Page 4 of Anger

“The idea you had about recycling is stupid and won’t work,” Lanie said, and Jase drew in an outraged breath.

“It is not! You watch me… oh. I see.”

“By telling you, you couldn’t do something, I ensured you’d try to do it. Exactly what you just did to Willow. No wonder your pregnant wife is out there scaring the crap out of people,” Lanie pointed out.

Jase sighed. “Willow’s going to make me suffer, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. And I’m surprised your scaly ass is not already out there,” Lanie said.

“I was, but Amari decided to bite both her parents, and Emmaline is wailing about her nipples. Vladimir is trying to calm her down, and I got roped into looking after her, and Willow escaped,” Jase complained.

“The trials and error of being a godparent,” Lanie teased.

“Yeah, well, I think Emmaline is working with Willow because Willow skedaddled the moment Amari played up,” Jase grouched.

“Jase, Willow is surrounded by sea life who love her. She’s not alone out there, and Willow’s probably safer there than in the castle! She can also breathe underwater and hide down there for days on end. Stop fretting and worry more about getting your suite ready. Willow has told everyone you’re dragging your feet!” Lanie chided.

“The betrayal of that woman is shocking! There’s no loyalty!” Jase snarled grumpily, but Lanie heard the love in his voice.

“Yup, and tragically for Willow, she puts up with your grumpy ass. Now get to it and sort things out for your lady!” Lanie replied and hung up before Jase could continue. No doubt he’d ring another sibling and be told the same thing.

For a man who’d been so anti human, it was amusing how Willow had him wrapped around her little finger. Poseidon had fallen hard and didn’t care who knew it.

Lanie smiled; she could only imagine how it felt to be loved like that. She’d never experienced it.

???

Lanie was finishing up when a knock sounded. She looked up and frowned as she saw Ranson with a stranger. He was dressed the same as Ranson, but he wasn’t one of her guards. Lanie’s back went up.

“Miss Cross. This is Joe McIntyre. He’s replacing Emmet Strong. Mac is my cousin,” Ranson said, and Lanie’s eyes widened a little. She compared the men, noting their identical eyes. A bright, clear green that was sharp and insightful. Ranson was blonde, whereas McIntyre was dark. In fact, McIntyre reminded her of Drew McIntyre.

“Did Strong enjoy his party?” Lanie asked as she reached out to shake McIntyre’s hand.

She scanned his aura and was relieved to find it clear of anger. Lanie hated touching people but her guards she always scanned.

She always referred to her guards by their surnames. It helped her keep some distance. Human lives were fleeting things, delicate and fragile. It never paid to get involved in them. But McIntyre was certainly handsome and worth a second look.

“Yes, ma’am. Mac is consistent with all procedures and policies. He did fifteen years in the Special Boat Service before retiring with honours,” Ranson explained.

Lanie cocked an eyebrow. The SBS was an elite force within the Royal Navy, and only the best got in.

“And now you’ve come to work for me?” Lanie questioned, surprised.

“Yes, Ma’am. I took a year off, but I’m ready to get back to it.”

Lanie studied him. “The SBS motto is ‘By Strength and Guile’, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“What squadron were you in?” Lanie asked.

McIntyre gazed at her, and Lanie wondered what he was seeing or thinking. “M Squadron.”

Lanie held his gaze. “Black Group?” she inquired, naming the rumoured notorious black ops group that worked within the SBS.

“I can’t confirm or deny that,” McIntyre replied.

Lanie was amused. “I’ll let that be your answer. What rank were you?”

---