Page 58 of Act of Passion

Edee gave him a droll look. “You’re like a badpenny.”

He grinned. “Thanks.” He then reached for Bethany. “Wee one, yer exhausted. Come on. I’ll stand outside yer bedroom door and make sure no one comes in that shouldnae be there. I’ll stay out there the rest of the night so you can sleep withoutworry.”

She giggled. “You sound like Uncle Gram. He’s very hard to understand when he’supset.”

Boomer laughed. “So isStriker.”

“Your name is Striker?” she asked. “That’s a terriblename.”

Striker laughed. “’’Tis better than my given name, lass. Come. You and Aunt Edee both look like you could use some sleep. I’ll nae let anyone near either ofyou.”

“Promise?” askedBethany.

Striker crossed his heart. “Promise.”

Brooke glanced at her best friend. “Edee, I need to talk to you about something. Someone really. But not with everyone around.Okay?”

Edeenodded.

Bethany kissed Brooke and then went to Striker before twisting in his arms and grabbing Malik around the neck. She kissed his cheek too and he grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her, sliding her gently out of Striker’s hold. He closed his eyes and held Bethany tenderly. She yawned again and put her head against his chest, her eyelids flutteringshut.

Malik rocked her gently. “You’re safe now,princess.”

Brooke didn’t dare move. She simply stood there, dumbfounded to see Malik being so incredibly good withBethany.

Striker surprised Brooke next by pulling her into a hug and squeezing tight. “I’m sorry Tut was a moron. You’ve a precious family, Brooke. I’ll take the wee one up to get some sleep. And I’ll make sure Edee reststoo.”

She hugged him back. “Thankyou.”

He made a move to take Bethany, who was now fast asleep onMalik.

A low growl came fromMalik.

Bethany stirred slightly but didn’t open her eyes. She patted Malik’s cheek, her stuffed lion smashed between them. “Don’t let the mean out,Daddy.”

Everyonefroze.

Edee stared at Brooke. “Did she just call him what I think she calledhim?”

“Aye,” said Striker. “The wee one’s shifter side knows who Malik is to her. It understands his scent and the bond they share. And it’s clear the wee one’s gifts sensed who her father was long before tonight. It would explain the lion bein’ named afterTut.”

Brooke cupped hermouth.

Malik kissed Bethany’s forehead. “I’m sorry, princess. I won’t let the meanout.”

Striker nodded and then took Bethany from Malik, holding her as if he’d held a hundred children before. He looked like a pro. He then ushered Edee through the door and into thehouse.

“Brooke,” said Malik, reaching forher.

She stepped out of reach and pushed her hair behind her ears. “Thank you for your help tonight. You can gonow.”

“What?” heasked.

“Gram knows how to reach you, right?” sheasked.

“You want me to leave?” heasked.

Boomer huffed. “Can you really blame her? You were a giant tool toher.”

---