Page 4 of Healing Her Lions

The sound of a truck reaches me at the same time I hear Margaret, the lovely lady we are working for, sit in the lawn chair she has centered so she has full view of us working. A small smile tugs at my lips. She has to be at least in her sixties and enjoys watching her three employees without our shirts on.

I don’t mind it. I’m glad she is still taking the little joys out of life. At least someone is enjoying my body; I haven’t tried dating since the rescue. Most shifters dream of the day they find their mate, but unless I literally stumble over her in the forest or one of my jobs, it’s not happening. I’ve been busy building the business, and I haven’t felt as if I was deserving of a mate.

I do mind the truck making its way steadily down the drive. I recognize the man in the cowboy hat behind the wheel.

Elijah. A cheetah shifter.

He’s a new friend. I should have been more welcoming, since he was there for me when I needed a safe space. He didn’t care that I hardly said a word. He filled the silence from my lack of conversation. He’s happily mated now and makes sure everyone knows it.

I stand as he jumps from the truck. He tips his hat at Margaret and gives her a charming grin on his way over. She recognizes him since he has been here many times and winks.

“Logan,” he shouts. “Get down here and give me a hug.” He holds his arms out.

I roll my eyes but jump off the porch. Elijah is a hugger. It’s easier not to fight it. On principle, I have to show reluctance—secretly, there were many days I needed it.

“What are you doing here?” I ask while he pulls me in. I slap his back once and pull away.

“What? I can’t come to see my friend?” He tries his best to sound offended.

“You can,” I concede.

“Brothers,” he greets as mine walk over.

“Elijah,” Las says. He is the baby brother. He’s quiet and watchful most of the time. His hair is dark blond and shaggy at the best of times. He runs his fingers through the sweaty strands, making it worse.

Lucas, the middle brother, steps forward, willingly embracing Elijah. “Did you bring food?” Lucas asks. His light blonde hair is sticking to his forehead.

“I didn’t, but I thought you all might want to go out to eat.” Elijah pushes his hat lower on his head.

“Sure,” Lucas answers.

“Why today?” I narrow my eyes. “Where is Saylor?” Saylor is his sweet, pregnant mate, and she has been the best thing that has happened to him.

“She’s having some girl time,” he says with a pout.

“Sick of you already?” Lucas jabs.

“Fuck no,” Elijah snaps. “I heard that Serenity sold the little diner. One of the women showed up today that bought it.”

“So?” Las asks.

“So, don’t you want to see who will be starting a bakery? I mean…cakes and breads. My mouth waters just imagining it.” He sighs dreamily. “My brothers had to work.”

“So go.” I lean on my heels and cross my arms.

“I also heard from Ryker that he gave her your business card.”

“He mentioned that he was going to, but I’m not going to force her to call us.” I refuse to use pressure tactics. I didn’t ask Ryker to do that, either. I want our work to speak for us.

“Ryker said that she’s pretty,” Elijah continues slyly.

“Are you trying to set my big brother up?” Lucas asks.

“Of course not,” he denies. “I just think maybe he could benefit from some softer company.” He looks pointedly at my brothers.

“Are you often thinking about my sex life?” I ask dryly with a tilt of my head.

“Fuck off,” he growls.

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