Page 41 of Prospecting

“Pheromones,” Cade murmured. “She’s his mate.” He said this part louder so Hazel heard him. “He’s waited a long time for her.”

“How do you know,” Sheridan asked pinning him with fury burning in her eyes.

“Because he told me he found his mate in her when we met up with them,” Cade said.

“Is she in any danger,” Hazel asked. “He’s a full Sinivite. I’ve heard horror stories.”

“Not from any human who was mated with a Sinivite,” Cade said annoyed with her drama. “Does she have a fertility block in?”

“This is very private,” Hazel said.

“Mom, answer him,” Sheridan said.

“Yes,” Hazel said. “It was put in three months ago. He’s gotten very possessive.”

“He’s waited a year to allow her to heal,” Cade said. “Her ex can’t get to her anymore. He’s in prison.”

“How do you know,” Hazel asked.

“Tappn gave his name to his cousin who works in security to put him on a watch list,” Cade said. “He was very angry with how the man treated Mia and Frannie, particularly Frannie.”

“What happened,” Sheridan asked, watching him intently.

“They caught him selling underage girls,” Cade said. “Some were disgustingly young.”

“When did this happen,” Sheridan asked.

“Four months ago,” Cade said.

“She’s fragile,” Hazel sniffled. “He’s taking advantage of her.”

“Mom, don’t be overly dramatic,” Sheridan said. “Unless I miss my guess, Mia realized the bastard wasn’t coming back so she looked for her next boyfriend.”

“Your sister isn’t... you make it sound…” Hazel said.

“She is who she is,” Sheridan said. “If she’s with Tappn, he’ll keep her busy.”

“What do you mean,” Hazel said.

“Give them three weeks,” Cade said. “If they aren’t back, my family will find them.”

“Sheridan,” Hazel asked.

“He’s right,” Sheridan said reassuring her mother. She noticed how alike Mia and her mother were.

“I miss my baby,” Hazel said.

“Spend time with Frannie,” Cade said a hint of anger in his voice. “Your oldest daughter will be back shortly.”

Sheridan cut off the transmission. “I’m sorry we woke you,” she said.

“I don’t want you upset by all this,” Cade said trying to hide his anger.

“Why are you angry,” she asked shifting from the pilot’s seat to his lap.

“You don’t want to know,” he growled.

“I do,” she said. “Say it. I don’t want it between us.”