Page 63 of Guardian of Shadows

“Please put Dad on the phone,” he said before taking a sip. “I know you’re capable of thinking for yourself, woman. Just...” Tony closed his eyes, and Elle turned away so he wouldn’t see her laughing. Tessa was a force, so Elle didn’t know why he was arguing with her. “It’s already going to be six to one.” Tony set the phone on the counter and pressed the speaker button.

“And like I told you, I want my pound of flesh. Nobody harms one of my kids and gets away with it.”

“He tried and failed to hurt me.”

“I’m talking about Elle. Her dad can’t be there, so I’m stepping in. End of story.”

Elle ducked her head as her eyes burned. Having a mother’s fierce love was something she’d missed out on for many years. She reached out and placed a hand on Tony’s arm.

“I would like her to be there.”

Tony’s eyes softened. “Okay. We appreciate it.”

“You— what?”

“I said we appreciate it. We’ll want to do this soon.”

“Your father booked our flights as soon as Carleigh called. We’re pulling into the airport now. We’ll see you both in a few hours.”

Elle cleared her throat. “Thank you, Tessa.”

“You’re most welcome, Elle.” With that, the redhead disconnected.

“I think Tessa needs this,” Elle said, releasing Tony’s arm and returning to the pancake batter.

“What makes you say that?”

“You did. You’ve mentioned more than once about how much she thrives on adventure. I’m sure raising a small child gives her some excitement, but you are also her child, no matter how old you are, and she wants you to know she’s still there for you, and now me.”

Someone knocked twice before opening the front door. “Good morning,” Carleigh said, entering the house with a black bag hanging from one shoulder. She kept walking until she reached the kitchen and placed it on the table. “Harlow should be here soon. Luna has a meeting with a client, then Lilly is watching Solaralun so Luna can join us.”

Elle retrieved the griddle from a lower cabinet. “I’m glad Luna’s coming. I want to talk to her about something.” After plugging the appliance in, she admitted, “I can’t get a regular job, but I would love to... what is it called when you work for free while learning?”

“Interning. You want to intern with the witches?” Tony replied.

“I have knowledge of potions. I would love to learn more, especially since there are an abundance of plants and herbs here that I didn’t have access to in Evyndral. You have your job, Nekoma has his furniture building hobby, so I want something of my own.”

Tony filled an empty cup and handed it to Carleigh before refilling his own. “I think that’s an excellent idea, Sweetheart.”

“Me too. On the days Tony can’t drive you into the city, I’ll be happy to take you, unless you want to drive yourself,” Carleigh offered.

“If it’s not out of the way, I would appreciate that. I don’t mind driving on backroads, but the city is hard to navigate.”

Carleigh snorted. “You mean you don’t like all the one-way streets that have the same name? Ridiculous.” After setting up her laptop and plugging it into a small, black box, Carleigh sat down and began typing. Her fingers flew across the keyboard. “And no, it’s not out of the way. I’m one of the weird ones who still lives with their parents, and our house isn’t far from here. I spend most of my time at the office, so I don’t see the need to buy a house when I’ll rarely be there. My sister, Juniper, still lives there too, but that’s because she’s a momma’s girl.”

Tony choked on his coffee, sputtering. He grabbed a paper towel, wiping his mouth. “Pot, kettle.”

Elle had no idea what they were talking about, but her mate explained, “Carleigh is a daddy’s girl, meaning they are two peas in a pod. The same way Carleigh and Julian bonded over computers, Juniper and their mother, Kat, bonded over photography. Juniper travels the world taking photographs of wild animals, often in Africa.”

“And my parents usually go with her, so I have the house to myself more often than not.” Carleigh stopped typing and looked across the room. “Harlow’s here.”

Elle wished she had shifter hearing. Sure enough, a car door slammed less than a minute later, and soon after, the front door opened, and Harlow strode through, also carrying a case. She greeted them as she unloaded her own laptop, sitting next to Carleigh. Tony poured her coffee and placed it next to the computer.

Harlow took a sip and let out an ahh. “Zuri said to tell you hello. She’s off to Brazil.”

“Scouting another showing for Connor?” Tony asked. Alyssa had told Elle about meeting Connor’s assistant for the first time. According to Alyssa, Zuri was also a pilot. Elle admired the females of Tony’s Clan who were brave enough to learn things like flying a plane.

“Nah, visiting her grandmother. She goes this time of year because she hates the cold, and it’s a nice, balmy eighty down there.” Harlow angled her head to the side, her eyes narrowed. “Where’s Nekoma?”

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