Page 80 of The Huntress

“N-no, please. Mama said to never come back.” Her stilted cry broke something in Callie.

“What about your alpha?” Beasts have those, right? Like in her romance novels.

“He’s mean. Mama said he hates poly-shifters, so staying home would make him angry.”

“I’d love to keep you, sweetheart. We just need to make sure we can.”

“You’d keep me?” The hope on George’s face was painful to witness.

Callie crushed her in her arms, kissing her temple.

“I’d love you like a daughter.” She stroked her black hair, hoping George could remain with her, and that there were no other obstacles to hinder adoption.

She’d been there for Callie when she needed help. There was nothing in the world that would force her to abandon George who needed her now. Even if she couldn’t keep her, Callie wouldn’t abandon her.

“You will?” There was a sniffle then a sob.

Callie let her cry, but rubbed her hair and back, hoping to convey how safe she was.

“Gabe’s readying your bedroom. I’ve no idea where it is, but it’s yours if you want it.”

“My own room?” George hiccupped.

“Yes, it’s all yours. You’re kind of stuck with me, whether you stay or not. I’m in your life for good.”

“As am I,” Gabe said from the doorway.

George jerked back, her head popping up to meet his gaze.

He bounded over and landed on the bed, shaking it. “I hope you like pink…tons of it, because it’s my favorite color. Everyone knows vampires can’t like pink. Wehaveto wear blacks and grays. That’s more fitting.”

George giggled, shaking her head. “I like pink too. It’s not a shifter color either.”

“We’ll make it our family color.” Gabe flashed a charming smile. “Are you hungry? You had a nibble of Callie’s steak, but I can get you anything you want, princess.”

“You can?” She gasped, lifting wide eyes to Callie. “Like pizza? Hotdogs? Ice cream?” Her voice rose with excitement, squealing with delight.

“Sure,” Gabe said.

“Don’t you want to see your room first? We can eat in the kitchen afterward.” Callie was curious where George’s bedroom was.

“Like a family?” George asked in a soft voice, hope, excitement, and joy splitting her cheeks with a bright smile.

“Yes.” Gabe scooped George into his arms, spinning her as he carried her out of the room.

She squealed in delight but clung to him, just in case. Her fear had lessened but hadn’t left her completely. That would take time.

Callie followed, wiping away a stray tear.

Chapter Thirty-One

ENTERTAINING

Gabrielforcedhimselftoglance at his ancient Greek texts. He would read a line, then find himself watching Callie. She sat on the Persian carpet with her files strewn around her, a frown furrowing her brow. She’d shuffle papers, scribble a note, and sigh. The lighting caressed her auburn hair, the shape of her cheek, the pink of her lips. He was as fascinated by her as the day he’d met her.

Every fifteen minutes or so, George would rush out of her room, having discovered a new toy or book or to parade a clothing item. His heart swelled when Callie’s face softened, and she’d tug George onto her lap for a cuddle. The little girl would jump up to show Gabriel her discovery with excitement and pure joy in her eyes. Such innocence was a rare gift.

He’d receive castigation for bringing a shifter into his home, perhaps even mocked for his decision. Surrounded by vampires wouldn’t make her life easier. They would bully and demean her, but not if he was near, or so help them. He’d already contacted the alphas to locate the one he should murder. Tossing a child out into the streets to survive on her own was unacceptable.

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