Page 45 of So I Won a Werelion

“It’s okay.”

Layla skipped out of the room, but Daphne lingered. “We’re still getting used to having overnight guests, and the whole personal space thing is a work in progress. Would you like some coffee? I wasn’t expecting anyone other than Gabe, so the best I can offer for breakfast is some fruit and yogurt or frozen waffles. Or whatever weird protein shake thing he likes.”

“Coffee would be great. Thanks.” I smoothed my hair, hoping that I remembered to pack my hairbrush. Gabe had been so insistent that we leave in a hurry, not to mention how distracted I’d been to have him in my house…naked. It had taken everything I had not to invite him into my bedroom, especially after that kiss that had been so rudely interrupted by—

“Daphne,” I said before she left the room. “Why was Layla talking about bad wolves?”

She rolled her eyes in a way that told me that her daughter had told me too much. “She must have overheard the guys talking. They’re having a meeting to decide what to do about you.”

I was a grown-ass woman capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much. “Have they come to any conclusions?”

She shook her head. “They think the wolves you ran into last night will want the last word. No one wants them to make that statement here, but Gabe won’t let them wash their hands of you.”

No mention of the artifacts we’d found. I wondered if those discoveries had stayed between Gabe, me,The Mating Gamecrew, and these dangerous wolves. Daphne’s demeanor had stayed just as gentle as when she’d reprimanded her daughter, so I couldn’t tell what outcome she was rooting for.

“Does anyone know whotheyare?” The wolves from last night weren’t local. I’d been at odds with every pack or pride associated with the council after I’d dug too close to their ancient secrets, but none of them would have attacked me, especially when I was with Gabe.

She shook her head. “That’s what they’re trying to figure out.”

“Sorry I’ve brought trouble with me. Unfortunately, I’m really good at it.” That was it. I had to tell Gabe and Bibi that I couldn’t do the show. I couldn’t put the pride in danger.

But that kiss had been pretty magical…

No. I couldn’t let the best kiss of my life from a naked lion shifter distract me from my mission.

“I’ve had my fair share myself.” She gave me a gentle but strong smile. “I’ve been in your position before. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

She turned and left the room and I dragged myself out of bed. The room smelled like Gabe, and I lingered a moment, because this would probably be the last peaceful moment I’d have for a while. I checked my bag to make sure the newest artifact was still in there.

Energy radiated from it. There was no way Daphne and Leo wouldn’t be able to sense I’d brought real danger into their house. No matter what those lions decided, I couldn’t stay here.

But where was safe, when I was human and possessed an ancient artifact shifters were willing to kill me for?

I really needed coffee. So I threw on jeans and a T-shirt and padded out to the living area.

Daphne handed me a steaming mug full of the magic stuff.

“You’re the best. Thank you.”

Two little boys stared at me like they’d never seen a human in their house before.

“She’s the enemy.” One of them pointed at me. “The wolves will come for us!”

“Boys, Wendy’s not an enemy. She’s your Uncle Gabe’s…” Her gaze slid over me. The entire world knew I’d rejected him, but her hesitation showed me she had as many questions about me as her kids did. “Friend?”

I nodded. “Yes. Your Uncle Gabe and I have been friends for a long time, and I’ve heard all about you.” I sounded like such an old lady. “And I promise no wolves will attack me while I’m here.”

One of the little boy’s eyes widened. “They are after you?”

“They were.” I debated telling them the next part, but I had a chance to earn Gabe some serious street cred. “And your uncle fought them off and got me out of there.”

“Whoa.” The older boy looked at his little brother, impressed.

I turned back to Daphne. “Do you know where Gabe is?”

Our original plan for today had been to research the artifact we found last night, but that might take a backseat until I got clarification about what the kids were saying. Because kids this age were really bad at telling lies.

“If you follow the path around the curve, you’ll come to the base of the ski resort. The guys like to meet there.” Daphnepeered out the window as a vehicle’s wheels crunched on gravel. “Looks like you might have some company.”

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