Page 94 of Not Your Ordinary Shifter

My mouth gaped open. “What’s going on?”

“When I went to get the captain, I found out that we have the same employer. After calling in to make sure he was who hesaid he was, we came up with a plan so that he’d get to keep his cover,” Will explained.

Mary jumped in before I had the chance. “Who’s your employer?”

“There’s a lot we can’t explain, but what we can tell you is that Jody here works for a special branch of the government. We’re independent contractors for the same branch. Trent is in a lot of trouble and hopefully after this, you won’t have to worry about him for a very long time,” Will explained.

“There’s a team getting ready to board. They’re going to take me in, along with the rest of the crew and the guards. Don’t blow my cover. We wanted to prepare you ladies, so you’d know the team boarding us are not bad guys and that you are safe. Don’t resist. Just go along with them until they secure the yacht.”

Will shifted his weight from foot to foot. “After the crew and guards have been taken away, we’re going to sneak you off the yacht and bring you home with us, where you will be safe until everything is wrapped up. Our house is plenty big enough for the two of you to stay for however long you need to. Trent has too many powerful friends to trust witness protection.”

Mary stepped in before I could process everything we’d just learned. “That sounds like an excellent plan. We’ll accept your hospitality.”

I cleared my throat. “There’s something you should know.” I looked down at the shiny hardwood floor. “Anthony, the guard that attacked me today, told me that Trent killed my mom. And that the guards took turn raping her before she was killed.”

Will growled before stalking toward me and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “I’m so sorry. He will pay, Nova. We will make sure of it.”

A loud commotion came from down below.

“Showtime,” Jody said. “Just don’t forget. Far as you guys know, I’m just another asshole working for Trent.”

Chapter

Six

WILL

The trepidation I’d had since leaving the yacht continued to grow. Even knowing that this was the best course of action for Nova and Mary did not help calm my nerves. Our dad was going to flip shit when he found out we were bringing outsiders to our island home.

Of course, Beck and Kato were as happy as two pigs in shit. Idiots obviously hadn’t considered what introducing them to the rest of the shoal would really mean for the women.

The fact that something weird seemed to be happening between Nova, my brothers, and I was another growing cause of concern. The few times I’d touched her, sparks had ignited. I had tried my best to ignore it, but if we were going to be stuck babysitting the women until Trent had been dealt with, it would be impossible to push aside.

As I guided the zodiac into the cove, it came as no surprise to find our dad pacing the dock. I couldn’t see his face, but his body language spoke volumes. He was pissed. Beck and Kato stiffened up when they finally noticed our welcoming committee of one.

Once I had pulled alongside the dock, I threw Dad the rope to tie us off and climbed out. Kato jumped out first and held hishand out for Mary. Beck followed suit and, after Nova handed him the small bags that the ladies had brought, helped her out of the zodiac. Dad turned his glare toward our small party.

Mary, her hand out in greeting, attempted to step toward Dad, but her sea legs had her stumbling forward. Dad rushed in and grasped her around the waist, keeping her from face planting.

A loud gasp ran out. “Oh my. Thank you,” Mary breathed out while staring up at dad.

He cleared his throat. Then did it again. Finally, he found his voice. “My pleasure. I’m Jed.”

“I’m Mary,” she whispered.

An awkward couple of moments passed as the two remained locked together. Neither one seemed able to look away. When I glanced at Nova, she had a huge grin on her face. My brothers looked just as confused as I.

What the hell was going on?

Nova giggled, breaking the spell the two seemed to be under. Dad stepped back but kept a hold of Mary’s arm. She didn’t seem to mind.

“Well, don’t just stand around,” Dad said. He gazed down at Mary. “Let’s get these ladies into the house. I bet you could do with a good meal, a shower and a soft bed.”

What the absolute fuck was happening? Gone was my dad’s stony exterior and in its place, a softer version seemed to have taken over. He gazed down at Mary, then tucked her against his side and led the way to the waiting side-by-side.

We held back long enough to exchange shocked looks. They were just as confused as I was.

Nova leaned toward us. “I thought you said he was a hard ass and that we should be prepared for him to yell a lot. He seemed like a giant teddy bear.”

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