifter who can’t control himself is a threat. He could expose us all.”
This time it was Mal who stepped forward, pushing Alp and Lydia behind him. “If you try to touch them, I swear to the Maker, I will gut you where you stand. No one threatens my mate or our friend.”
Tension filled the air as the two Firsts glared at one another. Alp wasn’t sure what to do, but then a voice rang out.
“Stop the posturing, for fuck’s sake. Mal, he wouldn’t harm a hair—” She snickered. “On your hare. And as for the human, we are pleased to have an ally such as her.”
A moment later, three people got out of the same Hummer Damon had. Alp was struck by the woman. She was tall, her shoulders wide. The muscle shirt she wore showed off her powerful arms, and her narrow hips were hugged by the black jeans she wore. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a harsh ponytail, exposing her face, which Alp found to be expressive, with eyes that were rife with mischief.
This had to be Cece.
“Damon, stop being a dick.”
He flushed and turned his attention back to Lydia. “I’m sorry,” he said, and it sounded sincere. “My mate is right. With the changes going on in the world, we need all the allies we can get. Please forgive my stupidity.” He leaned in and sniffed her, then brushed his face against hers. “You are welcome among us.”
Lydia looked like she was about to fall over.
“There. Much better. See? We can all be friends.”
It was easy to see Cece wasn’t one to take lightly. Two men flanked her, both with their hands crossed in front of them as they scanned the area. They were tall, their features harsh and angular. They seemed to be wound tight, ready to spring into action. Their harsh buzzcuts and deep, dark eyes sent a shiver through Alp, because he couldn’t read them at all.
“Hey, Alp. I’m Cece.” She opened her arms and wiggled her fingers. “Come gimme some sugar.”
Alp smiled and raced toward her, but the two men stepped in front of her, barring his path.
“Seriously?” she snapped. “Did you not fucking hear me call him to come over to me?”
The men didn’t move, their eyes locked on Alp. Cece stepped around them, her face like a thunderstorm. Someone was about to get smacked down.
“Damon Walker, tell me you did not order Tweedledum and Tweededumber to keep me safe!” She huffed out a breath. “I can beat them both, so how are they supposed to protect me?
“I will make no apologies for that!” Damon snapped, obviously annoyed, but Alp saw it. The love in his eyes as his gaze settled on Cece. “Had you stayed home—”
“Don’t start this again. I’m here, I’m not leaving, get over yourself.” Her head swiveled back to Alp as she once again held up her arms. “As I was saying, baby, come give mama some sugar.”
He stepped to the side, then closed the gap between them. He squeaked when Cece snatched him off the ground and brought him into a crushing hug.
“It is so good to meet you,” she whispered in his ear. “You and I? We’re gonna be such good friends, I can tell.” She put him down, then turned to Mal and gave him a warm smile. “A pleasure to see you again, Mal.”
“And you, First mate,” Mal said, dipping his chin respectfully.
Cece rolled her eyes. “What is this shit?” she barked. “You know my name. We’ve been friends for years.”
Mal frowned. “It’s a matter of respect, and—”
“Have you ever, and I meaneverknown Cece to care about respect?” Damon asked, his tone grumpy. “Do you know she actually did call my mother and tell her I didn’t trust her with the kids?”
“Because you were being a dick and saying I couldn’t come with you,” she shot back. “I’m your best backup, and you damn well know it.”
“But the kids need their mother! If something happens—”
Cece gave him a soft smile. “Then your mother will raise them, as she did you. Wiley will make a fine First when he comes of age—you made sure of that.” She slipped an arm around Alp. “And I had someone I was dying to meet.”
Alp cleared his throat. “I’m going to go get the food.”
