Page 51 of Coty

“That so?” Pop sounds shocked and impressed.

“It is.” I move to Granddad’s cup.

“Good job. Knew you’d be an excellent helper.” Pops gives me a high five.

The people who work closely with the angels are referred to as helpers. Most of them handle transportation. A few, like Nina, have official titles. This was my first time transporting an angel. I understand now how Nina felt when she made the decision to save Lily. Knowing your friend is safe and alive is far better than letting them continue being abused or worse.

“Can I get you two anything else?”

“Food. I’m starving.” Granddad takes a sip of coffee. He prefers his black.

Lily’s laughter fills the Den as she and Jack enter the room from the hallway. Jack gives her a long kiss before she goes to the kitchen. Jack walks up to the bar and slaps his hand down.

“Morning, Kayla. I’ll have a cup.” Jack takes the stool between Pops and Granddad. “You sleep well?”

“Not bad, considering.” I glance toward the hallway. It’s rare for Jack’s shadow not to be following him.

“He’s not here.” Jack takes the cream and sugar from Pops.

“What?” Playing dumb doesn’t work this morning.

“Coty went to his grandparents’ ranch. One of their ranch hands got hurt.” Jack grins. “But we’ll watch over you until he gets back.”

“Uh.” I storm back to the kitchen. “I don’t need anybody watching over me,” I grumble.

“Not true.” Nana pulls a pan of biscuits from the oven. “There’s a mighty big problem in Knoxville.”

“What problem? Nick said Cory was going to be fine.”

Lily grits her teeth as she scoops a large spoonful of scrambled eggs onto plates. “Cory will recover, but he’s a problem. He told the cops you and Kira attacked him.”

“What? No. That’s not true.”

“We know, but the police in Knoxville need proof.” Lily sets the frying pan back on the stove. “After breakfast, we’ll go to the office so I can take pictures of your back. Nina will document Kira’s injuries. I’ll give everything to Nick, and he’ll create a medical file.”

“Don’t we need a doctor for that?”

“I’m a nurse. Close enough.” Lily fits in perfectly here. She’s becoming as sneaky as the rest of the McLeods.

“Do you wanna trade places with Dobbs and work at the Den tonight?” Nana pushes a tray of bacon in front of me.

“I really need the tips from the Roadhouse.” I place four slices on each plate. Two slices will never do for a Viking.

“When does your shift start tonight?” Lily asks.

“At four. After breakfast, I need to go home.” I cover the sheet pan with a new piece of parchment paper and line it with more bacon.

“Not without a prospect you don’t,” Nana informs me.

I spin around. “What? I don’t need a prospect.”

“It’s the only way you’re leaving here.” Jack walks in. He kisses his grandmother’s cheek before wrapping his arms around Lily from behind.

“Why? Because Coty said so?” I snap.

Nana slaps a spatula on the counter and points it at me. “Listen here, missy. Rodeo is a patched member. He’ll be VP one day. He carries a lot of weight around here. Of course, we’re gonna listen to him and take what he says seriously.”

“But I’m not his ole’ lady. He doesn’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do.”

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