Page 78 of Healing Her Lions

“Really?” she asks suspiciously, narrowing her hostile eyes.

“Really. Now, if that’s all, I’ll ask you to leave.”

“We could still help, sweets.” She tries to grab my arm, and I step back quickly; my back connects with Logan.

“You shouldn’t treat family this way,” she says.

“These men are my family.” The words burst out, but they feel right. She rocks back in shock. “So, as you can see, I have all the help I need. If you talk to Caleb, you can let him know that he doesn’t need to come here either.”

“Can I speak to you alone?” Mom asks, whispering furiously.

“No," I state firmly.

“Bree,” she gasps. “I think we need to go to the other room and speak.”

“It won’t matter,” I sigh.

“What?” she frowns.

“Doesn’t matter.” I wave. I am not going to break the news to them about shifters. “I have an idea; why don’t you go check out of the hotel and go back home?”

“Breeane,” Dad snaps, taking a step forward.

Las is suddenly in front of me, staring him down. “You need to leave,” he commands calmly. When my parents open their mouths to argue, he says, “We can meet you for supper. Breeane needs some time to adjust to your presence, and you both need to reevaluate how you want to approach her. She is under our protection, and we don’t like her upset.” I peek around his arm to see their stunned expressions. “Give me your phone number,” he demands, pulling his phone from his pocket.

“Breeane has it,” Mom proclaims.

“I’m sure she does, but I am asking for it. From now on, you speak to me,” he explains.

“But—” Mom starts to protest.

“This isn’t an option,” Las snaps. “If you want to meet with her again, we will be with her, and you will give me your number.”

“Give him the damn number, Rita,” Dad mumbles.

Mom rattles off her number while glaring at my pleased face. I feel like a child who got her way and have to restrain myself from sticking out my tongue.

“I will text you the location of the restaurant,” Las continues while saving her number.

“We can eat at her place; there is no need to go out,” Mom says, lifting her chin.

“What did I say?” Las grumbles. I straighten and snap behind his back, mostly to hold in the laughter.

“We look forward to it,” Dad says.

I listen to the scuffling of feet.

“They are gone,” Lucas informs me. “You can come out of hiding.”

I look over to see him watching me with an amused expression. “I knew if I laughed, she would lose it. Rather, she would lose it even more.”

“It wasn’t a criticism, Slugger,” he says softly.

I tip my head in acknowledgment before looking at Las. He turns slowly.

“Those are your parents,” he states.

“Yes. Are you regretting having me for a mate yet?” I ask, half serious.

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